'Project Power' A Review

Project Power is a scifi action movie, a different take on the superhero, about a new drug that gives people that take it five minutes of super powers. Set in New Orleans the movie follows bright and capable power dealer Robin(Dominique Fishback) as she struggles with school and her mom's medical expenses, a rogue cop Frank(Joseph Gordon-Levitt) who uses the drug himself in order to combat it's rampant use in crime, and Art(Jamie Foxx) who is hunting the drug's suppliers for mysterious motivations.

Fishback lights up the screen with enthusiasm and presence, grounding even the most absurd scenes in sequences with humor and pathos. Foxx, indicative of his recent action work, is servicable if not terribly inspired. He's a great leading man, his star power is unquestionable, his acuity with the fight/gun choreography flawless but there is a sense, given what he can do, that he's holding back. JGL has a horrible accent and an even thinner character, his dialogue mostly relegated saccharine New Orleans-centric monologues. There is a fun little scene with Robin's mom where his able to show some personality but that's the exception rather than the rule for this particular outing for him.

Competently and fluidly shot, with some exciting flourishes with the pill-as-power conceit, and an effective if somewhat generic score(although with some great diegetic raps from Fishback) ultimately the production is functional without breaking the barrier of unique. Reminiscent of the abundant but non-descript action flicks of the oughts.

Enjoyable entertainment during a dearth of action options. Currently streaming on Netflix.

Rent It.