After the success of the first film, “The Old Guard,” which featured an engaging blend of action and lore with Charlize Theron leading a team of immortal mercenaries, the sequel arrives with high expectations but struggles to maintain the momentum. The film sees the return of screenwriter Greg Rucka, who adapts his own comic series. However, the story feels overcomplicated as it introduces two main villains: Quynh, played by Veronica Ngô, and Discord, portrayed by Uma Thurman. While Quynh is driven by a quest for revenge against humanity after her traumatic imprisonment, Discord’s character appears underdeveloped and tangentially related to the main conflict.
The excitement of having two powerhouse actresses, Theron and Thurman, face off generates some intrigue, yet the execution falls short. Thurman’s character often lacks depth, resorting to clichéd evil monologues that do little to advance the narrative. The anticipated action sequences featuring both characters do not achieve the heights set by their respective iconic earlier performances, particularly when compared to Thurman’s memorable battles in “Kill Bill.”
Action in “The Old Guard 2” is described as decent but lacks the flair originally introduced by the first film’s director, Gina Prince-Bythewood. Director Victoria Mahoney’s approach often relies on a shaky camera aesthetic, which detracts from the impact of the fight scenes. In contrast, certain sequences, such as a fight between Andy and Quynh, showcase some promise with darker humor.
Characters from the first film, including Nile and James Copley, seem sidelined without substantial arcs this time, diminishing their presence in the narrative. Based on their previous strong performances, particularly Chiwetel Ejiofor’s, their reduced roles are disappointing for fans.
At the core of the film, Theron continues to prove her remarkable acting chops, infusing her character with emotional depth and physical prowess, making her stand out amid the film’s shortcomings. Unfortunately, the movie concludes on a cliffhanger, leaving viewers without a satisfying resolution and raising concerns over whether a potential third installment will rectify these issues.
There’s still a glimmer of hope for fans as the possibility of “The Old Guard 3” looms, with the potential for this trilogy to ultimately become a cohesive narrative. As Netflix continues to evaluate viewer engagement, the possibility exists for a future film that can reclaim the spirit and quality of its predecessor, giving audiences something to anticipate even amid the frustrations of the sequel.