Comic book fans will finally get their summer superhero fix in the form of The Old Guard, Netflix's adaptation of Leandro Fernández's comic of the same name. While hardly recognisable as the cape-cladded heroes that have conquered our cinema screens for the best part of two decades, they may just be enough to quench the thirst of those missing their big-screen world-savers.
A group of covert mercenaries with mysterious immortal abilities have protected the mortal world for centuries, but when their extraordinary abilities are exposed while undertaking an emergency mission, it is up to Andy and Nile to eliminate the threat from those who seek to extract and monetise their powers at any cost. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, who becomes the first Black woman to direct a big-budget comic book movie, The Old Guard is Netflix's latest action flick following on from Extraction, Six Underground and Spenser Confidential.
Stuck between being a fun action-romp and a more serious franchise starter, The Old Guard is a passably entertaining but tonally unsure feature that feels overly familiar within the confines of the action genre. Armed with an interesting concept but delivered with little in the way of originality, The Old Guard feels like a film you have seen countless times before, with Greg Rucka's screenplay failing to delve into any new territory or exciting themes that could have provided an edge to a film that needed something to set itself apart from the crowd. While the narrative leaves a lot to be desired, the screenplay's characters are much stronger; its commitment to diverse representation is commendable, with both an almost unheard of Black female action lead and a rare gay relationship refreshing to see in this typically, overwhelmingly white heteronormative genre.
With well-staged action beats, director Prince-Bythewood demonstrates her filmmaking talent in her first attempt at the genre. While committing more to the violence would have worked wonders in providing the film with an individuality of its own, we are given some intense, thrilling moments that sporadically revive a narratively-tired plot. Prince-Bythewood's approach is both stylish and slick but the overall film is weighted down by a contemporary soundtrack that frequently inserts jarring needle drops and often hinders any developing momentum or atmosphere.
Charlize Theron continues to prove herself an action star with another strong turn while KiKi Layne adds a new string to her bow following her If Beale Street Could Talk breakout success. Together, the pair lead from the front and ensure that, even as the narrative fails to engage, they do; they throw themselves in with enthusiasm, Theron giving a particularly layered performance. Supporting players are a little more mixed in their success, with Harry Melling feeling miscast and Chiwetel Ejiofor unable to really sink his teeth into a rather thankless role.
The Old Guard evidently has its eyes fixed on a franchise future and while this first entry is hardly the strongest of foundations, potential can be found in the characters, cast and director. Ultimately, it is the uninspired, well-worn narrative that prevents the film from being a must-see but if you have a couple of hours or so spare, you may find enough here to let you guard down and be entertained.
Summary: An uninspired story and tonal uncertainty strands a solid cast (led terrifically by Charlize Theron) and promising director in this underwhelming Netflix original you've seen numerous times before.