The Old Guard 2: A Middle Chapter with Unfinished Business
Netflix's action sequel The Old Guard 2 feels like a cliffhanger season finale, leaving many themes and story beats unresolved. While the first film excelled in contemplative existentialism and nuanced character work, the sequel takes a more straightforward approach under new direction. With a delayed release and uncertain future for a third installment, viewers are left wanting more.
If Netflix’s new action sequel The Old Guard 2 is viewed as a standalone story, it could be seen as a decent but not outstanding continuation of a compelling action movie. However, the film presents a more intricate narrative. While the first Old Guard felt like a pilot for a promising TV series, The Old Guard 2 resembles a season finale with a cliffhanger. Unlike Avengers: Infinity War or The Hunger Games: Catching Fire, this movie serves as a middle chapter setting the stage for a grand finale in the next installment.
The film faced delays in its release schedule, raising doubts about Netflix's commitment to continuing this trilogy. Filmed in 2022, The Old Guard 2 had to pause post-production due to industry changes and strikes. Netflix has not provided any updates on a potential third movie, making it perplexing to watch a film that leaves many storylines unresolved. Unfortunately, The Old Guard 2 falls short in various aspects.
The strength of the first film lay in its contemplative themes and nuanced character development, exploring the lives of immortal mercenaries. Director Gina Prince-Bythewood and the cast delved into themes of depression, love, moral dilemmas, and friendship, elevating the action genre. However, the sequel, directed by Victoria Mahoney, takes a more direct approach. While the original cast and writer Greg Rucka return, The Old Guard 2 focuses more on explaining the rules of its immortal characters rather than delving into their emotional depth.
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