CGI (and a half!) animated origin story of devilishly disruptive child Ne Zha, born under a curse that’s stamped him as a demon (though Spirit Pearl also a possibility) in this retelling of an old (and confusing!) Chinese legend that has blown up at the box-office to make ths film’s sequel, NE ZHA 2, the all-time top animated grosser. 2.2 billion and counting. Just not Stateside where both films all but flatlined. This one, coming in without name recognition, no surprise, but the 2025 sequel, after doing modest biz a few months back in the original Mandarin, now out in a mainstream English dub at 2200 screens to a disastrous initial 1.5 mill wknd. What gives? In this one, Ne Zha comes across as an out of control, unlovable imp, a nasty piece of work, combining the worst aspects of Stitch & Gollum. (Also, for some reason, ‘reading’ more as a girl.) Fighting off flaming creatures (lots of dragons) with flames of his own, while his doting parents try to coax the good out of him. Off-putting at best, the largely positive reviews focused on the technical aspects of the animation (subpar PIXAR) by which the film hopes to overwhelm, but only overloads. Good news (SPOILER), the kid dies in the end, along with his gentler fighting companion, but sets up further adventures as living spirits ready to inhabit fresh corporal form (human or beast) to flame up once again.
WATCH THIS, NOT THAT/LINK: In the mood for an animated flaming villain? Try Disney’s HERCULES/’97. https://maksquibs.blogspot.com/2019/08/hercules-1997.html
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