The plot is thin to the point of transparency. It’s essentially a video-game quest: go to a city, fight a demon (the Red Boy), then fight a bigger demon (the Spider Queen and a giant golden ape). Kris Wu, while charming, is miscast as the lead monk—lacking the spiritual gravity or comedic timing the role demands. Worse, the film falls into the modern blockbuster trap of non-stop action. By the third act, the constant explosions of digital confetti become exhausting rather than exciting.
The Demons Strike Back is not a good movie in the traditional sense, but it is an entertaining one if you calibrate your expectations. Don’t expect the philosophical wit of the original novel or the tight storytelling of Stephen Chow’s best work. Instead, treat it like a roller coaster: loud, fast, forgettable, but a decent thrill while it lasts. download journey to the west the demons strike back
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐ (3/5)