‘Ne Zha 2’ Review: Hit Chinese Animated Sequel Delivers in Jaw-Dropping Visual Spectacle, but Overflows With Lore

variety.com:

Carlos Aguilar Late in “Ne Zha 2,” the record-breaking, box office behemoth of a sequel to the 2019 Chinese animated action saga, the battle between a clan of divine immortals and the grisly monsters they look down upon in an ancient realm of myth reaches such dazzling, mind-melting fever pitch, one can’t help but feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of astounding effects and characters in relentless motion.

The aerial clash turns so colossal, the fighters on both factions appear like minuscule specks in a flock of birds. By that point, one has likely already surrendered to the realization that keeping up with the intricate overload of lore at hand is a task that may require multiple viewings and nonstop notetaking.

There are spells, curses, vendettas, a twist villain, giant dragons who turn into humanoid warriors and many other creatures populating the world of this gargantuan feat of eye-popping computer animation.

Surpassing its predecessor in all manner of visual ambition and kinetic intensity, the stereoscopic 3D and Imax-released “Ne Zha 2” is breathtaking even as the screen and the narrative become as oversaturated as the viewer is overstimulated for nearly three hours.