Movie
Ne Zha 2
Ne Zha 2,” directed and written by Yu Yang, is a 2025 Chinese animated fantasy adventure that continues the saga of the rebellious deity Ne Zha. The film features voice performances by Joseph, Mo Han, Hao Chen, and Yuze Han. Produced by Horgos Coloroom Pictures and Coco Cartoon, the movie has a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes. As of now, “Ne Zha 2” is available exclusively in theaters, with limited IMAX showings that began on February 12, 2025.
The narrative picks up after the events of the first film, with Ne Zha and Ao Bing’s souls saved but their bodies on the brink of disintegration. Their mentor, Taiyi Zhenren, embarks on a quest to reconstruct their forms using a mystical seven-colored lotus. This journey delves deep into themes of identity, redemption, and the struggle against societal prejudices.
Visually, “Ne Zha 2” is a masterpiece. The animation showcases fluid motion and intricate designs, bringing to life both the ethereal realms and the intense battle sequences. The film’s commitment to high-quality visuals ensures that even the most fantastical creatures, like the formidable trident-wielding shark, move with a grace that enhances the storytelling.
Critically, the film has garnered widespread acclaim. On Douban Movies, it holds a score of 8.5/10, while Maoyan and Taopiaopiao users rate it at 9.7 and 9.8 out of 10, respectively. Reviewers have lauded its compelling script, thematic depth, and groundbreaking special effects. Red Star News highlighted the film’s “solid script and accurate expression of values,” emphasizing that genuine respect for the audience is the key to its box office success.
In terms of box office performance, “Ne Zha 2” has shattered records. Within just eight days of its release, it grossed over 5 billion yuan (approximately $684 million), surpassing its predecessor and becoming the highest-grossing animated film in mainland China. This monumental success underscores the film’s resonance with audiences and its cultural significance.
As an entertainment journalist and fantasy film enthusiast, I find “Ne Zha 2” to be a stellar continuation of the original tale. It masterfully balances action, emotion, and moral lessons, making it a must-watch for fans of animated epics. I would rate this film a 9.5 out of 10.
Movie
Justice has a new Daddy. Watch the new trailer for NakedGun,

Only one man has the particular set of skills… to lead Police Squad and save the world! Lt. Frank Drebin Jr. (Liam Neeson) follows in his father’s footsteps in THE NAKED GUN, directed by Akiva Schaffer (Saturday Night Live, Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping) and from producer Seth MacFarlane (Ted, Family Guy). Joining the cast are Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, Liza Koshy, Eddie Yu, with Danny Huston.
only in theatres August 1st.
Movie
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever.

As an unabashed fan of the original 2010 animated masterpiece How to Train Your Dragon, I approached the new live-action adaptation with cautious excitement. And let me say this upfront: it blew me away. This isn’t just a remake—it’s a heartfelt reimagining that understands exactly what made the original special, while carving out a new legacy all its own.
The decision to bring back Dean DeBlois, the creative force behind the animated trilogy, was nothing short of inspired. His return doesn’t just lend authenticity—it infuses the film with the same emotional richness, visual wonder, and narrative soul that made the original soar. DeBlois clearly understands that this story isn’t just about dragons—it’s about identity, empathy, and the quiet courage it takes to be different.
This film is a masterclass, in my opinion, on how to adapt animation to live action. Instead of chasing spectacle for spectacle’s sake, it stays grounded in character and emotion. The filmmakers preserve the heart of the story—Hiccup and Toothless’s bond, the tension between father and son, the forging of peace between enemies—while adding just enough new layers and textures to make it feel fresh. Small changes enhance the world rather than distract from it, proving that you don’t need to reinvent the wheel when you’re already working with gold.
The performances, across the board, are extraordinary. Mason Thames is a revelation as Hiccup. He captures the awkwardness, intelligence, and inner strength of the character with stunning nuance. Gerard Butler reprises his role as Stoick with even greater emotional depth—his presence is towering, both literally and figuratively, anchoring the film with gravitas. Nick Frost brings warmth and perfectly timed humor to Gobber, effortlessly making the character his own. And Nico Parker’s Astrid is fierce, grounded, and utterly magnetic—her chemistry with Thames sparks with authenticity.
Fifteen years after the original animated film took flight, this live-action adaptation proves that its story is as powerful and relevant as ever. It’s rare to see a remake that feels both lovingly faithful and genuinely new, but How to Train Your Dragon accomplishes just that. With breathtaking visuals, deeply human performances, and an unwavering emotional core, this film isn’t just a retelling—it’s a reminder of why we fell in love with this world of dragons in the first place.
Heartfelt, heroic, and unforgettable—How to Train Your Dragon (2025) is a 10 out of 10
Movie
Review: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina

From the World of John Wick: Ballerina is a stylish and brutal addition to the ever-expanding John Wick universe. Set between the explosive events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum and Chapter 4, the film seamlessly slots into the timeline without feeling like a stopgap. Instead, it builds something fresh, introducing a new protagonist on a vengeful journey of her own.
Ana de Armas delivers a fierce and emotionally layered performance as Eve Macarro, a ballerina-trained assassin seeking justice for her family. While her motivations mirror Wick’s, the film avoids repetition by diving deeper into the Ruska Roma and High Table lore. It’s a testament to the world-building that this spin-off doesn’t just feel justified—it feels essential.
As expected, the fight choreography is at its peak—gritty, inventive, and ruthlessly beautiful. Every action set-piece hits with a kinetic energy that’s both thrilling and brutal. This franchise continues to prove that when it comes to stunt work and direction, it’s in a league of its own. Can the John Wick series really disappoint? So far, no.
The story is tight, the pacing brisk, and each supporting performance, especially the cameos from familiar faces, adds weight and continuity to the narrative. Ballerina proves that this universe is more than just one man’s war; it’s a whole underworld waiting to be explored.
With compelling characters, rich mythology, and jaw-dropping action, Ballerina is a strong 9/10—one of the best spin-offs in recent memory.