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The Old Guard Movie Review

The Old Guard is a 2020 superhero film directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood and starring Charlize Theron. It is a messy, but very interesting genre flick.

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“The world can burn for all I care“

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A group of mercenaries, all centuries-old immortals with the ability to heal themselves, discover someone is onto their secret, and they must fight to protect their freedom. The movie was based on a titular comic book and it shows that it’s only the first part of a greater story. I personally had a problem with the movie so obviously setting itself up for sequels, but still this first one is still good enough that it made me want more.

The movie is very interesting in its examination of what it would be really like to be centuries old, and simply the approach at genuine storytelling and characterization instead of just featuring action after action was unexpected and commendable. Still though, it felt very much like a first in a franchise, quite rushed at times and too much like a sneak peak that did make me intrigued, but it also made me wanting for more this time around.

Charlize Theron is terrific as Andy. She spits, she spouts catchphrases, she kicks some major ass and she is cool in every single of her scenes, again pinpointing that she is one of the best action stars that we have today. Her look here is also very interesting and different.

Others are less developed. It’s disappointing that a movie tried to have genuine character development, but it suffered for having too many characters, thus most still felt undercooked. KiKi Layne is excellent as very memorable Nile. The relationship between the two is the film’s highlight in terms of emotional investment. I also really liked Marwan Kenzari who was much better here than as his ill-conceived Jafar in 2019’s ‘Aladdin’. Having an openly gay character in a superhero movie was also a plus.

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The Old Guard is superbly executed in terms of action sequences as it’s hugely entertaining in its badass fights and great choreography. The movie is also well shot and utilizing its different locations wonderfully. The direction is also solid, but the soundtrack is too aggressive, annoying and overloud.

The Old Guard felt too much like the first chapter in a franchise, it’s rushed in execution, undercooked in many areas and its soundtrack is obnoxious and overloud. Still, the action is very entertaining, Charlize Theron is simply badass and stealing the show throughout, and the film’s emphasis on genuine storytelling and character development instead of just action is commendable.