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The Old Guard

Tyler Harlow

Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts, Marwan Kenzari, Luca Marinelli, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Harry Melling

Director: Gina Prince-Bythewood

Based on the graphic novel "The Old Guard" by Greg Rucka

Immortal Andromeche (Charlize Theron) or Andy for short is tired. Tired from having protected humanity for centuries and tired of her own immortality. This sentiment she shares with Booker (Matthias Schoenaerts), who along with couple Joe (Marwan Kenzari) and Nicky (Luca Marinelli) make up an immortal team of warriors. They find themselves set up by ex-CIA agent Copley (Chiwetel Ejiofor), to prove their existence to Pharmaceutical CEO Merrick (Harry Melling) who wants to find the secret of their immortality so he can make a profit. As they set off on a path to protect themselves and get revenge, they discover a new immortal, the first in 200 years, named Nile (KiKi Layne). As Nile comes under their protection and learns their complicated history, she must wrestle with the implications of her new ability and defend her new team as they struggle to keep their immortality out of the hands of Merrick.


I quite enjoyed this film despite its flaws. I love a good R-rated comic book flick and this one is filled with well shot, bone crunching action and utilizes a cast of intriguing characters populated by talented if occasionally underused actors.


A lot of praise should be heaped on director Gina Prince-Bythwood. I have unfortunately not seen her prior films (Love & Basketball and Beyond the Lights) but neither of those seemed to indicate that she could direct action this well. I hate that it took this film to get me to want to see those prior films but it's clear she is incredibly talented and I hope she gets to stay on for the sequels. She is able to give the film a decent amount of tension despite the fact that we are essentially following characters who can't die. Quite a feat.


At this point it can't be a surprise that Charlize is incredible in the film. As she has proved time and time again, she is not only one of the better action heroines working today, but one of the better actresses working period. Her dedication to the choreography is apparent and when a twist surrounding her character comes into play she gets to remind viewers she's not just about the action and allows her character's inner struggle to come to the forefront.


In fact, all of the actors are excellent in the film. KiKi Layne, who was last seen in If Beale Street Could Talk, gets to ask all the tough questions about immortality and her struggle of understanding the gravity of what her life will now be like is quite powerful. I also want to single out Marwan Kenzari, who I completely trashed for his performance as Jafar in Aladdin. That just wasn't the right role for him because he is quite excellent here and his relationship with Luca Marinelli's Nicky becomes a good emotional centerpiece as there is no romantic subplot. Melling is good and does what he can as the villain but isn't given as much to do other than twirl his mustache and I suspect Chiwetel Ejiofor will have a lot more to do in the sequel.


Speaking of sequels, I felt this film did it right in terms of set up and wanting more. A post credits scene came with a good tease (that yes I should have seen coming) that makes me want more.


This was quite a ride and I look forward to where the story goes next!


Grade: A


The Old Guard is available on Netflix

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