In 2019, an anime show based on Shonen Jump’s manga series of the same name titled, “Demon Slayer” became an instant hit as one of the best (if not the best) anime shows in recent years. Thanks to the show’s success, Demon Slayer gained popularity spawning merchandise, video games, action figures, collectibles etc. Prior to Season 2, a film titled, “Demon Slayer: Mugen Train” takes place after Season 1.
Released in 2021, (same year Godzilla vs. Kong came out) Mugen Train earned positive reviews from critics, fans and movie goers alike. It also became the highest-grossing anime film of all time earning half a billion at the box office and the highest-grossing R-rated animated film surpassing “Sausage Party” & “South Park: Bigger, Longer and Uncut.” I’m shocked the Academy Awards snubbed Demon Slayer over “Encanto.” This is why we can’t have nice things. Demon Slayer’s second season’s first half extends the Mugen Train Arc into seven episodes.
As an anime enthusiast, I’m prepping up for My Hero Academia’s seventh season and upcoming fourth movie, “You’re Next.” The former will air on May 4, 2024. Which is “Star Wars Day.” The latter will premiere in Japan on August 2, 2024. One week after “Deadpool and Wolverine.” I’m so excited for Season Seven and You’re Next.
This review contains no SPOILERS whatsoever. Don’t forget to check out my non-spoiler review on Demon Slayer’s first season.
Polished & Rusty Aspects
Polished: Voice Actors from the show reprise their roles. They all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Animation retains its high-quality atmosphere.
Action Sequences kick butt. Mostly set on a train, the fight scenes are epic. This makes “Money Train” with Wesley Snipes & Woody Harrelson look like “Thomas the Tank Engine.” The climatic final battle earns Bonus Points. Too bad I never got to see Mugen Train on the big screen.
Pacing didn’t take forever going from Point A to Point B.
Humor has some legit funny moments.
Tanjiro and his allies are sent on a mission to hunt down a demon boarding a train. He has the power to make people fall asleep. They also meet Kyojuro Rengoku. A member of the Demon Corps who factors in assisting our heroes to find the demon.
The bad guy’s true intentions and identity all makes sense.
As I mentioned on my review of Season 1, Inosuke (the guy wearing a boar mask) is my favorite character.
I can’t tell you how it ends. You’ll have to see for yourself. Doesn’t feel like sequel bait.
Rusty: If you’re not caught up after Season 1 or not familiar with the story, characters and lore, you’re gonna be lost.
Zenitsu constantly complaining and crying is toned down. He’s annoying as heck. Thank goodness he didn’t ruin the movie.
The Final Verdict: A- (Non-Fans)
True Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Demon Slayer: Mugen Train is my favorite animated movie of 2021. I prefer it over Encanto. If you already watched Demon Slayer’s first season, either watch the theatrical version of Mugen Train or the extended version from Season 2’s first half.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 