Their attires change throughout the phases as they're displayed in flashy fashion yet still recognizable in the intricacy. Rendition of the monk, Baije and Wujing always spark interest, and the version this movie produces is definitely cordial.

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. This also translates to other characters as well. She brings a heavier impact to every scene she's in. One can't go wrong in casting a charismatic actor and polish her character in CG, costume and make-up. Gong Li as Lady White fits as the villain. Granted, he enjoys higher level of production to create the persona. 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. Perhaps this story will be familiar to Asian audience, and it's refreshing to see it's presented with gorgeous modern presentation. 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. 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. 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.When the first Monkey King premiered there was lofty expectation, yet what we got was lackluster ancient mythology with outdated graphic. It will probably turn up in the Netflix graveyard at some point. 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. Most importantly, the charisma of the stars shines through it. There is a lot of practical wire-work amidst the wash of particle effects and glowy things. 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. Gong Li is very hammy, and couldn't chew the scenery more, but it's within the tone of the film. I can't say how he compared to Donnie Yen but he's so lovable.

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. I didn't see the first Monkey King, it had such poor reviews so I didn't bother. I really enjoyed it, it was a fun action fantasy romp, and I love the various Journey to the West stories.

The monkey king 2 full movie 2016