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Indian Express
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- Indian Express
KPop Demon Hunters review: From BLACKPINK-esque energy to K-drama jabs, Netflix nails the tone without making a joke of it
K-pop, visuals, killer choreography, and stunts, Kpop Demon Hunters might just be Sony's best shot at redeeming itself after the backlash for its Spider-Verse missteps. Netflix's new animated movie KPop Demon Hunters blends South Korean pop culture with anime's demon-hunting madness, and wastes no time gripping viewers with its one-and-a-half-hour ride full of brilliantly worked original soundtracks. A girl group called Huntrix leads a double life – beloved idols by day, demon slayers by night, using the power of their music to trap hordes of demons underground, generation after generation. The premise may sound silly, but under the direction of Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, it works. It doesn't try to be cool, it simply is. With clean execution, sharp humor, and a Tomatometer score holding strong at 94%, it delivers. I tuned into KPop Demon Hunters expecting the usual drag, 10-15 minutes setting things up, running the ritual loop, ready to skip with 10-sec jumps. But the opening voiceover caught me off guard. 'The world will know you as pop stars, but you will be much more than that.' I stopped and let the intro roll—no regrets. The screen flipped from a packed stadium to a desolate village under demonic shadow. 'Demons have always hunted the world, stealing our souls and channelling strength back to their king, Gwi Ma,' the voice warned, dropping the antagonist's name seconds in. Then came the heroes, girls 'born with voices that could drive back darkness, singing songs of courage and hope.' The story keeps it simple: Huntrix, a three-piece K-pop act formed by Celine, are next in line to complete the Golden Hanmoon, a force field meant to lock demons out for good. But peace doesn't come easy. A demonic boy band is formed, disguised in charm, out to rip through Huntrix and take everything down with them. Also read: 34th Seoul Music Awards full winners list: BTS' Jimin wins special award, i-dle creates history, BLACKPINK Rose, TXT, G-Dragon win big The animation of KPop Demon Hunters is done by Sony Pictures Animation. It's bold, colourful, stylised, and dramatic. From the first glance, you can tell it's heavily inspired by Spider-Verse. Every frame feels intentional, never a dull moment. Director Maggie Kang, who grew up obsessed with legendary K-pop boy bands like H.O.T. and Seo Taiji, took inspirations for the on-screen boy band, Saja Boys, from names like BTS, TXT, ATEEZ, BIGBANG, and Monsta X. For the girl group, the reference was loud and clear, BLACKPINK and TWICE. But it's Rumi, the central character, whose look had fans convinced she was modelled after BLACKPINK's Jennie, and the director didn't shy away from acknowledging it. So yeah, we got K-pop's biggest crossover moment on screen way before it happened in real life. Even when the film takes a jab at K-pop tropes or idol culture, it does so while delivering a complete visual banger. Despite the 'demon-hunting pop star' angle which sounds intense, KPop Demon Hunters actually leans into the comedy. There are several digs at overly dramatic K-drama moments, formulaic singing contests, and how the entertainment industry can sometimes feel too polished. There's also a clear wink to the audience throughout. It pokes fun at several aspects without becoming a joke itself. The most important part of KPop Demon Hunters is the original soundtrack, which honestly deserves its own Spotify spotlight. The main trio, Rumi, Mira, and Zoey, are voiced by actual musicians like EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and REI AMI, and the songs picked for each segment mirror the mood, emotion, and pace of the story. For instance, 'How It's Done' sets the tone right away with a fight scene on a plane, showing how Huntrix can knock out demons and land mid-concert like it's nothing. 'Jinu's Lament', sung by one of the demon characters, is moody and introspective. 'Strategy' rolls in during a staycation scene. 'Golden' is Huntrix's big hope track, the name also nods to Jungkook's Golden album. EXO's 'Love Me Right' drops when Huntrix meets the boy band, and from there, the playlist just keeps stacking. Actor Lee Byung Hun, who plays the Front Man in Squid Game, voiced the film's main villain, Gwi Ma. Also read: Every BTS member's brand power ranked after military discharge; Jimin, Jungkook lead June K-pop reputation index KPop Demon Hunters doesn't try to be more than it is, and honestly, that's its win. One good watch, and you won't walk away feeling robbed of your time. Yunjin Kim, Daniel Dae Kim, Arden Cho, May Hong, Ahn Hyo Seop, and Li Young Yoo's voices bring in that sense of familiarity, so it's hard not to see the characters through their lens—the makers clearly played it smart here. The movie ends with a cliffhanger, a clear hint that this could lead to a sequel, a spinoff, or maybe a bigger franchise. The only thing it lacked was a solid backstory. It would've been great if the film took a few minutes to show us who these characters were before going straight into the chaos. Whether it's more demon battles, new rival bands, or digging into pasts, this world has room to grow.
Mint
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Mint
'K-Pop Demon Hunters' REVIEW: K-pop meets demons in a fun, flashy ride that's more sparkle than substance
If you've ever wondered what would happen if a K-pop girl group secretly hunted demons by night, 'KPop Demon Hunters' gives you exactly that – with a lot of colour, catchy music, and animated flair. The film mixes supernatural action with the sparkle of the pop music world, delivering something that's charming, fun, and light-hearted, though not very deep. The story follows Huntrix, a girl group made up of Rumi, Mira, and Zoey. By day, they're idols with fans and fame, but by night, they hunt demons threatening the human world. Their main enemies are the Saja Boys – a rival boy band whose members are actually demons. The film most likely refers to the Korean word 'jeosung saja', meaning death spirits, which hints at their true nature and dark purpose. The plot is quite straightforward. The girls follow in the footsteps of their predecessors, carrying on the responsibility of keeping evil forces in check. There is a small twist in their story that brings something new, but it's best not to spoil it. Still, the overall storyline is quite standard. Things often resolve too quickly, and some emotional parts – like a major secret involving Rumi – are barely explored. Mira and Zoey accepting it without much reaction feels odd and takes away from what could have been a stronger moment of connection or conflict. Another thing that could have been better was the film's title. There is absolutely no creativity involved in the name 'K-Pop Demon Hunters' and I am sure most watchers and cinephiles would agree. What saves the film, however, is its music. The soundtrack is energetic and very well done, featuring K-pop style tunes that fans of the genre will absolutely love. The musical numbers are not just background; they're woven into the plot and give the film its rhythm and life. If you're someone who enjoys music-heavy animations, this one will likely win you over. Visually, the film is impressive. The animation is slick, colourful, and fast-paced, clearly inspired by Sony's 'Spider-Verse' films. The fight scenes and concert visuals are filled with movement and detail. It also brings to mind 'Turning Red' in terms of themes like growing up, friendship, and family, mixed with fantasy and humour. Another comparison can be made to K/DA, the fictional girl group from League of Legends. The styling, music, and world-building feel quite similar, and fans of that group will feel right at home here. There's also a playful tone throughout. The film is aware of K-pop and K-drama clichés and isn't afraid to poke fun at them. This self-awareness adds a nice layer of humour, especially for viewers familiar with the world of Korean entertainment. The voice cast is another highlight. Arden Cho delivers an emotional performance as Rumi, giving her more depth than the script sometimes allows. EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami – who provide the singing voices for Rumi, Mira, and Zoey – each bring their own style and flair to the music. With supporting cast members like Lee Byung-hun, Ken Jeong, Daniel Dae Kim, and Ahn Hyo-seop, the film boasts a strong and varied vocal line-up. In the end, 'KPop Demon Hunters' is a visually appealing and musically exciting film that's perfect for fans of K-pop, animation, or light fantasy. It's not particularly deep, and the plot can feel too neat or rushed at times, but it's still a good time. If you're looking for something easy to watch, full of charm and fun, this film won't disappoint. Also, if you love music or catchy tunes, then you can surely revisit the film more than once. 3 out of 5 stars – A bright and enjoyable film with catchy tunes and heart, even if it doesn't dig too deep.
Tom's Guide
21-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
5 best new movies to stream this weekend on Max, Netflix, Disney Plus, and more
Another weekend means a fresh wave of new movies across the best streaming services just arrived, including some of this year's biggest blockbusters. But figuring out what to watch with so much to choose from can quickly become a headache. That's why we regularly comb through all the new movies on streaming to highlight the best of the bunch. The biggest newcomer this week is easily "A Minecraft Movie" on Max, though my top pick would have to be 'Final Destination Bloodlines' arriving on premium video-on-demand streaming platforms. On Netflix, you can check out 'Kpop Demon Hunters," a fun and vibrant new animated adventure from the studio behind the "Spider-Verse" films. Over on Disney Plus, there's a new live-action musical version of "Frozen" with new songs from the original movie's songwriters. Lastly, Paramount Plus has a millennia-spanning love story starring Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun called "Love Me." So if you're looking for what to watch this weekend, your search is over. Here are our picks for the best new movies on streaming to add to your watchlist. Working as a prequel and a sequel, the long-awaited sixth "Final Destination" film reinvigorates the franchise by taking its iconic premise to a new level: If death hunts down those who cheat fate, what happens when those survivors have children? While this generational angle adds a fun new layer, "Bloodlines" still delivers on all the inventive gore and over-the-top kills that fans have come to expect. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Like every movie in the series, "Bloodlines" kicks off with a jaw-dropping premonition where a character foresees a deadly catastrophe and manages to save a few would-be victims. The twist this time is that a survivor's grandchild, college student Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), finds herself in the crosshairs when death comes to collect his dues. The time gap works in the film's favor, making the familiar formula of death stalking survivors feel fresh again for one of the best entries in the series since "Final Destination 2." Buy or rent now on Amazon or Apple Parents everywhere can breathe a sigh of relief: you don't have to brave the Chicken Jockey frenzy in theaters to see "A Minecraft Movie" anymore, now that it's landed on Max. Whether you find this year's biggest blockbuster delightfully entertaining or an exhausting barrage of meme fodder depends on your taste, but it's hard to deny the cultural impact it's had. Jason Momoa, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, and Sebastian Hansen star as a scrappy group of misfits who stumble through a portal into the pixelated world of Minecraft. To survive their blocky new world, their imagination will be put to the test as they team up with Steve (Jack Black), a seasoned crafter who's been stuck there for decades. Director Jared Hess ("Napoleon Dynamite") brings his signature offbeat humor, while Jack Black once again proves he's a comedic powerhouse capable of winning over a whole new generation of kids. Stream it now on Max What happens when a chart-topping music genre crashes headfirst into an animated realm crawling with soul-sucking demons? That's what we'll find out in "KPop Demon Hunters," Netflix's latest animated adventure. It's from the same animation studio behind the "Spider-Verse" films and "The Mitchells vs. the Machines," so if nothing else, this promises to be a stunning feast for the eyes. "KPop Demon Hunters" follows superstars Rumi (voiced by Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo), who split their time between selling out stadiums and (what else?) slaying demons. But they're faced with their biggest challenge yet when a rival boy band turns out to be a group of demons in disguise. With the souls of their fans at stake, not to mention their reputation, the idols gear up to slay the day. Watch it now on Netflix Anyone counting down the days until "Wicked: For Good" will be excited to learn that one of Disney's most popular movies of all time, "Frozen," is getting the "Hamilton" treatment on Disney Plus. The musical tells the same story as the animated film, only in a live stage format. You'd be forgiven for thinking this is the Broadway version based on the title, but it's actually a taping of the show's West End production at Theatre Royal Drury Lane in London, which ran from 2021 to 2024. The show features 12 new songs written exclusively for the musical by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, who co-wrote the songs for both "Frozen" and "Frozen 2." And of course, there's still all the original earworms from the movie, only this time with "Pretty Woman: The Musical" star Samantha Barks belting out "Let It Go" instead of Idina Menzel. Watch it now on Disney Plus For an offbeat romantic drama with a heavy helping of sci-fi, look no further than Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun's "Love Me." Set in a future where humanity has gone extinct, it follows an unexpected duo: a weather buoy (voiced by Stewart) that becomes self-aware after a brief encounter with a passing satellite (Yeun). Yearning for a sense of self, the buoy calls itself 'Me' and dubs the satellite 'Iam.' Me persuades Iam to study the remnants of the internet with her to better understand what it means to be human. Though Iam doesn't realize it, Me begins to construct new identities for them both based on social media posts from a once-living couple. As their bond evolves into something that resembles love, the cracks in their borrowed identities as well as their growing connection begin to show. Watch it now on Paramount Plus
Time of India
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Sandra Bullock sent a voice note to Dakota Johnson after Razzie win; called her ‘part of the club': 'There are a lot of good people who..'
has had a whirlwind few months. Along with rumours of her breakup with Coldplay frontman after being together for eight years, Dakota was also awarded a Razzie for Worst Actress for her performance in 'Madame Web'. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The superhero film, which saw Johnson play Cassandra Webb – a paramedic with precognitive powers – was a critical and box office failure. It was criticised for its weak screenplay, underwhelming performances and messy execution. It even bagged the Razzie for Worst Picture and Worst Screenplay. 's kind voice note But in the middle of all this chaos, Johnson received a sweet and unexpected message from none other than Sandra Bullock. While speaking on 's Good Hang podcast, Dakota shared how Sandra reached out to her after the Razzie announcement. 'There's a lot of good people who have won that,' Dakota said, adding that Sandra Bullock left her a voice note saying, 'I heard you are in the Razzie club. We should have brunch, a monthly Razzie brunch.' Sandra Bullock had once famously won both an Oscar and a Razzie in the same year back in 2010, which made her message all the more meaningful and comforting. Dakota's reaction: 'I was freaking out' The supportive voice note left a strong impression on Johnson. She couldn't hide her excitement, calling Sandra Bullock 'so iconic' and confessing that she was 'freaking out' after hearing from her. The message may have been light-hearted, but it carried a deeper meaning. It reminded Dakota that even the most talented actors face setbacks, and that true support in Hollywood can come in the most unexpected ways – like a voice note encouraging a monthly Razzie brunch. 'Madame Web': A misfire for Sony The film 'Madame Web', released as part of Sony's Spider-Verse, turned out to be a big disappointment. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now However, Dakota made it clear that the film's creative direction wasn't in her hands. In a previous interview with the Los Angeles Times, she bluntly said, 'It's not my fault,' distancing herself from the film's flaws. Audiences also had mixed reactions. Our official ETimes rating for the film stood at 2.5 stars out of 5. The review read: 'The whole attempt to infuse some family feel into the story with Cassie's colleague O'Neil (Mike Epps) and his pregnant sister-in-law Mary Parker (Emma Roberts) is so half-hearted. In conclusion, 'Madame Web' falls short of making a significant impact within the superhero genre, serving more as a tepid introduction than a compelling addition to an already saturated universe.' Despite the criticism, Dakota Johnson's honest response, and Sandra Bullock's supportive gesture, made for a heart-warming moment that many fans appreciated. Sandra Bullock and Sister Fight Back Against Fake Accounts, Reveal Shocking Scams Targeting Fans
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
New York Governor congrats ‘power couple' Josh Allen, Hailee Steinfeld on wedding
The post New York Governor congrats 'power couple' Josh Allen, Hailee Steinfeld on wedding appeared first on ClutchPoints. Following their wedding, New York Governor Kathy Hochul congratulated Buffalo Bills star Josh Allen and Hailee Steinfeld on their marriage. She took to X, formerly Twitter, to quote post Pop Base's post about Allen and Steinfeld's wedding. 'Congrats to a real New York power couple,' she wrote with Bills red and blue heart emojis. 'Go Bills.' Of course, Allen is the quarterback of the Bills, one of New York's football teams, and Hochul wants to show her support of the star. Over the last few days, photos have surfaced of Allen and Steinfeld's wedding. In the pictures, Steinfeld is wearing an elegant white dress with matching sleeves on her arms. Her hair appeared to be pulled back. Allen, meanwhile, was wearing a classy black tuxedo. Their wedding comes months after their engagement. Allen proposed to Steinfeld during the Bills' bye week in November 2024, and they have now tied the knot. Allen and Steinfeld have been together since 2023. While they do not receive as much attention from the media as Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, they are another one of the NFL's high-profile couples. It has been quite a year for Allen. He won his first-ever NFL MVP for his 2024 campaign, during which he threw for 3,731 yards, 28 touchdowns, and six interceptions. He added another 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns on the ground. Allen also had a receiving touchdown as well. However, the Bills were eliminated from the playoffs by Allen's biggest rival, Patrick Mahomes, quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs. He is now 0-4 against Mahomes in the playoffs despite having a 4-1 record against him in the regular season. Now, Allen is heading into his eighth season in the NFL. The Bills are hoping to get over the hump and win a Super Bowl with Allen as their signal-caller. Steinfeld is on a hot streak of her own. She was just seen in Sinners with Michael B. Jordan. Sinners is Ryan Coogler's latest feature film, and it has grossed over $350 million worldwide at the box office. She has also had roles in other blockbusters, such as Bumblebee and the Spider-Verse series. Steinfeld will soon return to voice Gwen Stacy in Spider-Man: Beyond the Spider-Verse. Her breakthrough came when she starred in Pitch Perfect 2. She launched an acting and music career with that performance. Her other notable roles include ones in The Edge of Seventeen, Ender's Game, and Hawkeye.
