TLDR;
The reviewer expresses deep disappointment with "Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning," stating it's potentially the worst Digimon release since 2015. The critique focuses on the film's failure to deliver on key aspects that make Digimon appealing: compelling character development, exciting evolutions, and engaging battles. The story is criticized for being weak and not justifying the absence of action and meaningful character moments for the original 02 cast.
- The film lacks meaningful battles and utilizes evolutions poorly.
- The story centers too much on a new character, Louie, at the expense of the original 02 cast.
- The movie doesn't offer a compelling experience for both longtime and new Digimon fans.
Intro [0:00]
The reviewer traveled from Canada to America to watch "Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning" in theaters. Despite high expectations, the reviewer was significantly disappointed. The review aims to express these feelings without invalidating others' positive experiences with the film.
To Be Honest [0:30]
The reviewer clarifies that their issues with the movie are not related to timeline contradictions or canon inconsistencies, which have been problematic in the Digimon franchise for years. The core issues lie in how the movie fails its characters, actors, and fans by prioritizing a new character and neglecting elements that make Digimon special, such as evolutions and battles. The reviewer believes the film emphasizes story at the expense of action and character development.
Action [1:52]
"Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning" lacks meaningful battles. There's a brief action sequence near the end where characters navigate obstacles, but it doesn't qualify as a proper battle. This absence is baffling to the reviewer, who believes that the best Digimon stories integrate epic battles with emotional beats. The reviewer feels the filmmakers may have intentionally avoided scripting and animating battles to see if audiences would still support the film. There were opportunities to include action in the film to create a more well-rounded experience.
Evolution [2:53]
The reviewer's main issue isn't the absence of new Digimon forms, but the poor utilization of existing evolutions. In every instance, Digimon evolutions are merely used as transportation for characters, such as flying them to Tokyo Tower. This undermines the significance of evolution as a metaphor for overcoming obstacles. The reviewer contrasts this with other anime where transformations carry emotional weight and context. The use of Paildramon to simply transport characters is seen as nostalgia bait and a disservice to the form's iconic status.
Story [4:20]
The story is the strongest aspect of the film, but it's not compelling enough to justify the lack of action and evolution. The plot involves a new character who introduces a revelation that contradicts established beliefs, only for it to be revealed as untrue. While the new character, Rui (Louie in the English dub), is a welcome addition, his backstory is delivered through lengthy exposition dumps, leaving the 02 cast passive and uninvolved.
Why A Movie? [5:30]
The reviewer questions whether "Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning" was suited for a film format, suggesting it might have worked better as a stage play, light novel, or audio drama. The film's limited locations and lack of visual spectacle fail to capitalize on the potential of animation. The majority of the movie takes place in only three locations: the computer lab, Louie's home in the past, and the area around Tokyo Tower.
The Star [6:04]
The reviewer expresses surprise at the film's lack of interest in the core 02 cast, despite being marketed as an 02 story. The concept of DigiDestined around the globe is introduced, but their involvement is minimal. The 02 cast members are only slightly more involved, with little exploration of their lives as young adults. The reviewer found more character development for the 02 cast in "Last Evolution Kizuna," despite them being a B-plot.
Priorities [7:43]
The film delves into obscure Digimon lore, specifically the wish for everyone in the world to have a Digimon. While this exploration of deep-cut lore is interesting, the reviewer questions whether it was necessary or beneficial to the story. The reviewer was warned about the lack of action, limited evolutions, and focus on Louie, but was still disappointed.
'For The Fans' [8:43]
The reviewer argues that the film doesn't benefit the Digimon franchise and may even harm it. While some may claim it's "for the fans," the reviewer urges a broader definition of fans, noting that both casual and hardcore fans in their viewing experience were disappointed. The reviewer contrasts "Digimon Adventure 02: The Beginning" unfavorably with "Last Evolution Kizuna," suggesting it fails to satisfy both longtime and new players. The director's claim that the story was only possible with the 02 cast is disputed, as the reviewer believes it could have been adapted for other Digimon seasons or casts.
Summary [10:40]
The film is a disappointment, even more so than Digimon Ghost Game. The reviewer cannot defend or recommend it to anyone who isn't a hardcore Digimon fan. They will only rewatch it for reference in future video essays. The next video will be a spoiler discussion, followed by an ending explained video. The reviewer encourages viewers who enjoyed the film to not let the review diminish their happiness.