Project Power seems like something else at first glance - 'Avengers' Lite, a weird version of 'Bright' or one of those weird Suicide Squad/Batman vs. Superman flicks that look and sound like a gritty R-rated cop movie inside of a PG-13 formula. Thankfully it's anything but.
Following Art, (Jamie Foxx), and New Orleans Police Officer Frank, we see the pair individually search for the supplier of mysterious "Power": a pill that gives its user immense power for just five minutes. The only catch? You don't know what power is yours until you take it. Caught in the middle of all of this is high-schooler Robin, (Dominique Fishback), who's attention in school is spent imagining complex rhyme schemes and raps instead of memorizing algebraic equations.
What differentiates "Project Power" from its big budget counterparts is three things: an original, fun premise that is explained in just enough detail to satisfy the suspension of disbelief, absolutely breathtaking cinematography, and a exuberant cast. Dominique Fishback, especially, shines as a shy, courageous teen who has so much to say when given the chance. A lesser actor would make the character either annoying or saintly. Fishback makes Robin both likeable and realistic. It's wonderful too, to see such a young and promising actor match talents with industry veterans like Gordon-Levitt and Foxx; both of which shine in their roles. Gordon-Levitt nails his role as a tough, morally conscious cop, and Foxx plays an unusually quiet and restrained character, which goes against his more bombastic roles as of late. It's a treat to watch such good actors at work.
All in all this is a tight, exceptionally entertaining, fresh and original film featuring excellent performances and dazzling cinematography. The film has some welcome progressive themes and never loses sight of its ability to entertain its audience. This is A-Class action filmmaking, with heart, originality and charisma to boot.
Following Art, (Jamie Foxx), and New Orleans Police Officer Frank, we see the pair individually search for the supplier of mysterious "Power": a pill that gives its user immense power for just five minutes. The only catch? You don't know what power is yours until you take it. Caught in the middle of all of this is high-schooler Robin, (Dominique Fishback), who's attention in school is spent imagining complex rhyme schemes and raps instead of memorizing algebraic equations.
What differentiates "Project Power" from its big budget counterparts is three things: an original, fun premise that is explained in just enough detail to satisfy the suspension of disbelief, absolutely breathtaking cinematography, and a exuberant cast. Dominique Fishback, especially, shines as a shy, courageous teen who has so much to say when given the chance. A lesser actor would make the character either annoying or saintly. Fishback makes Robin both likeable and realistic. It's wonderful too, to see such a young and promising actor match talents with industry veterans like Gordon-Levitt and Foxx; both of which shine in their roles. Gordon-Levitt nails his role as a tough, morally conscious cop, and Foxx plays an unusually quiet and restrained character, which goes against his more bombastic roles as of late. It's a treat to watch such good actors at work.
All in all this is a tight, exceptionally entertaining, fresh and original film featuring excellent performances and dazzling cinematography. The film has some welcome progressive themes and never loses sight of its ability to entertain its audience. This is A-Class action filmmaking, with heart, originality and charisma to boot.