nuruljannahdsba

It's truly a proud moment when a local animated film like Ejen Ali The Movie 2 premieres alongside international titles (if you notice) and still commands strong attention from the crowd. For those of us who grew up in a time when Malaysian animation barely had a presence in cinemas, this milestone feels monumental. WAU Animation has once again proven that Malaysian studios can deliver world-class quality.

Visually, the film is a stunner. The animation is smoother than ever, with detailed lighting, expressive motion, and dynamic cinematography. There's an evident step-up in production values, and it shows in every frame. (I am super excited even from the first raining scene!)

And the highlight for me? The S. A. T. R. I. A. suit.

I absolutely loved every moment involving the new suit. The design is not only sleek and modern, but also carries subtle cultural elements that make it uniquely Malaysian. But beyond the looks: it's the powers! Each core ability of the suit brings a new level of excitement to the screen. Watching Ali master these features one by one is thrilling and satisfying, especially for longtime fans who've followed his journey since the early days.

Story-wise, the film builds on Ali's growth as a hero, diving into themes of responsibility, leadership, and internal conflict. The direction is commendable, but I personally felt there were some missed emotional opportunities that could have elevated the narrative.

A few emotional moments, meant to deliver an impact but arrived too suddenly, with minimal buildup. One emotional scene in particular feels a bit forced and out of place, which slightly weakens its overall effect.

Additionally, a core friendship-themed song is introduced early in the film, but its placement feels underutilized. Had it been used during the film's climactic emotional moments, it would've amplified the feeling the story wanted us to feel.

This stands in contrast to Ejen Ali The Movie 1, where the placement of "Kita Jaga Kita" was completely unexpected, perfectly timed, and injected emotional excitement - giving the scene an unforgettable weight. (Not to mention the hilarious iconic mamak maju scene + soundtrack)

When it comes to the villain, EATM2's antagonist feels more distant and less evil. While the threat is real, it lacks the raw emotional connection and performance weight we saw in Niki from the first movie. Niki's struggle, pain, and motives were deeply felt, her presence lingered long after the credits. The new villain here is intriguing but doesn't leave quite the same mark.

That said, the soundtrack overall is still solid, especially "Hanya Kamu." While it may not be as instantly iconic as previous themes, it carries emotional maturity and becomes more impactful with repeated listens. (I must admit watching the trailer repeatedly hyped me up and I was expecting Bangkit! Echoes as Ali regain his spirit to win the battle once more) Better placement within key moments would've made a huge impact! Both to the story and to the song!

Not to mention some of the key figure we all have been waiting for years, could've carry more weight and significant to his presence.

In structure, EATM2 vibes feels more like a continuation of the series rather than a tightly-contained cinematic arc.

Conclusion

Ejen Ali The Movie 2 is a proud achievement in Malaysian animation, visually masterful, technically solid, and packed with action. And A MUST WATCH for every Malaysian! Will I watch it second time? YES! Third time?? Still huge YES!!

While it doesn't always hit the emotional highs of its predecessor, (EATM 1 sets the standard really high I still can't move on) it still offers an entertaining and meaningful experience, especially for those who've followed Ali's journey. (Since day 1! Now Im 35 years old)

From one the biggest fan of Ejen Ali, Thank you WAU for all of your great and hardwork!! May the production thrive for years to come and may this movie hit box office and gain its spot at the top tier.

Final rating: 8.5/10.

This film is a whole new benchmark for Malaysian cinema. The cinematography - chef's kiss. Every shot feels epic and intentional, totally Hollywood standard. As someone in the creative industry, I can really appreciate the effort and precision it takes to craft visuals like that. It pushes the story to its absolute limit - powerful, immersive, and beautifully executed. Kudos to Syafiq - I've seen his work before and didn't always expect this level of polish, but he really delivered here.

Story-wise, the pacing was tight with zero dull moments. Not a single scene felt wasted. The plot twists were smart, and the script had just the right balance of depth and entertainment. Sharnaaz's performance? Next level - easily on par with international stars. Honestly, he should already be making waves overseas. His chemistry with Shafiq Kyle was as strong as ever - both of them really brought their characters to life.

And then, the casting! I never imagined this combo would work so well. I legit laughed when Syukri Yahya showed up with a rifle - he nailed the role. It's refreshing to see him in something so different from his usual. Also, I didn't expect Shazwan to pop up, but he killed it too - his scenes had me cracking up every time.

A must-watch. This is Malaysian filmmaking on a whole new level.