Monster Hunt 2
Chinese action-adventure sequel has mild fantasy violence.
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Monster Hunt 2
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A Lot or a Little?
The parents' guide to what's in this movie.
What Parents Need to Know
Parents need to know that Monster Hunt 2 (or Zhuo yao ji 2) is a Chinese action-adventure sequel with strong elements of fantasy, cartoonish violence, and a mostly comedic story. The sequel to Monster Hunt, it returns to the human characters of Xiaolan (Baihe Bai) and Tianyin (Boran Jing) and their "child" -- a friendly monster called Wuba. Violence features at various points, but in keeping with the movie's vibe it is usually light-hearted and throwaway, with very few characters being harmed or injured. CGI monsters, who disguise themselves as humans, often prompt "wire fu" set pieces -- stunts are performed with discreet wires and pulleys. Weapons include knives, swords, smoke bombs, bladed throwing weapons, staffs, and clubs, all of which are used at various points. There is one on-screen death but the violence which causes it is not graphic or bloody. Wuba is joined by Tu (played by Hong Kong A-list star Tony Leung) who is depicted as a gambler and a schemer, but a likable one who means no harm. He spends a lot of the movie dealing with people he has angered by swindling them in the past, or by owing them money. The movie is available in both Mandarin with English subtitles and with English dubbing.
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What's the Story?
MONSTER HUNT 2 follows Wuba, a friendly monster, as he travels through the human realm after being separated from his family. Unbeknown to him, Wuba's "human parents," Xiaolan (Baihe Bai) and Tianyin (Boran Jing) are searching for him. Can Wuba escape capture from the evil monsters who are pursuing him and reunite with his family?
Is It Any Good?
A feast for the eyes although not perhaps the brain, this movie proved to be a box office smash in China despite its thin plot and perpetually confusing story world. Director Raman Hui previously worked on the Shrek movies during his time at Dreamworks, and it shows. The animation here is truly impressive. A vibrant cast of monsters co-exist alongside humans in scenes that seamlessly blend both action and comedy into the movie's many, many set pieces.
Where Monster Hunt 2 falters is a lack of a coherent story, with almost every lead character meandering their way through various twists and turns that add little. Also there isn't much of an antagonist, leaving it light on tension, stakes, and a payoff. Younger viewers may be taken in by its brightly colored show-stoppers regardless. And any parents who are fans of world cinema will at least find out what it's like to watch Hong Kong dramatic legend Tony Leung (The Grandmaster and Red Cliff) enjoy himself in a knockabout family movie.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the fight scenes in Monster Hunt 2. Did you find them fun, confusing, scary, or a mixture of all three? Does it have real-life consequences? Did the fantasy element make a difference to how you felt about it? How much violent/scary stuff can young kids handle?
How do the various characters demonstrate courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Wuba and his "human parents" have an unconventional but loving family. What can we learn from them? Why is it important to see all kinds of different families portrayed in movies and TV?
This movie was a commercial hit in China. Have you seen any other movies from around the world? Which have been your favorites?
How did this movie compare with the first Monster Hunt? Can you think of any movie franchises where you have preferred the sequel to the original?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: February 18, 2018
- Cast: Tony Leung, Bai Baihe, Boran Jing
- Director: Raman Hui
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Genre: Action/Adventure
- Topics: Magic and Fantasy, Sports and Martial Arts, Monsters, Ghosts, and Vampires
- Run time: 110 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: December 2, 2022
Our Editors Recommend
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Monster Hunt
Chinese fantasy mega-hit has lots of martial-arts action.
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Kung Fu Panda
Action-packed start of a franchise; scary scenes, fatphobia.
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Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon
Magical, award-winning martial arts fairy tale.
For kids who love fantasy and martial arts
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