The Dark Side (2023) Poster

(2023)

User Reviews

Review this title
28 Reviews
Sort by:
Filter by Rating:
9/10
A solid sequel
snowmanassassin124 February 2023
This film has a grit and raw feel that was captured well in every performance. The plot moves well and the action is fast paced. I had a chance to catch the original The Gods, and the relationships established in the first really set this movie up nicely. I found myself actually caring about the characters, which good writing will do. From the outset of the start, the film moves nicely and doesn't let up. A definite popcorn flick as they're described. Mykel Jenkins is a tour de force of intensity and strength. If you're into gritty, character-driven action movies, then this is a must watch for you.
3 out of 3 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Great acting, great villains!
mckoyjay24 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
There were many moments where you could feel the intensity as of you were in the scene. I'm hoping for a part 3! Mykel has a lot more life as Mikey James, I'm interested to see where his journey leads to next. Bryce Clyde Jenkins is also up next in this trilogy.

A few intriguing villains didn't make it through to the end, but excellent antagonists. Stakes were high, bonafide threats.

It was amazing to see Mikey claw through such devastating lost again. In the original, Mikey lost his wife and unborn child. He clawed away from that and had even more pain and trials to overcome. Which is why we need a 3rd!!!
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
The dark side delivers
mykeljenkins-0355124 February 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed thus Action packed thriller. Kepy me on the edge of my seat from beginning to ends. The acting was spectacular . Love, revenge, violence and humor. What else do you need excellent movie.t i was especially. Connected to the story about the brothers. For me it's not do much the fight as it is what you!'re fighting for. Some of the shot were especially long which i realky liked. Felt like real life and i really appreciated that. The way it wS shot. And the musical score was perfect, the Asian female lead was quite a treat. Beautiful comfortable in her skin. And really helped the story along.
2 out of 2 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Master Class in Independent Film Work
youngwhitted28 February 2023
This film was amazing I loved the acting in it and the story line was amazing. Actors truly embodied their characters and I felt the emotional tension and message from the film. I like the emphasis on the importance of family and how it can tear a man apart when it's disrupted especially as a black man. The father and son bond in the film was awesome I can't wait for the next film in this Saga. The drug game is petty game and leaves no room for being soft but in reality we are human and I can appreciate the realness from the actors as they showed vulnerability in such a masculine world known as the drug world. This film had me on the edge of my seat as it will have you on yours.
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
4/10
Gods 2
BandSAboutMovies27 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
I've never seen The Gods - it's on Tubi - but this sequel has Mikey James (director and writer Mykel Shannon Jenkins) returning after the loss of the love of his life Sofia and their unborn child. Her brother and his rival Anthony Fasano (Kevin Interdonato) wants Mikey to pay for her death, which means that Mikey and his brothers Bobby (Casey Ford Alexander) and Keith (Nicoye Banks) have to pay their old debts while staying out of the sights of Fasano and his murderous crew.

The budget might be low for this, but it's a more character-driven revenge movie. The first film seemed to be a very Romeo and Juliet story while this is the aftermath with characters caught between regret and revenge. The five years between the two movies has not reduced the rage between the Fasano and James families. Add in Mikey trying to help an old friend named Olympus (Ernest Thomas), who is targeted by a hitman named Florian (Daniel O'Reilly) and you have a recipe for bloody vengeance. And then there's Lil Homie (Mykel's son Bryce) whose love life may be the past repeating itself all over again.

The Gods 2 looks great and hey - you can't beat the price, because it's playing for free on Tubi.
0 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Better than the first!
chaimschalk27 February 2023
Love this series. I watched both the gods movie in one weekend. I enjoyed the second movie more than the first and you can tell that the production quality is at another level. Seeing the characters develop from the gods 1 to the gods 2 peaked my interest from the very start of the movie. Mikey and his crew are running this town!! Of course I'm left with some huge cliffhangers which will make the gods 3 awesome! Can't wait to see what they come up with next. I'm most excited to see Chris go from a child in the first movie to a teen in the second and now I'm guessing an absolute unit of a man when gods 3 comes out. Sequel can't come soon enough!
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Gods 2: AMAZING MOVIE!
billkolinske27 February 2023
It was an amazing movie that had me on the edge of my seat! This movie is a must watch with great actors that the brought the emotion to every scene. The story line connected very well with the first movie. The music was incredible and added the suspense to each scene. Definitely made me connect more with the intensity and drama of what was happening in the movie. Action-packed thriller that kept me wanting more. Looking forward to the potential of a third movie coming out. Mykel Jenkins was phenomenal as the writer, director, and lead in this film. The movie was absolutely incredible from the very beginning to the end!
1 out of 1 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Loved This Action Packed Sequel
rmeza-9023526 February 2023
Another great one by Jenkins! This film picks up where Gods 1 ended. My wife and I enjoyed this from start to finish. The story was compelling and kept us guessing. There's everything in it you'd want from a movie: good direction, solid acting, action, terrible villains, heroes to root for, heartbreak, revenge and redemption. And what a breakout film for Bryce Jenkins - his character is well acted, passionate, and intriguing. A star in the making for sure. Make sure to watch all the way to the end! I would recommend this to anyone who likes thrilling, action-packed movies. Don't miss out on this one!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Compelling drama
aaronjoshua-4426928 February 2023
This movie is a very well written drama filled with intense emotion.

The film delves into the complexity of a delicate balance between family, loyalty and revenge.

The main character played by Mykel Jenkins is complicated and has multiple layers of interest, from his streetwise insight to his cerebral intellectual ability to maintain his family's loyalty and respect.

The movie explores the dark realm of the consequences of revenge and destruction through deceit and deception.

A very artistic and well shot production with interesting characters and a eclectic blend of cultural.assimilations.

I highly recommend this movie..
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Mykel Shannon Jenkins does it again!
gabrielle-walsh0027 February 2023
Highly recommend The Gods - both the original and this sequel number 2. Mykel is so so special and fun to watch. He lights up the screen with his passion and ability to subtly convey the inner workings of his mind, down to his deepest, most raw, heart wrenching feelings. Brilliantly executed. The relationship and dynamic between these brothers is great and just so real, and makes the story so relatable. The perfect combination of action packed and with a love story sprinkled in, what a ride. I was completely invested in the story and how it was going to end. It's a great cast and I'm looking forward to the possibility of a 3rd!!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Thrilling Twists, Complex Characters, Awesome Acting
kyle-puccia6 March 2023
The Gods 2 is a thrill-ride that not only keeps you on the edge of your seat, but it also pulls you in with its complex characters and rich relationships. Mykel Shannon Jenkins gives a nuanced and seasoned performance as a man trapped in a world that's destroying everything he loves. Embodying a character broken by PTSD and flashbacks from his heartbreaking past, Jenkins weaves a web of raw emotions that is seldom seen in this genre, and it's what takes this film to another level. It's hard to believe this film wasn't produced by a major studio with a huge budget. For Jenkins to have written, produced, directed and starred in this film is nothing short of miraculous. Other outstanding performances by Kevin Interdonato and Antony Sauvé make this film a joy to watch for anyone who loves the art of acting.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Dramatic action thriller
sagewool26 February 2023
After watching "Gods 2" you may feel a little on edge. It isn't a simple 'revenge' theme. The dynamics, acting and plot all seem to be heading into a message about the cost of 'justice' being higher than the cost of the injustice, but the message seems secondary to what I liked about this film.

The musical score, cinematography and acting all make a compelling watch. The revenge scenes - some shockers, aren't just violence porn. The bad guys have emotions and intellect, not just dehumanized thugs. Genius having characters like Olympus back for his Yoda like comments. Looking forward to "Gods 3".
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Absolutely recommend. A must-watch film!
mykailajenkins25 February 2023
Wonderful movie full of incredible actors. With beautiful cinematography and color, The Gods 2 is a telling story that goes into depth about what it really means to think with your emotions. It's a story about loss, feeling stuck, and hopelessness, but overall, growth as a person. The music was wonderful and appropriate for its corresponding scenes--and what's interesting is that all of it was made by Mykel Jenkins's own brother! I latched onto the characters easily, feeling both their heartwarming and heartbreaking moments. Overall, I found myself submerged in this movie, having genuine reactions, and constantly at the edge of my seat. Definitely recommend.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
A masterclass
phifer-aaron26 February 2023
Mykel has done it again! He does an absolute wonderful job in every scene! The dynamic between all three bothers is precious. Love seeing these black men coming together. I also love the Italian scenes. Felt like the godfather vs sugar hill kind of movie. I highly recommend. Especially if you have tubi. It's free!!!!!!!!!!

The lighting that was used was really dope as well. Brought out other great qualities in the scenes aa well. The fight scenes were explosive. Get out the way Jackie Chan!!!!!

I watched this twice now. Great movie for start of 2023. I would say watch the gods 1 as well while you're at it!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Loved this movie!!!!
cyndidevereaux13 April 2023
I just watched The Gods 2 and loved it! It is definitely an intense, adrenaline filled, and action-packed movie which touches on loyalty, love, and revenge. In my opinion, Mykel Shannon Jenkins is an absolute genius as the screen writer, director, and actor in this film. His son, Bryce Clyde Jenkins, did a wonderful job in his film acting debut. The character development was well done and the acting portrayed a very realistic drama. I found myself really caring for the characters, even though they were gangsters. The cinematography had creative aspects which added to the realistic impact and pulled me deep into the raw and dark side of the story. I highly recommend The Gods 2!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Dramatic, action packed, great acting
nealvball28 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Believable characters. Great casting, dialogue, music and performances. Mykel Shannon Jenkins (Mikey James) is emotionally complicated - almost allusive until near the end, as usual; Kevin Interdenato (Anthony Fasano) mirrors him but brings even more mystery and shocking darkness. Ernest Thomas (Olympus) balances the tension with street savvy commentary to highlight the movie's messages about the cost of revenge.

It helps to have seen "Gods 1", but it's not required to appreciate "Gods 2." I was glad for the unfolding relationships that contributed just enough to foretell "Gods 3". Highly recommend.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Great intensifiying- action packed movie!
matthewbaby26 February 2023
What can I say!!! This movie has kept me and my friends amazed!! . So intensifying!! This film has great characters that not only bring this movie to formation. You feel the characters ... the emotions the fierceness ..!!!! From start it kind of serenades you into the plots and scenes ..your keep on the edge... wanting to know 'What's going to happen next... Kudos to the actors and actresses who contributed to this action.. drama filled movie. You will not be disappointed. I was very impressed seeing : The Gods 2 movie. .. too be kind of pushing it.. I'm looking already for the next sequel !!! Lets go for a " The Gods 3.. ction packed movies are a favorite of all my family and friends !! We love great movies and this just show all that we continue to seek out Excellent films. Just so happens taht the Gods was and is a great pick for us!!!!!!

Mykel Jenkins .. You've done it again!!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
A MUST SEE!!!
j_paddio2 March 2023
I most definitely was glued to that screen from top to bottom!!! Wow. Mykel Shannon Jenkins has done it again! Incredible work- gifted cast, on-point writing, directing, cinematography (that opening aerial shot for starters!) and even the colors just brilliant and executed well!!! High intense emotion throughout this film took me on a ride for sure. ALL the fighting scenes felt & looked too real...like i literally could not tell if they were stunts or actually fighting wow. I just can't make this stuff up!! I recommend this movie to anyone who enjoys watching suspense thriller movies- lots of twists, mystery and ACTION!!!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Intense, beautifully shot, well written and perfectly casted
ciscocedeno25 February 2023
Unlike some sequels, the Gods 2 matches, if not surpasses its predecessor.

It slams on the gas and never lets off the pedal. Intense, bold, beautifully shot, well written and perfectly casted. Never a full moment.

Mykel Jenkins leads an amazing and diverse cast of talented actors. Everyone brought such subtle nuances to their characters, you find yourself trying not to blink.

The Gods 2 captivates your eyes, takes hold of your attention and never lets go even til the end. The Gods was great, the Gods 2 was epic. Rare for a sequel.

Mykel Jenkins is trailblazing through the independent circuit and is bringing along his team of talented artists. If you don't know their names now, uiu definitely will now!!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Gritty dramatic and intense action film packs a punch
majortreasure3 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Gods 2 creates a world that is as brutal as it is captivating, immersing the viewer in a necessary underworld of guns, ruthlessness and corruption. The dramatic story line, interpersonal motives and events are what I expected as Mykel Jenkins's earlier films explore social issues like the rival gang challenges of underrepresented groups. The ensemble performances by former cast members of The Gods 1 helps creates the heartfelt, earnest tone re importance of family and loyalty, even in ruthless moments. Excellent musical scores and cinematography enhance the storytelling and despite much brutality, help point to a hopeful, phoenix-from-the-ashes ending.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
10/10!
zjsports2 March 2023
Warning: Spoilers
The Gods 2 was such a great film. Not only was it a beautifully shot production, but it also explored the harsh, yet inevitable contrast between two different parts of life: love and loss. Watching the characters go through so many different kinds of emotions, whether it was sadness, affection, or anger, made it a riveting film to watch. The Gods 2 is filled with action, passion and violence, which overall adds a layer of thrill to the film. Even though some parts were filled with tragedy and hardship, the amazing acting and extraordinary emotion portrayed throughout the whole movie made it a 10/10!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Compelling and Thrilling
katya-zhylka27 February 2023
"The Gods 2" is a compelling and thrilling movie that delivers an outstanding story with a dark side plot. The film is a great sequel to the original "The Gods" and is sure to impress audiences with its well-crafted narrative and excellent performances from the cast.

One of the best things about the film is the interesting portrayal of the growth of the whole family. The characters' arcs are well-developed, and their emotional journeys are expertly explored, making the viewer feel invested in their lives.

The movie also boasts some fantastic villains, who are portrayed with a level of complexity that adds depth and richness to the story. The actors did an excellent job in their roles, which added to the overall realism of the film.

Overall, "The Gods 2" is an excellent film that is not to be missed. Its dark side plot and character development make it an interesting watch, and it's a great example of how sequels can successfully build on the original story.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Compelling blend of family, international crime and ruthless revenge with elements of social injustice
thaler-ab28 February 2023
Great film. Excellent interpersonal drama. Terrific cinematography and musical background kept the tension and mood. I enjoyed the expert blend of the action sequences with gripping drama. The attuned interaction of the cast creates a thrilling and emotionally resonant story that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. The performances are top-notch. The film's action sequences are not just there for spectacle, but are instead grounded in character and story, which makes the scenes and outcome all the more thrilling and impactful. Gripping storylines that leave a lasting emotional impact.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Must See!
sarahugs25 February 2023
Amazing work yet again from Jenkins. I really enjoyed this action packed movie. I enjoyed the first movie and the sequel did not disappoint.

Intense movie that kept your emotions running the entire time. Great casting, script, and was shot beautifully. Music was also on point

I love the connection from the brothers who are just trying to make their own way in the world. Each character in this film was throughly thought out and well executed. So many heartbreaking moments because I was able to latch on to each character.

This movie kept me on the edge of my seat.

Looking forward for much more to come from Jenkins.
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
10/10
Definitely worth the watch
RobynHyden4 March 2023
Mykel Shannon Jenkins, does it again. This man can do it all. The writing, the directing and starring in this classic film. He knows how to take the viewer on a ride. The way it was shot made it feel like watching real life. It starts right out of the gate. Had me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend watching the first one, The Gods, and then watch this one. The movie is so well cast as well as the musical score to go with it. I loved the brothers relationship. This film has it all-love story, revenge and a bit of humor. Mikey is such a badass. I cannot wait for another one. Let's hope this story continues with the ever so talented Bryce Clyde Jenkins!
0 out of 0 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.
Permalink
An error has occured. Please try again.

See also

Awards | FAQ | User Ratings | External Reviews | Metacritic Reviews


Recently Viewed