Project Power

Movie Trailer

Release Date
August 14, 2020

Genre
Action, Sci-Fi, Thriller

Cast & Crew

• Jamie Foxx as Art / The Major
• Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Frank Shaver
• Dominique Fishback as Robin Reilly
• Rodrigo Santoro as Biggie
• Amy Landecker as Gardner
• Machine Gun Kelly as Newt

Director
Henry Joost, Ariel Schulman

Other Movies Directors are Known For:

• Nerve (2016)
• Catfish (2010)

Producer
Eric Newman, Bryan Unkeless

Writer
Mattson Tomlin

Budget
$85 million

Production Company
Screen Arcade, Supermarché

Running Time
113 minutes

Languages
English

Maturity Rating
R

Content Advisory

• Strong violence and action sequences
• Language
• Brief drug use

Movie Story
“Project Power” is a high-octane sci-fi thriller set in a near-future New Orleans, where a mysterious new drug called “Power” is hitting the streets. This drug gives its users superhuman abilities for five minutes, but the catch is that you never know what power you’ll get until you take it, and for some, it can be lethal.

The story follows three main characters whose lives intersect due to the drug. Art (Jamie Foxx), a former soldier on a mission to find his kidnapped daughter, becomes an unlikely hero as he hunts down the source of Power. Frank Shaver (Joseph Gordon-Levitt), a dedicated New Orleans cop, uses the drug to level the playing field against criminals who have taken Power. Robin Reilly (Dominique Fishback), a teenage dealer with dreams of becoming a rapper, gets caught in the middle of the escalating conflict between law enforcement, criminals, and those looking to control the drug.

As Art, Frank, and Robin team up, they uncover a conspiracy involving a powerful organization that is testing the drug on the unsuspecting population of New Orleans. The trio faces increasingly dangerous situations as they attempt to bring down the operation and stop the spread of Power. The film’s action sequences are bolstered by the unpredictable nature of the powers granted by the drug, leading to visually stunning and inventive combat scenes.

“Project Power” combines elements of superhero films with a gritty, urban setting, creating a unique take on the genre. The film explores themes of power, control, and the consequences of using extraordinary abilities, all while delivering intense action and a fast-paced narrative.

Special Effects
The special effects in “Project Power” are a standout feature, particularly in the depiction of the various superpowers that characters acquire through the drug. From enhanced strength and invulnerability to invisibility and pyrokinesis, the film showcases a wide range of abilities, each brought to life with impressive visual effects. The filmmakers use a mix of CGI and practical effects to create realistic and dynamic action scenes, with each power offering its own unique challenges and visuals. The effects are integral to the film’s storytelling, making the superhuman abilities both awe-inspiring and terrifying.

Box Office Performance
“Project Power” was released directly on Netflix, where it quickly became one of the most-watched films on the platform. The film received mixed to positive reviews, with praise for its action sequences, performances, and unique premise, though some critics noted that it didn’t fully explore its potential. Despite the mixed critical reception, “Project Power” found a large audience due to its star-studded cast and engaging concept.

Filming Locations

• New Orleans, Louisiana, USA

Notable Quotes

• “The power goes where it always goes. To the people that already have it.” – Art
• “You never know what your power is until you try it.” – Biggie

Behind-the-Scenes
Directors Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman brought their experience with high-concept thrillers to “Project Power,” aiming to create a film that blends superhero elements with a grounded, street-level story. The film was shot on location in New Orleans, adding authenticity to its urban setting. The cast, led by Jamie Foxx and Joseph Gordon-Levitt, underwent physical training to perform many of their stunts, contributing to the film’s intense action sequences. The screenplay, written by Mattson Tomlin, was praised for its inventive take on the superhero genre, though some viewers felt it could have delved deeper into its social commentary.

Awards

• Nominated for People’s Choice Award: Favorite Action Movie

Final Verdict
“Project Power” is an entertaining and visually striking sci-fi thriller that offers a fresh twist on the superhero genre. With strong performances from its lead actors, particularly Jamie Foxx and Dominique Fishback, and innovative action sequences, the film delivers on its promise of high-energy entertainment. While it may not fully explore the deeper implications of its premise, “Project Power” is a fun and engaging watch, especially for fans of action-packed films with a unique concept.

IMDb Rating
6.0/10