Name: Project Power
Genre: Action, Crime, Science Fiction
Released: 2020-08-14T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Jamie Foxx, Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Dominique Fishback, Rodrigo Santoro, Courtney B. Vance

The opening scene of Project Power is a dizzying, neon-soaked chase through the streets of New Orleans, where a thief with temporary superpowers dodges bullets like a character sprung from a comic book page. It’s a visceral, adrenaline-fueled sequence that sets the tone for the film—a high-energy, genre-blending action thriller that leans heavily into its sci-fi and crime influences. Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, known for their work on Catfish and music videos, Project Power is a bold, if uneven, entry in the superhero-adjacent action genre.

The film follows three central characters: Art (Jamie Foxx), an ex-soldier with a mysterious past; Frank (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a cop who’s taken the titular drug and gained temporary invulnerability; and Robin (Dominique Fishback), a young dealer caught in the middle of a dangerous game. The premise is simple but effective: a pill called “Power” grants users superhuman abilities for five minutes, leading to chaos on the streets of New Orleans. The film’s strength lies in its ability to weave together disparate genres—action, sci-fi, and crime—into a cohesive, if sometimes messy, narrative.

Joost and Schulman bring a dynamic visual style to Project Power, favoring kinetic camerawork and rapid-fire editing that keeps the audience engaged. The action sequences are particularly impressive, with creative use of the drug’s powers leading to some truly inventive set pieces. One standout sequence involves Frank using his temporary invulnerability to take down a group of armed robbers in a bank heist gone wrong. The scene is shot with a gritty realism that grounds the film’s more fantastical elements, making it feel like a plausible extension of the real world.

The performances are where Project Power truly shines. Jamie Foxx delivers a gripping portrayal of Art, a man haunted by his past and driven by a desire to protect his daughter. Foxx brings a layered complexity to the role, balancing toughness with vulnerability in a way that makes Art relatable despite his morally ambiguous actions. Joseph Gordon-Levitt is equally compelling as Frank, bringing a sense of moral conflict and emotional depth to his character. Frank’s struggle to reconcile his duty as a cop with his newfound powers adds an intriguing layer of tension to the film.

Dominique Fishback, while sometimes overshadowed by her co-stars, holds her own as Robin. Her performance brings a much-needed emotional core to the story, grounding the film in a sense of humanity amidst the chaos. The chemistry between Foxx, Gordon-Levitt, and Fishback is palpable, making their interactions feel authentic and engaging.

However, Project Power isn’t without its flaws. The screenplay, written by Mattson Tomlin, often feels rushed and underdeveloped. The plot is filled with convenient coincidences and contrivances that strain credibility. For instance, the way Art tracks down Robin and forces her to help him feels somewhat forced, as does the subsequent bonding between the two characters. The world-building is also lacking, with the film rarely delving deeper into the science or ethics behind the drug’s creation. Questions about the origins of Power, its long-term effects, and the motivations of those distributing it are largely glossed over.

The pacing is another issue. While the action sequences are thrilling, some scenes feel overly drawn out while others are glossed over too quickly. The film’s attempt to blend social commentary with action and sci-fi elements is commendable but ultimately falls short. The themes of exploitation and corporate greed are interesting but not explored in enough depth to leave a lasting impact. Additionally, the film’s third-act twist feels somewhat predictable, undercutting the tension and stakes that had been building throughout.

Despite these flaws, Project Power has moments of genuine brilliance. One standout scene involves Art confronting Biggie (Rodrigo Santoro), the man behind the distribution of Power. The confrontation is tense and atmospheric, with Joost and Schulman using lighting and sound design to create a sense of unease. The scene also highlights the film’s exploration of power dynamics and the ethics of experimentation, themes that are unfortunately not given enough screen time.

The film’s visual style is another highlight. Joost and Schulman make use of vibrant colors and dynamic compositions to create a visually striking world. The neon-lit streets of New Orleans provide a perfect backdrop for the film’s action sequences, adding a sense of energy and excitement to every scene. The directors also employ creative use of slow-motion and quick cuts to heighten the impact of the action, making each sequence feel like a cinematic event.

In terms of genre fit, Project Power straddles the line between action thriller and sci-fi, with a dash of crime drama thrown in for good measure. The film’s blend of genres makes it a unique entry in both the action and sci-fi landscapes, but it also means that it may not fully satisfy audiences looking for a pure action or sci-fi experience. Fans of films like Chronicle or Unbreakable will find much to enjoy here, as will those who appreciate a good crime thriller with a supernatural twist.

Ultimately, Project Power is a flawed but entertaining action thriller that delivers on its promise of high-octane set pieces and impressive visuals. While the screenplay may leave something to be desired, the performances and direction elevate the material, making for a film that’s well worth watching.