The Next Generation
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Directed by George Kyriakupoulos & George Zouvelos | Reviewed by Samiksha Periwal
‘The Next Generation’ is an action-packed film which suggests an alternative storyline to the all-time favorite Avengers series by Marvel Studios. It basically tries to give a new face to the ‘people’s hero’, Captain America. The protagonist Jake is all set to sacrifice his life for the country and wants justice for the avengers which is why he even gets ready to take on their arch enemy Hammerhead. It is indeed interesting to see Jake give his all for the people, creating an impression of a true hero for the viewers. However, being a hero doesn’t necessarily lead to solving a major crisis going on in the country. Hence, the suspense of what Jake has to offer as an apparent savior keeps the audience hooked on to their screens.
The protagonist Jake, played by George Kyriakupoulos is a fearless young man ready to put his heart and soul to solve the emergency situation created in America. With crime rates being at an all time high and the superheroes of the world going missing at the same time, there is a need for a messiah who could save the world from the Task Master and his evil intentions. Belonging to the common man category of the population of America, Jake stands out because of his courageous act. He takes matters into his own hands when he sees the Task Master, played by Andrew Pichardo lurking in the streets of New York city. He soon realizes that in order to restore peace in the country he needs to go head on with the country’s nemesis the Hammerhead, played by Joe. The question raised ultimately remains whether Jake will be able to overpower the skilled assassin or the reign of the evil will continue to prevail.
The concepts of heroism and bravery have a profound effect on the youth across the world. While spiritual heroes were starting to fade away, a fresh pack of superheroes were introduced in the early twenty first century, with more relevant challenges to face considering the present context. These heroes were portrayed in a more relatable manner, with their own imperfections that made them more real and believable for the audience. This film also aims to introduce one such hero, who comes from a humble background and appears to be just another commoner in America, but who is a powerful guy with clear intentions and a rock-solid mindset. He comes out as a savior in a grieve situation, someone who is ready to go all in for the world. Giving a regular person a hero's face implies a revolutionary shift, as people have looked up to men from higher social strata as powerful and strong since time immemorial. However, it is critical for the world to think that any man with a headstrong personality and pure desire may bring about change. This idea is the unique selling point of this film. It goes against the foregoing ideologies and provides us with an alternative storyline for one of the most loved superhero series, the Avengers.
Throughout the film, the use of different camera angles and a well-choreographed action sequence keeps the viewers hooked on to their screens. The sequencing of the storyline is congruous with its characters and setting, this has helped maintain continuity, thereby avoiding abrupt cuts in between. The cast's portrayal of their respective characters also contributes to the film's overall excellence. The actors have given outstanding performances throughout, ensuring that the audience connects with them.
The tale takes a long time to build up to the climax, which may be uninteresting to some viewers, but the finish makes up for it. With a limited set of characters and minimal dialogues, the storyline of this particular film majorly interests the audience because of its excellent cinematography and unique storyline, thereby making it a mandatory add-on to your current watchlist. It takes superhero flicks to a new level, and it's sure to appeal to the millennial generation, who will identify with the tale and enjoy the action to the fullest.
Samiksha Periwal is an 18 year old student from Kolkata, West Bengal. She is an enthusiast, eager to learn and explore. She has done her schooling from Lakshmipat Singhania Academy, Kolkata and is currently a student of Christ University, Bangalore pursuing a triple major in BA Psychology, Sociology and English. She is a passionate writer and has won many laurels for her school through the years.
