The Old Guard 2
⭐ 1/2 (out of 5 stars)
In the past five years, things have changed for this immortal bunch who jumped off the pages of the graphic novels created by Greg Rucka and Leandro Fernández into the world of Netflix. Andromache "Andy" of Scythia (Charlize Theron) continues to lead the Old Guard team despite losing her immortality. Their adventures lead them to confront centuries worth of betrayal, relationships and purpose as they strive to fight for the mortals who don't realise they exist.
In this latest chapter, two new figures from the past enter the scene and wreak havoc on the team, causing them to question their existence. Discord (Uma Thurman) works behind the scenes to bring the immortals to her, helping her achieve her personal goals. Within these plans, the first immortal manages to raise Quỳnh (Veronica Ngô) out of her centuries-long torture to infiltrate Andy's team. Yet, they all must determine who to trust as they realise Nile (KiKi Layne) has unique abilities that make her a target for Discord. As they try to decide on their next steps, they must rely on a sage-like immortal with timeless knowledge of each of their origins, named Tuah (Henry Golding).
One challenge for director Victoria Mahoney (Suits LA) from the opening sequence is determining if anyone remembers the plight of this band of indestructible humans. Unlike Marvel or DC characters, who have a long-standing awareness among most audiences, The Old Guard requires some backstory to help explain why we should care about them again. The next hurdle is finding the appeal in any of these characters since most are burdened by centuries of bad memories that make each overly sombre. The humour is rarely heard, and everyone carries a disheartened demeanour throughout the film that makes them less than engaging. While other issues make this franchise difficult to embrace, these two issues hinder the story to such a degree that the unlikability of the cast becomes apparent in the overall production.
The Old Guard is a shadow of the original tale, and as it sets up a franchise, there is little here to draw anyone back into this world of immortals. The action sequences are well-choreographed, and Uma Thurman's sword-drawing scene makes this worth a look. Still, the darkness of the story, the unappealing characters, the unnecessary dialogue and the lethargic pacing leave this franchise from achieving the immortality of most superheroes.
Find out more about Russ Matthews' latest book: Reel Marriage.
Click on link to get your copy
REEL DIALOGUE: Do we have an expiry date?
"Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting?” - 1 Corinthians 15:55 (No, Shakepeare didn’t create this line)
At the heart of this graphic novel franchise is the consideration of immortality and death. As this team wrestles with the loss of their immortality and what it must be like to have an ‘expiry date.’
Death can be an exceptionally fascinating topic that tends to be discussed in the shadows rather than openly, and it needs to be handled respectfully. Still, it might surprise people that this topic can provide discussions of hope and assurance, especially when Jesus is incorporated into the debate, because his story proves that death does not have to be something to fear.
Through the work of Jesus, His followers can have assurance of where they will spend eternity, and this provides hope for their future. He is the conqueror of death and gives an answer to the inevitable question, 'What happens after we die?' It is a better answer than The Old Guard or other religions or philosophers can offer.
John 11:25 - Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live
John 14:1-3 - “Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. In my Father's house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.
