Sometimes you see a movie (in this case a trailer) that really impresses just how far special effects have come. Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back is one of those movies.
The sequel to the 2013 movie Journey to the West: Conquering the Demons and based on the 16th-century novel Journey to the West, The Demons Strike Back takes place in a world filled with demons. Main character Tang Sanzang takes three demons as disciples and falls in love with them. In order to atone for their sins and his own, they embark on a journey to the west (he did it, he said the title!) to conquer the challenges of this dangerous world.
Judging by the information in the trailer, his mentoring of these demons does not sit well with others. Much of the dialogue included centers on the internal strife of Sanzang and the breaking of a relationship with a mentor. Or maybe one of his disciples? Let’s be honest, few will watch this trailer and have the story as their main concern.
These effects are amazing. Really, really amazing. Journey to the West is colorful and fluid and epic in ways I would never have imagined a movie could be when I was a kid. I struggle to believe half of this trailer really exists.
Journey to the West looks like little more than a big-budget action movie focused on giving audiences a good time. Reviews for the film’s Chinese release suggest it is exactly that. You know what? That’s perfectly fine. Sometimes you just want to watch a movie that awes you with visuals rather than the story. If this trailer is any indication, that’s exactly what The Demons Strike Back delivers. Judging by the record-breaking box office the movie has done so far in China, audiences agree.
Journey to the West: The Demons Strike Back hits theaters this Friday, February 3. Consider checking it out if you can. You’ll probably have a great time.
