Rated: PG
My Rating: 6.5/10
My Hero Academia has become one of the most beloved anime
series of the last decade, captivating fans with its unique blend of superhero
action, heartfelt character development, and high-stakes battles. The latest
film, My Hero Academia: You're Next, stays true to the franchise’s roots,
delivering a thrilling cinematic experience that any anime fan will love. While
it is not without its flaws, the movie offers everything you love about the
series, including breathtaking animation, stellar voice acting, and a story
that continues from where the anime left off. For fans of My Hero Academia,
this is definitely a movie worth watching, though it may not push the
boundaries of the series as much as one might hope.
One of the most impressive aspects of My Hero Academia:
You're Next is its animation. Bones Studio, the animation studio behind the My
Hero Academia anime, has once again outdone itself. From the very first frame,
it is evident that the filmmakers have spared no expense in ensuring that the
animation quality matches the high standards fans have come to expect from the
series. The fluidity of the action scenes is a standout, with each character's
quirk (superpower) being showcased in spectacular fashion. The animation allows
the characters’ abilities to shine, making every battle feel fresh and
exciting.
Particular attention has been paid to the combat sequences,
where the choreography and timing are impeccable. Whether it’s the fast-paced,
high-energy battles or the more intimate, emotional moments, the animation
enhances every scene. The use of vibrant colours, detailed character designs,
and stunning visual effects makes this film a true visual treat for anyone who
appreciates the artistry of anime.
The landscapes and environments are also beautifully
designed. The cityscapes, the battle arenas, and even quieter, more
introspective moments are all brought to life with a level of detail that makes
the world of My Hero Academia feel real and immersive. The animation in You're
Next truly captures the essence of the series, and it’s one of the movie’s most
defining features.
As expected, the voice acting in My Hero Academia: You're
Next is top-notch. The original Japanese cast returns to reprise their
roles, and their performances remain as engaging and dynamic as ever. Fans of
the anime will immediately recognize the voices of characters like Izuku
Midoriya, Katsuki Bakugo, and Ochaco Uraraka, and they will once again feel a
strong emotional connection to the characters through the talented vocal
performances.
The voice cast does a fantastic job of bringing the
emotional weight of the film to life. Whether it’s Midoriya’s determination,
Bakugo’s brashness, or the quiet strength of characters like Todoroki and
Uraraka, each actor embodies their role with authenticity. The voice direction
also ensures that the actors’ performances are consistent with the
personalities and growth we’ve seen in the series up until this point. There’s
a strong sense of continuity, and it’s clear that the voice cast is deeply
invested in the characters they bring to life.
The English dub is also well done, with solid performances
from the English voice cast. For those who prefer watching anime in English,
the dub does not disappoint, and the actors do an admirable job of capturing
the energy and emotions of the original Japanese voices. Whether you choose to
watch it subbed or dubbed, My Hero Academia: You're Next offers a fully
immersive experience thanks to the stellar voice acting on display.
While My Hero Academia: You're Next is undoubtedly a
fun ride for fans, the story itself doesn’t quite stand out as much as the
series’ most memorable arcs. The film takes place within the continuity of the
anime, directly following the events of the latest season. This is both a
strength and a weakness, as the movie serves as a nice continuation of the
ongoing narrative, but it may not be the most exciting or groundbreaking plot
for those who have been following the series closely.
The premise of the film revolves around the heroes, both pro
and aspiring, facing off against a new threat. While this threat is not as
world-shaking as some of the major villains in the series, it presents a
significant challenge for the characters, providing ample opportunities for
action and character development. The plot offers enough intrigue to keep
viewers engaged, particularly fans who want to see how their favourite heroes
continue to grow and evolve.
However, the movie doesn’t delve too deeply into the more
complex themes and character arcs that the anime has explored in previous
seasons. Instead, it focuses more on the action, spectacle, and interactions
between characters. There are moments of emotional depth, but they are often
overshadowed by the larger-than-life battles and the quest to defeat the
villain. For some, this will be exactly what they want from a My Hero
Academia movie—a fun, action-packed adventure that stays true to the spirit
of the series. For others, it may feel like the film doesn’t push the narrative
forward as much as they’d hoped.
The pacing of My Hero Academia: You're Next is, for
the most part, well-balanced. The film keeps things moving at a steady clip,
with enough action to satisfy fans while also providing some downtime for
character moments. The narrative doesn’t linger too long in any one place,
ensuring that the movie doesn’t feel sluggish or drawn out. However, this does
mean that some emotional beats or plot points don’t have the time they need to
fully resonate with the audience.
The direction is competent, though it lacks the punch of
some of the best My Hero Academia episodes or films. The movie feels
like it hits all the right notes in terms of action and spectacle, but there’s
a sense that it could have done more to surprise and challenge the audience.
The film doesn’t take as many risks as it could have, opting instead for a more
familiar, safe formula. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, especially for fans
who are looking for a straightforward continuation of the anime’s story, but it
does mean that the movie doesn’t quite leave as lasting an impact as some of
the franchise’s more ambitious moments.
My Hero Academia: You're Next is a solid addition to
the franchise, offering fans the exciting action, stunning animation, and
beloved characters they’ve come to expect. The movie does a great job of
staying true to the series’ core elements, but it doesn’t push the envelope as
much as one might hope. While the plot is engaging and the animation is
beautiful, the film doesn’t take as many risks as it could have in terms of
storytelling or character development.
If you’re a fan of the series, you’ll likely enjoy You're
Next, as it’s a fun and visually stunning experience. However, for those
looking for a more innovative or groundbreaking film, this might not be the
most memorable entry in the My Hero Academia canon. In the end, You're
Next delivers exactly what fans want, but it doesn’t break new ground. That’s
why I rate the film a 6.5/10
All images and videos are owned by Sony Pictures Releasing and Crunchy Roll
In Theatres October 10th 2024