MOVIE REVIEW
Code Red: Diaries of Madness
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 44m
Director(s): Vlad Yudin
Where To Watch: will premiere on April 12, 2024, on Apple TV and Amazon Prime

RAVING REVIEW: CODE RED: DIARIES OF MADNESS journeys into the story of Cristy "Code Red" Nickel, capturing her leap back into competitive bodybuilding after years as a renowned nutritionist and entrepreneur. Under the direction of Vlad Yudin, this documentary aims to thread the needle, weaving Nickel's rigorous commitment to her physical renaissance with her professional zeal. Yet, as it marches towards depicting Nickel's storied return to the limelight, the film stumbles, missing beats that could have deepened the exploration of Nickel's drive and passion. My issues with the film are twofold. First, the intro narration feels like a very unrealistic approach to life. I always find it uncomfortable when people say, “Anyone can become rich; all they have to do is try.” That, coupled with most of the film feeling like an infomercial for Nickel’s nutrition program, is off-putting. I will admit that the last third of the film focused on documentary-style filmmaking, and her journey was a saving grace.

This “documentary,” in part, tracks Nickel's journey to regain her former athletic glory while juggling the demands of her burgeoning business empire. Yudin's narrative helps to underscore the themes of persistence and the enduring power of the human spirit against adversity. Another issue is the “health and fitness” focus for those core issues to be blatantly ignored later in the film.

CODE RED: DIARIES OF MADNESS felt all over the place, with its narrative pacing mimicking something pieced together after the fact. Its ambitious scope, aiming to encapsulate everything from Nickel's fitness ideologies, her focus on her business, and her resurgence in bodybuilding, sometimes scatters focus, diluting the story's potency. This expansive ambition, while commendable, tends to blur the emotional resonance of her odyssey, leaving audiences craving more depth.

The documentary also skirts around the fringes of Nickel's battles and victories, offering only glimpses into the complexity of her comeback. There's a palpable yearning for a deeper dive into her mindset during those pivotal moments of challenge and triumph. While the film nods to the themes of transformation and grit, it stops short of plumbing the depths of the arduous quest for excellence against formidable odds.

Nonetheless, CODE RED: DIARIES OF MADNESS is not without its merits. It offers perceptive insights into the essence of perseverance, the critical role of mental toughness in achieving fitness goals, and the pursuit of passions unfettered by age or previous accomplishments. It paints a panoramic view of a world that probably seems far off if you’re unfamiliar with it, juxtaposing the stringent demands of bodybuilding against broader health and wellness strategies and enlightening viewers on the sheer determination required to attain such athletic feats.

While CODE RED: DIARIES OF MADNESS sets sail to share the inspiration of Nickel's extraordinary voyage, it doesn't quite reach those heights as it has to overcome its struggles. Its uneven narrative structure and the shallow exploration of Nickel's inner life render the documentary somewhat wanting. Yet, the essence of Nickel's narrative stands as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us that the quest for personal excellence is a worthy expedition, irrespective of the domain.

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[photo courtesy of GENERATION IRON]

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