Feng Shen 2: Zhan huo Xi qi

What a movie to start off the New Year with! Continuing the first movie's box office success and technological breakthroughs, Creation of Gods II returns with more VFX shots than the total amount of shots in the previous. Whether the flock of dragons at the Kunlun Mountain, the paralyzing light beams afloat moonless sky, or the mythical gadgets of deities and giants, the film does not fail to entertain with its cinematic interpretation of classical figures, warfare, and anecdotes. The climactic battle of the "ten deadly formation" greatly balances quests of individual characters with the story's progression and involves numerous ancient tactics of war by Sun Tzu, such as sowing dissension, sowing discord, extraction, espionage, and assassination. All the meantime, director Wuershan is able to maintain quality narrative and aesthetic control of the coloring, lighting, costume, production design, and music accompaniment.

Performance wise, everyone except the two young protagonists from last film is terrific. Huang Bo, Kris Phillips, and Hsing-Kuo Wu --- all reputable actors and obvious carriers of their parts. Nashi's General Deng Chanyu veritably surprised me: a fierce warrior bound to war and honor who gradually reveals her capacity to love, compassion, and dancing by the fire. Even trivial side characters with less than minutes of screen time shine in their sequences.

The pacing of the movie's first half and some of the CGI (the blue giant) could definitely be improved, but overall a laudable success for a commercial film.

I really liked the first movie. Good story amazing characters who were true to their role and events and story, in here however Ji Fa who lost his brother and his father was tortured by the king, and was a formidable kings guard somehow now has forgotten his battle training and that his brother was killed and cooked to be fed to his father, who was also imprisoned, and acts like a bumbling idiot, and feels sorry for the enemy leader and can not even defend himself against a woman, half his size. The rest of the characters are the same. I could not stomach to see to the end and left the cinema. What a shame that they did not carry the characters through instead tried to be make caricature of the first movie !!

I enjoyed the first movie for its great visuals and interesting storyline. Although the second one adds a whole lot more CGI scenes, it isn't more visually stunning. Instead, most of the mythical creatures look cheap and fake, and the airview of the ancient Xiqi city is simply too cartoonish to be true. The story itself is also extremely boring, the editing is unbelievably poor, and most of the actors cannot act. Lots of the scenes and dialogues in the movies are just unnecessary, and the development of main characters doesn't make sense at all. I, for sure, won't go to the movie theater for the third one.

"Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force" is nothing short of a cinematic masterpiece that seamlessly blends fantasy, action, and rich cultural elements into a breathtaking spectacle. As a sequel, it expands on the world introduced in its predecessor, delivering a storyline that is both grand in scale and deeply personal in its emotional resonance.

The film's strength lies in its impeccable visual effects. The mythical creatures, grand battles, and magical elements are brought to life in a way that is both awe-inspiring and immersive. The CGI is top-notch, setting a new standard for the genre. Every frame is meticulously crafted, with vibrant colors and meticulously detailed action sequences that draw you deeper into its fantastical world. The battles are brutal yet beautiful, with each clash feeling like a carefully choreographed dance of destruction.

The plot continues the journey of gods, demons, and mortals, exploring the delicate balance between good and evil. The storyline is rich and layered, with new characters introduced who are compelling and well-developed. What truly makes "Demon Force" stand out is its emotional depth. Despite the larger-than-life battles and supernatural occurrences, the film never loses sight of its characters' personal struggles. The themes of sacrifice, loyalty, and the consequences of power are explored in poignant and thought-provoking ways.

The performances are outstanding across the board. The cast has excellent chemistry, with each actor fully embodying their respective roles. The protagonist's journey is particularly moving, as they face moral dilemmas and the weight of their actions. The supporting characters are not just sidekicks; they have depth and provide crucial moments of insight and emotional connection to the larger narrative.

The pacing of the film is well-balanced, ensuring that the action doesn't overpower the heart of the story. There is a sense of urgency and tension throughout, but also quiet, reflective moments that ground the fantasy in human emotion. Director's vision is clear, crafting a movie that appeals to both fans of high fantasy and those looking for a story with emotional depth.

In conclusion, "Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force" is a triumph in every aspect. From its stunning visuals to its emotionally charged performances and gripping storyline, this film is a must-see for anyone who appreciates epic cinema. It sets a new benchmark for films in the fantasy genre, and I wholeheartedly recommend it. A perfect 10 out of 10!

I first watch this movie during the first day of Chinese New Year at Shaw IMAX and it was spectacular. From there, I went on to watch it again in the cinemas. At the moment, I have watched it 5 times due to how much depth the storyline has. Each time you watch it, there are new details arise that you notice that made you want to watch it another time. (Don't want to give too much spoilers, go watch it) I'm not sure what's with the negative common about the VFX/design when ugly things sells (e.g. Labubu) Also, are they coming out with a Blu-ray version? I would love to have it within my collection. I am also planning to watch it again.