My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024) Movie Review: Where to Watch
Introduction
My Hero Academia: You’re Next is the fourth movie in the My Hero Academia franchise, an anime series that has captured the hearts of fans worldwide. This installment takes place between Seasons 6 and 7 of the TV series and introduces a new and terrifying villain, Dark Might, who believes he is the true successor to All Might. The film combines high-octane action, complex character dynamics, and a fresh yet flawed storyline that both excites and frustrates.
Plot Overview
The movie begins in a Japan devastated by supervillains, where society clings to existence in small, vulnerable pockets. The heroes of U.A. High School’s Class 1-A are scattered across the ruins, battling villains in an effort to restore peace. However, they soon face a new threat in the form of Dark Might, a villain who claims to be the true successor to All Might.
Dark Might’s powers are formidable, with the ability to transmute materials on a massive scale. His belief that might makes right drives him to capture a girl with quirk-amplifying abilities, transforming a large city into a flying fortress and trapping hundreds of civilians, including our young heroes. The movie follows Class 1-A as they navigate the fortress, facing off against Dark Might’s powerful minions and automatons, all while trying to bring the villain to justice.
Character Dynamics and Performances
As expected, the film gives the most screen time to Deku, Bakugo, and Todoroki. Their battles with Dark Might take on a deeply personal tone, as the villain’s warped interpretation of All Might’s ideals clashes with their own beliefs about heroism. The trio’s journey is as much about confronting their own ideals as it is about defeating the villain.
However, the introduction of original characters like Giulio, a cyborg butler on a mission of revenge, and Anna, the girl with quirk-amplifying abilities, feels forced. Giulio’s character is a bundle of clichés—a brooding figure whose motivations are never fully explored. Anna, on the other hand, is reduced to a plot device, spending most of the film in a trance-like state. While these characters serve to move the plot forward, they lack the depth and development needed to make them truly memorable.
The supporting villains, aside from Dark Might, are similarly one-dimensional, defined more by their powers than their personalities. Even Dark Might, despite his intriguing connection to All Might, ultimately falls short as a compelling antagonist. His downfall is driven as much by his own arrogance and mistakes as by the heroes’ efforts, making the final victory feel somewhat hollow.
Themes and Missed Opportunities
Thematically, My Hero Academia: You’re Next had the potential to explore the unintended consequences of heroism, particularly through the lens of All Might’s legacy. Dark Might’s twisted belief that power alone defines heroism could have been a powerful foil to the ideals of Class 1-A. Unfortunately, the film misses this opportunity, opting instead for a more straightforward battle of good versus evil.
The film could have further enriched its narrative by reflecting on All Might’s impact on the world and how his actions, even those meant to inspire, could lead to dark interpretations. Additionally, had Dark Might’s powers been more akin to All Might’s super strength rather than transmutation, the film could have offered a more direct confrontation of ideals, where the young heroes prove their worthiness as successors.
Action and Animation
Despite these narrative shortcomings, My Hero Academia: You’re Next delivers where it counts: in action and animation. Studio Bones once again proves its mastery, with breathtaking fight scenes that are both well-choreographed and visually stunning. The opening battle, where Deku showcases his growing arsenal of powers against minor villains, is particularly exhilarating, capturing the essence of what makes him such a compelling hero.
The climactic battles, while not as thematically satisfying, are nonetheless a feast for the eyes. Explosions, intricate quirk-based combat, and fluid animation make every fight scene a spectacle. The attention to detail in the animation, from the characters’ expressions to the destruction of the environment, helps elevate the film beyond its narrative flaws.
Music and Soundtrack
The film’s soundtrack complements its action perfectly. Vaundy’s new tracks bookend the film with energy and emotion, setting the tone from the very first scene. The iconic “You Say Run” track returns, underscoring key moments with its familiar, adrenaline-pumping rhythm, reminding fans why it has become synonymous with the series’ most heroic moments.
Final Thoughts
My Hero Academia: You’re Next is a film that, despite its flaws, succeeds in delivering an entertaining experience for fans of the series. The action is top-notch, the animation is stellar, and the core characters remain as engaging as ever. However, the film’s reliance on underdeveloped original characters and missed thematic opportunities prevent it from reaching its full potential.
For fans of the franchise, My Hero Academia: You’re Next is a must-watch, offering two hours of high-energy spectacle and emotional highs. However, those unfamiliar with the series may find the film less satisfying as a standalone experience. Ultimately, while not the best entry in the My Hero Academia film series, it still ranks high and is worth watching for its thrilling battles and continued exploration of what it means to be a hero.
Where to Watch: My Hero Academia: You’re Next will be available in theaters starting August 2, 2024. After its theatrical run, it is expected to be available for streaming on platforms like Crunchyroll and Funimation, with options for both subbed and dubbed versions.
In conclusion, My Hero Academia: You’re Next is an exciting, action-packed addition to the beloved franchise, offering fans a mix of thrilling battles and familiar character dynamics, even if it doesn’t quite hit all the right notes thematically.
