CMC Pictures

  In the last few weeks, “Ne Zha 2” has swept the world by storm, with not only its spectacular graphics and its hype as a sequel to a massive 2019 movie, but also its lovable characters, intriguing story and plain “coolness.”

  The film is based on the 16th-century Chinese novel “Investiture of the Gods.” After subverting fate in the first film, Ne Zha and his friend, Ao Bing, are sent on a journey to regain their physical bodies while hellish demons threaten their hometowns.

  “Ne Zha 2” boasts a grand spectacle achievable only by the animation medium. With excellent choreography paired with visual spectacles, the film isn’t afraid to showcase jaw-dropping scenes. Who doesn’t want to watch the heavenly army battle hordes of infernal demons?

  The plot is well thought out and surprising, with a stunning twist near the climax. However, some audiences can piece together the mystery with some generous foreshadowing and clues from the movie. Despite the numerous characters, everyone is given screen time to shine, often hilariously, making them enchanting to the audience, even if they’re antagonists. The story takes the audience to many vibrant locations, such as a hellish underwater draconic prison and a heavenly Taoist city amid the clouds. 

  There are certain scenes where I was surprised that they would be in an animated comedy movie. The film’s target audience is aimed towards teenagers and young adults, and it isn’t afraid to hand violent and tragic moments out like candy. It surpassed my expectations of the film effectively. 

  However, despite all its accomplishments, “Ne Zha 2” does have its shortcomings. Compared to the first film, Ne Zha doesn’t undergo major character development. His ideals remain the same, he doesn’t get any more powerful and he becomes a static character in a movie about him. 

  I found the sequel less funny than the original. Despite its lengthy two-hour and twenty-minute runtime, there was about the same amount of comedy featured in the first film. Moreover, the darker story would sometimes overshadow the jokes inserted between them. 

 These nitpicks can be explained. Ne Zha’s character remaining the same as ever means that he is still the rebellious boy that audiences loved five years ago. Why change him if he’s already perfect? 

  Also, the target audience of the original “Ne Zha” has grown over the past five years. This film caters to a more mature audience by adding less childish gags and more serious elements, so the comedy can also be excused.

  All in all, I consider the film to be 10/10.