«Monster Hunt 2», a good-natured family comedy

Neuchâtel International Fantastic Film Festival (NIFFF) - Virginia Eufemi

After being one of China's biggest box-office successes in 2015, Monster Hunt returns for a second tab, with its dose of comedy, twirling battles and, of course, shapeshifting monsters.

Monster Hunt 2, directed by Raman Hui, is undeniably a major—a truly massive—Chinese production. It’s impossible to count the extras, the costumes, the various sets, and the animated sequences. We’re reunited with the little monster Wuba, the object of desire for both monsters and humans, who are constantly at war with one another. Two themes stand out in this film: the importance of family (emphasized very strongly) and the acceptance of differences in order to live together peacefully.

The first point is explored through Wuba’s two human adoptive parents, Huo (Bai Baihe) and Song (Jing Boran), who suffer from being separated from their child. The second theme is a missed opportunity to add depth to the film. The theme is interesting; we’d like to learn more about the monsters, better understand their hostility toward humans, and we’d like to see a character who can truly help the others realize that monsters and humans can coexist peacefully. Little Wuba is supposed to fill that role, but since he can only say his first name—much like a Pokémon—he struggles to be convincing in his advocacy for tolerance. The character of Tu (Tony Leung)—a con artist who exploits monsters to swindle humans—seems too preoccupied with his schemes or his own survival to advocate for peace between monsters and humans.

If you don't know what to do with your kids on a rainy afternoon, sit them down in front of Monster Hunt 2 because you’ll have two long hours ahead of you to go about your business. Yes, this movie, despite its charm, seems to go on forever; it’s far too long for an animated film intended—it must be said—for a young, very young audience. It’s hard to say whether the voice actors are any good, because their characters are so caricatured and almost ridiculous that it’s difficult to judge their performances. Certain scenes in the film (which may contribute to its length) serve no purpose other than as comedic interludes that have no meaningful connection to the story: they are a sort of pointless interlude intended solely to make the audience laugh.

The comedy in this feature film is perplexing. While it’s true that the story is full of good intentions and conveys positive messages, it relies on a somewhat silly brand of physical comedy; the humor isn’t particularly sophisticated or subtle. The evening after the screening of Monster Hunt 2 At the NIFFF Open Air event, we attended the festival’s closing ceremony, where the following film was screened: Hotel Transylvania 3. This is an American animated film that is truly suitable for all ages. Children will find the characters «funny,» and adults will appreciate humor that’s much more sophisticated than in Monster Hunt 2. There are many levels of interpretation, the references are interesting, and the humor—though perhaps absurd—is relevant and timely.

Not everything should be thrown away in Monster Hunt 2 : We love the fast-paced, acrobatic fight scenes typical of Chinese cinema, the vibrant visuals, and the setting fantasy, even if it is a little too contrived. And we’re left with the impression that, despite their differences, monsters and humans can live together with respect and love for one another.

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Write to the author : virginia.eufemi@leregardlibre.com

Photo credit: © NIFFF