There’s a comforting sense of familiarity in the formulaic narrative of My Hero Academia: You’re Next, elevating the film beyond mere forgettable viewing.
The antagonist, known as Dark Might, views himself as the rightful successor to the heroic mantle of an all-powerful defender, akin to Superman.
His aggressive tactics to claim this title involve commandeering a massive airship filled with other criminals, which pushes our heroes into action. Among the captives on this ship is a young woman, kidnapped and pursued by a mercenary; her extraordinary Quirk poses a threat that surpasses any All Might imitator.
While these plotlines ostensibly resonate with themes of the pursuit of absolute power and its true implications, You’re Next suffers from a disjointed narrative, as the storylines often undermine one another.
Lacking Balance in You’re Next
A significant portion of the film unfolds aboard Dark Might’s vessel, with each area designed to replicate distinct environments aimed at disorienting the U.A. students who infiltrate it. Various groups navigate through the ship, confronting unique challenges along the way.
As typical of Bones’ feature films, the animation is visually stunning. The vibrantly colored costumes stand out against the artistically rich backgrounds, while the alternating action sequences remain engaging and dynamic.
My Hero Academia may very well be regarded as the most visually impressive anime series of its generation. Kohei Horikoshi’s bright and youthful heroes craft a vivid cartoon experience that resonates with both nostalgic Saturday morning cartoons and classics like Astro Boy and Lupin III.
A Distinct Form of Heroism in My Hero Academia
The films serve as the ultimate representation of this uniqueness, allowing Deku and friends to burst onto the big screen. Though not entirely aligned with the canon, they assert their place through their heightened excitement compared to the television series.
Given the current timeline of You’re Next, it struggles since Season 7 has thrust us into the climactic Final War, where the protagonists make their stand against formidable foes like All For One and Shigaraki. News of Season 8’s announcement indicates it will serve as the series’ conclusion.
The transition from such a heavy narrative to a more superfluous side story creates a jarring experience that’s difficult to overlook. This kind of tension is frequently encountered in long-running anime, as seen with Dragon Ball and One Piece at various points. In this case, the misplaced priorities in the storytelling further complicate enjoyment.
Dark Might, whose background is intertwined with organized crime and aspirations to expand his family’s legacy, tends to overshadow the more compelling aspects of his kidnapping scheme.
Dark Might: Not the Hero of His Own Narrative
Anna, originating from an affluent family, possesses a Quirk that can enhance others’ abilities to unforeseen levels if compatible; however, her presence can also render individuals significantly weaker.
Her bodyguard, Giulio, is the sole person known to stabilize her powers, as his Quirk has the ability to freeze others’ abilities. Together, they share a romantic bond, with Deku and his friends determined to defy fate and forge a path to collective happiness.
Scenes centered around Anna encapsulate the charming sentimentality that defines My Hero Academia, alongside deeper thematic elements waiting to be explored. These moments highlight the inadequacies of Dark Might’s elaborate scheme, revealing it to be an overblown distraction.
The film features the customary montage of struggles as characters band together for a final showdown, culminating in a heartwarming ending that, while stirring, may not resonate as deeply as it once did for viewers prone to such moments of inspiration.
Review Score for My Hero Academia: You’re Next – 3/5
You’re Next brings back the excitement and spectacle audiences expect from My Hero Academia films; however, the diminishing narrative stakes in these spin-offs are beginning to weigh heavily.
My Hero Academia: You’re Next is currently showing in U.S. theaters, with its release in U.K. cinemas set for October 18.
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