And now, as the Monty Python crew would say, for something completely different. The title KPop Demon Hunters may be all you need to decide if this is your kind of entertainment. I gave it the benefit of the doubt.
With stories grounded in millennia-old clashes between good and evil, it’s always most efficient for a bit of narration that clues you into the mythic foundation. Gwi-Ma (voiced by Lee Byung-hun) is a fiery fiend who feasts on human souls, and like all fiery fiends he dreams of using the world as his buffet. He’s been held at bay by generations of women warriors who can sing into existence a network called the Honmoon. Over the centuries, the noose has gotten tighter. And when complete, the Golden Honmoon will imprison Gwi-Ma and his demonic hordes for eternity.
As we fast-forward to today, I wish the montage of women singers over the centuries gave each just a little more time. Very clever. But we arrive at the present day, when the eternal fight against Gwi-Ma rests with Huntrix, a trio of KPop idols. Our heroes have been trained as deadly fighters. They also have superhero-type talents. Weapons flash into existence in their hands, and they can dive out of a plane and land on a stage surrounded by thousands of screaming fans, just in time to deliver a rousing introductory performance.
They’re badass. They’re also teenagers. So occasionally they’re also obsessed with ramyeon and boys. There’s Mira (May Hong, singing voice by Audrey Nuna), a rebellious, prickly personality. Then there’s rapper and lyricist Zoey (Ji-young Yoo/Rei Ami), who’s self-consciously nerdy. And the heart of the group is lead singer Rumi (Arden Cho/Ejae), who was raised by by Celine (Kim-Yun-jin, singing voice by Lea Salonga), a former singer and now the group’s mentor. Rounding out the entourage is Huntrix agent, Bobby (Ken Jeong).
Because his incompetent fiendish army has so far been unable to deter Huntrix, Gwi-Ma is receptive to an idea floated by Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop/Andrew Choi), a demon who gets no respect because he was originally human. Jinu’s idea: fight fire with fire. Or, that is, song with song. He will lead boy band Saja Boys to compete for fans against Huntrix in the annual Idol Awards. Gwi-Ma promises to release Jinu if he can defeat Huntrix and prevent completion of the Honmoon.
And it might work. Just when she needs it most, Rumi’s angelic singing voice is beginning to fail.
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Now sure, the story gets no points for creativity. It’s the classic good-versus-evil throwdown: Both Rumi and Jinu have their secrets and limitations, as do Mira and Zoey and Celine. There will be plans and revelations, betrayals and heroic sacrifices, final victories and redemption.
But you’re not watching for the plot. You’re watching for the catchy, clever songs. Not “Man of La Mancha” inspiring, not “Fiddler on the Roof” delightful. But you’ll enjoy Huntrix’s intro, “How It’s Done,” and their concluding “Takedown.” The Saja Boys do just about steal the show with “Soda Pop.” The animated dance routines are likewise a joy to watch. In fact the animation itself is consistently mesmerizing; the characters themselves seem to glow.
What else? The relationship between the Huntrix singers, the snappy wordplay, the occasional teenage angst … it’s all entertaining to watch and listen to. It even leans into a little thematic messaging about the value of relationships, family, and being true to one’s self.
So I’m glad I gave it the benefit of the doubt. I liked it. You might too. After a full course of Citizen Kane or Psycho, it’s nice to settle back and have a light dessert like KPop Demon Hunters.
Hmm … is that final frame a hint the K-Pop Demon Hunters may have another battle to fight in a sequel? Why not?
Absolutely do stick around into the credits. There’s footage of the three main singers in their sound booths, giving the vocals their all and having a blast. That’s just as entertaining and terrific as the movie itself.