Set between Season 6’s finale and Season 7’s premiere, Deku, Kacchan, Todoroki, Class 1-A and the pro heroes band together to combat a crime boss who bears a strong resemblance to All Might. He goes by the name, Dark Might. His goal is to replace the greatest hero of all time as the next symbol in his own view as a villain. Dark Might intends to use a girl’s power (quirk) for evil. With the help of a butler, named Giulio, Deku and the others must prevent Dark Might’s scheme from becoming a reality.
Released in 2024, (same year Sabrina Carpenter’s album Short n’ Sweet came out) “My Hero Academia: You’re Next” earned positive reception and made enough revenue at the box office. The eighth and final season chronologically ended My Hero Academia. That doesn’t mean the franchise is over. A spin-off titled, “My Hero Academia: Vigilantes” is currently streaming on Crunchyroll.
This review contains no SPOILERS.
Strong & Weak Aspects
Strong: Voice Actors reprise their roles and they all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact: Prior to seeing the fourth movie, I met Justin Cook at Fan Expo Dallas 2024.
Random Thought: I ranked My Hero Academia: You’re Next as my eighth favorite film of 2024 as listed in my editorial, “Top 12 Films of 2024.”
Animation brings a few elements to life such as character models, fluid moment, lighting and environmental locations.
Action Sequences are awesome. Especially the climactic battle worth a payoff.
Deku’s chemistry with his allies and Giulio serves as the main highlight.
Dark Might’s partners in crime are similar to other characters.
- Deborah – A mix of Carman Sandiago and a male version of Purple Man.
- Kamil – Penguin from Batman.
- Paulo – An evil version of Aizawa.
- Simon – Any villains from Yu-Gi-Oh who can summon monsters on the battle field.
- Gil – Bad Guy version of Nightcrawler from X-Men.
Pacing wasn’t a slow burn. I was hooked since the opening scene.
A floating castle pays homage to “Howl’s Moving Castle” and “Castle in the Sky.” Both produced by Studio Ghibli.
We get to know Giulio. His quirk is to nullify a random person’s power. Plus, he’s to the kidnapped girl.
Although the series is notorious its ridiculous amount of characters. Screen time involving Class 1-A and the Pro-Heroes felt balanced. Every single one served a purpose. It’s like “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” bringing almost everybody contributing the plot.
The Final Scene sets up Season 7. A point of no return.
Weak: If you’re not caught up watching all three films and Seasons 1-6, you’re be confused. I on the other hand watched every single one. Meaning, I’m already up to speed. I’ll let this con slide.
I could find nothing wrong. I’m giving Bones Studio an Extra Point for making a flawless anime film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
My Hero Academia’s fourth and final film is probably my favorite one. If you’ve already watched all four movies and Seasons 1-6, check out Seasons 7-8 on Crunchyroll.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 