The Monkey King 2

I know the Monkey King is a huge thing in China. I herd about it before and have see the American adaption, the Forbidden Kingdom, with Jet Li as the Monkey king.

This movie was visually bad ass. I loved the design of the title character. All the CGI actually worked to make the movie feel very big and very epic. It makes me wish it was released in IMAX here in the States, not just in 3D. The final battle in the movie was mind blowing.

But I just did not get into the tale of the Monkey King. I don't know why this story is so popular and the movie did nothing to change this thought. It was suppose to be funny in certain places, but I did not get it and it just seem that a lot of things were happen just to produce a cool special effect for it, not to drive any story.

It was fun to look at but not the most compelling story, speaking as someone unfamiliar with the story being told

When the first Monkey King premiered there was lofty expectation, yet what we got was lackluster ancient mythology with outdated graphic. Understandably, this can hinder audience's interest for the sequel, but worry not, "The Monkey King 2" is leagues above its predecessor, using better animation, excellent production and friendlier characters to deliver a more amicable magical tale.

This is the story of Sun Wukong as he first meets with Tang Sanzang, the monk who will journey to the west to get the scripture. Perhaps this story will be familiar to Asian audience, and it's refreshing to see it's presented with gorgeous modern presentation. Aaron Kwok as Sun Wukong is arguably better than Donnie Yen, he has more zeal which fits the scrappy Monkey King better, specifically with his body language. Granted, he enjoys higher level of production to create the persona.

Gong Li as Lady White fits as the villain. One can't go wrong in casting a charismatic actor and polish her character in CG, costume and make-up. She brings a heavier impact to every scene she's in. This also translates to other characters as well. Lady White's fellow monsters are uniquely portrayed as half women half beast, almost similar to something from Del Toro's universe and the make-up doesn't disappoint.

Rendition of the monk, Baije and Wujing always spark interest, and the version this movie produces is definitely cordial. Their attires change throughout the phases as they're displayed in flashy fashion yet still recognizable in the intricacy. A few comedic moments are pleasantly delivered with good chemistry. It is simply a better cast in general than the first movie had.

The most improvement is seen in CG department, which looks breathtaking as a fantasy adventure even in first glance. Settings as well as costume present a delicate balance with its contrasting color. Each event grants a distinct unique view as the group travels through cities and villages. At some points it even resembles another journey from the West, "Lord of The Ring" in its natural splendor and enigmatic creature.

It is not without flaws, although these are not major by any means. The plot tries to create more perspectives, but its core story is no different than many Monkey King shows from TV and movie. Ironically, the familiar sense can be too predictable. The visual can get sketchy as well, but for the most parts they hold up nicely, its more intense scenes are definitely visually pleasing.

Brandishing new graphic, cast and vista, this is a leap to silver screen fitting for the name of "Monkey King"

Love the movie. Thought it was entertaining and my kids wanted to see it again. But we all agree Donnie Yen was a better choice for The Monkey King / Sun Wu Kong The Monkey King Havoc in Heaven's Palace was our first choice and favorite among the two so far. Havoc in Heaven's Palace seem to have more story structure and the kids liked the characters better and loved the historical fight scenes with Donnie Yen's Character. My wife seemed to like the most the musical score of the film and we purchased the soundtrack in which we listen to quite often.

My Kids also each wanted there own Blu-Ray in which I purchased for all three of them. With anything the first is always the better of the two but recommend both.

I really enjoyed it, it was a fun action fantasy romp, and I love the various Journey to the West stories. I didn't see the first Monkey King, it had such poor reviews so I didn't bother. Anyway, Monkey King 2 completely feels like its' own entity, it is a different story from the book and the Monkey King origin story has been told many times before.

Aaron Kwok is a delight to watch. I can't say how he compared to Donnie Yen but he's so lovable. It's FUN, often funny. Gong Li is very hammy, and couldn't chew the scenery more, but it's within the tone of the film. It really is a riveting family adventure from start to finish

It contains the usual overabundance of CG which all these Chinese blockbusters have, but the quality isn't awful this time! Much better than some of the video-game level effects I've seen recently in others. There is a lot of practical wire-work amidst the wash of particle effects and glowy things. Most importantly, the charisma of the stars shines through it.

I saw this on a trip to China, I don't know if it received, or will receive a release in the West, but it should. It will probably turn up in the Netflix graveyard at some point. It's better than most cookie- cutter American fantasy blockbusters, with, of course due to the nature of the source text, much better lessons and values sitting underneath the action than 'yet another Hero's Journey story' as Hollywood pumps out again and again.

The film itself is boring, the effects are good, the photography and costumes are fantastically beautiful and colorful, the script is even round, it has some pretty boring and childish comic strips, it looks cool, but it's very boring and boring...