Care to hazard a guess at which cinematic marvel has reigned supreme at the box office thus far this year? No, it's neither "Lilo & Stitch" nor "A Minecraft Movie," albeit those would have been astute picks indeed. Instead, the crown belongs to "Ne Zha II," the eagerly anticipated sequel to the 2019 Chinese animated juggernaut that has already etched its name in history as the fifth highest-grossing film of all time and the most successful animated film ever, amassing a staggering $2 billion.
If you're unfamiliar with this cinematic gem, fear not; it enjoyed only a fleeting presence in U.S. theaters earlier this year. But the forward-thinking folks at A24 are presenting you with a golden opportunity to rectify that, rereleasing the film in an English-dubbed version across numerous IMAX, 3D, and other premium screens, inviting you to marvel at its dazzling visuals in all their glory.
Whether you'll embrace its intricate storyline, the relentless action sequences that render most video games as tranquil as an Eric Rohmer film, and its childlike vulgarity is another matter entirely. The sequel undoubtedly stands as a monumental achievement in animation, resonating deeply within its native land. However, those yearning for coherent narrative threads or emotional depth might find themselves eagerly awaiting the next Pixar offering (not that the studio has been setting the world on fire of late).
Haven't watched the original "Ne Zha"? No need to fret. This sequel thoughtfully includes a comprehensive recap of its predecessor's tale, rooted in ancient Chinese mythology and inspired by the 16th-century epic novel "Investiture of the Gods." Yet, even this recap might not suffice; after the press screening, a fellow critic beseeched me, with a hint of desperation, to explain the plot. Regrettably, I was of little assistance.
But if you insist on knowing something before diving in, the story, set just after the events of the first film, primarily revolves around the tempestuous bond between demon boy Ne Zha (Griffin Puatu) and his warrior prince friend Ao Bing (Aleks Le). United by their origins from two halves of a supernatural entity known as the Chaos Pearl, their friendship takes a tangled turn when both are struck by lightning, forcing Ao Bing to inhabit Ne Zha's body. The duo promptly embarks on an identity crisis akin to that of Steve Martin and Lily Tomlin in "All of Me."
To restore Ao Bing to his whole self, they must endure a series of trials, with Ne Zha frequently dosing himself into slumber, allowing his more seasoned companion to fully inhabit his body and shoulder the warrior's duties. This leads to a frenetic series of battles among sects, involving gods, dragons, demons, and animal warriors such as rodents and sea creatures.
Director-screenwriter Yu Yang, also known as Jiaozi, reprises his roles from the first film, seemingly intent on upping the stakes in terms of length (the sequel runs over a half-hour longer), character count, and particularly the relentless battle scenes, which unfold with such speed and fury that keeping track of the stakes becomes nearly impossible. He also indulges in a plethora of juvenile slapstick humor, with gags centered around flatulence, vomiting, feces, and urine abounding. Suffice it to say, kids will adore it, particularly those who can relate to the rebellious, spirited Ne Zha.
Adults, particularly those not enamored with this sort of mythological fantasy, may find it a harder sell. Nevertheless, there's much to admire, especially the magnificent, larger-than-life visuals that beg to be viewed on the biggest screen possible. It's also refreshing to note that, aside from Michelle Yeoh as Ne Zha's mother, Lady Yin, the English-language cast comprises largely unknown talents, devoid of the likes of Jack Black or Chris Pratt.
