Nate At The Movies

Pardon my French, but what the frick? I saw KPop Demon Hunters pop up in the popular movies on Letterboxd like a week ago and thought nothing of it, but then the positive and obsessed reviews started rolling in. As a film loyalist, I knew had to check it out, but I didn’t know I’d contribute to the pile of positive and obsessed reviews.

KPop Demon Hunters was a breath of fresh air in the animated arena—one where sequels and unambitious ideas have reigned—because even though the story was relatively simple, the pieces and worlds that it brought together were unique. I really enjoyed the pure action central to the plot—action that was immaculately staged and choreographed, by the way. That camera movement synchronized with attacks? I am obsessed!

HUNTRX was immediately an endearing trio of leads, too, equally glam and badass and super easy to root for, despite their fears and flaws. Their voice actors were really expressive and funny—so was the animation of facial expressions, which is one of my favorite aspects of anime—and the singing was off the charts. I’m listening to the soundtrack (again) as I write my review—every song was an absolute bop, fueled by insane, stretching vocals. I’m not well-versed in K-Pop, but if this is what it is, I need to get more acquainted soon.

The animation was superb, too, and at this point I can trust Sony Animation to be the first to try new things in that space and succeed with big returns. The world was colorful and quick and expressive, with shades of anime and Spider-Verse but also existing all on its own.

My only criticism is small in and out itself, but it did unfortunately send ripples through the rest of the movie. The movie was way too short! At 86 minutes, the story felt pretty rushed, especially the first half. The final act slowed down to a comfortable pace, but I’m not sure why this movie wasn’t longer.

I’ll speak for everyone when I say that we’d love to spend like 30 more minutes (or more) in this world with these girls; it would’ve led to a more comfortable pace, some more substantial character development, and a plot that didn’t need to spoon-feed its intricacies to the audience. If there’s a director’s cut of this movie out there somewhere, I’d love to see it.

Even in its one rather large flaw, KPop Demon Hunters was a treat and a total surprise, fighting in the same weight class as Ne Zha 2, proving that boring American animated stories can’t stay on top forever. Disney and Pixar, take notes. As for DreamWorks, the live-action HTTYD was good enough that you’re off the hook…for now.