The Old Guard gained initial popularity during the pandemic as a notable Netflix release, achieving significant viewership. However, its cultural impact quickly faded, leading to an unnecessary sequel after a lengthy production process. The second film struggles with convoluted mythology and the challenge of reintroducing audiences to the first installment's plot, making it feel like hard work. Charlize Theron remains a standout despite recent roles in franchise projects, reminding viewers of her talent in more critically acclaimed narratives.
Even with our thick-of-Covid desperation for anything that felt big at a time when life felt too small, there was more to The Old Guard than the average churned out Netflix mockbuster.
A sequel was inevitable yet unnecessary, and while one was given a green light at the start of 2021 and started production in 2022, it's taken another three years to see the light of day.
Not only does The Old Guard 2 bear the bruises of such a cursed post-production process but it's also weakened by such a distance from the first.
Should something intended to be a summer lark really feel like such hard work? It's made mostly tolerable by Charlize Theron, an actor and a movie star we just don't see enough of.
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