Reviews: Power Project (2020) Movie Review
Genres: Thriller, Sci-Fi, Action, Crime
Subgenres:
HellHorror’s review of Power Project (2020) breaks down the plot, scares, cast performances, and its lasting impact on the horror genre.
Directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, Project Power delivers a high-energy, action-packed sci-fi thriller with a unique premise—a mysterious pill that grants temporary superpowers to those who take it. Set in New Orleans, the film follows ex-soldier Art (Jamie Foxx), teenage dealer Robin (Dominique Fishback), and cop Frank (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) as they navigate a city overrun by crime and corruption fueled by the dangerous drug known as "Power."
Project Power (2020) – A High-Octane Superpower Thriller with a Limited Charge
Plot, Themes, and Character Development
The concept of a pill that grants unpredictable superpowers for five minutes is undeniably intriguing and fresh, but the film’s execution struggles with pacing and depth. At its core, Project Power explores themes of power, exploitation, and systemic inequality, using the drug trade as a metaphor for real-world struggles with crime and economic disparity.
While the characters are engaging, they lack depth. Jamie Foxx’s Art is a hardened but sympathetic figure, searching for his kidnapped daughter, while Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s Frank is a morally conflicted cop using the very drug he’s supposed to fight against. Dominique Fishback’s Robin is a standout, adding emotional weight with her dreams of becoming a rapper and her struggle to survive in a world that often ignores her talent.
Acting and Cinematography
- Jamie Foxx delivers a solid performance, carrying much of the film’s emotional weight with his determined and commanding presence.
- Joseph Gordon-Levitt is charismatic as always, though his character feels underdeveloped compared to the rest of the cast.
- Dominique Fishback is the heart of the movie, bringing a vibrant and relatable energy to Robin, making her one of the film’s strongest elements.
- The cinematography is sleek and stylish, embracing neon-lit action sequences and energetic chase scenes. The visual effects bring the superpower transformations to life, from a man engulfed in flames to a bulletproof cop.
While the film excels in its stylish visuals and high-energy sequences, it sometimes feels more focused on spectacle than storytelling. The action scenes are dynamic, but the CGI-heavy effects occasionally overwhelm the narrative.
Directing Style, Strengths, and Weaknesses
Joost and Schulman’s direction thrives in fast-paced action but struggles with tonal consistency. The film attempts to balance high-octane superhero action with gritty crime drama, but never fully commits to either.
Strengths:
- Unique Premise – The five-minute superpower pill concept is innovative and engaging, setting it apart from standard superhero fare.
- Dynamic Action Sequences – The high-energy action scenes and visual effects deliver exhilarating moments, even if they sometimes overshadow the plot.
- Dominique Fishback’s Performance – She grounds the film with emotional depth and charisma, making Robin the standout character.
- Social Commentary – The film subtly addresses issues like systemic oppression, government experimentation, and the impact of drug epidemics, though it doesn’t explore them in great depth.
Weaknesses:
- Unfocused Storytelling – The film’s narrative jumps between different tones—superhero action, crime thriller, and social drama—without fully committing to any one approach.
- Underdeveloped Villains – The antagonists feel generic and lack memorable motivations, making them forgettable and underwhelming.
- Missed Potential – The concept is strong, but the film never fully explores the deeper implications of temporary superpowers, relying more on flashy action than thought-provoking storytelling.
Final Verdict & Score: 6/10
Project Power is an entertaining but flawed sci-fi thriller that delivers exciting action and stylish visuals but struggles with its narrative execution. The concept is strong, the performances are solid, and the action is engaging, but the film ultimately falls short of fully utilizing its unique premise.
Sources Used to Shape This Review
Insights in this review are drawn from director interviews, fan commentary, production notes, and long-form breakdowns across genre-specific platforms. Content is written uniquely and reviewed for accuracy.
- Power Project Rating Scores
- Our Score: 6/10
- Overall Score: 5.83/10
- IMDB: 6.0/10
- MetaCritic: 5.1/10
- Rotten Tomatoes: 6.1/10
Look here for more movies starting with P and here you can find 2020 movies to watch on your favorite streaming service.