Jiaozi’s Ne Zha 2 is an over-the-top and never-boring animated sequel to the smash Chinese animated Ne Zha, and it surpasses it in every way possible. I wasn’t familiar with the story, so I did some studying up on the Chinese mythological character and Xu Zhonglin’s 16th-century novel, Investiture of the Gods (Fengshen Yanyi). I originally watched the original this winter with plans to watch the sequel immediately, but it came and went quickly, so I am glad that A24 released it on IMAX. It was worth the wait. As a sequel goes, Ne Zha 2 lives up to its potential with more energy, more extravaganza, and more moments that will make you say “Wow.”
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The vibrant, hyperactive visual feast of animated spectacle that you won’t forget. This is a loud, brash, ambitious, epic that has visuals I am still thinking about days later. What makes Ne Zha 2 stand out from other animated movies and runs laps around most other kids’ movies is the unrelenting flurry of combat. These well-choreographed fight scenes feel like a sugar rush for children—and honestly, any audience who loves bold animation. There is a spectacular bow-and-arrow sequence when one bow becomes many, where a single bow multiplies into many as arrows rain down in dazzling unison. This moment captures the film’s inventive spirit.
Every frame is rich with vivid details and keeps audiences thoroughly engaged with its amusing twists and relentless action. So many of the on-screen scenes were unpredictable and funny, thoroughly entertaining, with never a dull moment, and something new happens and changes the dynamic within seconds. I loved all the places Ne Zha goes and the characters he meets. Towards the end, it did drag only because I was exhausted, but the epic journey is worth following. Overall, I was awestruck by the vivid details in almost every shot, giving me something to snack on. The bold original design is masterful animation at its finest and sets the bar for 2025.
Ne Zha 2 is now playing in theaters nationwide.
