The movie MHA, My Hero Academia: Two Heroes is finally in Japanese theaters since August 3rd. And to escape the heat that has stagnated on the kansai for several days, nothing like a little movie session!
A small handful of lucky people had the privilege of attending the premiere of the film My Hero Academia: Two Heroes, during the 19th impact of the Japan Expo. For all the others, you will still have to wait before the announcement of a general French broadcast. We hope that the film will be distributed by ADN, just like the series, and that it will integrate as soon as possible the catalog of this one!
If you have not seen the movie My Hero Academia: Two Heroes, know that reading this review may take away some surprises because it contains some spoilers, especially on the scenario side.
My Hero Academia : Two Heroes
Original title: 僕のヒーローアカデミア二人の英雄 – My Hero Academia Futari no Hero
Alternative title: My Hero Academia : Two Heroes – My Hero Academia The Movie
Genre: superhero – adventure – school
Animation studio: Bones (My Hero Academia S1/2/3, Fullmetal Alchemist)
Release date: August 3, 2018 (Japan)
Duration: 96 minutes
Original work: HORIKOSHI Kohei
Director: NAGASAKI Kenji (My Hero Academia, Mobile Suit Gundam 00)
Scenario: KURODA Yōsuke (My Hero Academia, Btooom!)
Character designer: UMAKOSHI Yoshihiko (My Hero Academia, Marmalade Boy)
Composer: HAYASHI Yuki (My Hero Academia, Death Parade, Haikyu!!)
Synopsis
Welcome to I-island.
An island where technology and science are omnipresent, I-island is considered the Hollywood of scientists. Invited by a childhood friend, All Might goes there to participate in the annual exhibition, I-expo, accompanied by Izuku. The opportunity to discover a heavenly place for our apprentice superhero, but also to meet the scientist who helped All Might to make himself known in its early days: David Shield.
When they arrive, what is Deku's surprise to see a young woman, Melissa, jump at the blow of her idol … Melissa turns out to be David's daughter and she aspires to follow in her father's footsteps in the world of scientists. During the visit of the city, guided by Melissa, Izuku realizes that other students of the 1A also benefit from the event.
While the inauguration night is in full swing, things get out of hand and some villains target the symbol of peace…
Taking place between the second and third seasons currently broadcast on DNA, this first My Hero Academia film carries a heavy burden on its shoulders. It's not easy to be the first of the name when you embody a series as appreciated as MHA. So, is this movie really worth a look? Is it really in line with the series? We sincerely tell you what we thought!
Mixed scenario
I-Island, an island similar to a gigantic amusement park where everything seems to smile at superheroes and their shadow. Superheroes that would be nothing without their everyday ally: scientists. Responsible for the design of costumes, state-of-the-art equipment or all-terrain vehicles, scientists are partly responsible for the safety of the superhero and his performance. Already vaguely addressed in the anime with Yuei's support channel and Mei Hatsume's wacky character, this theme holds an interesting place in the film's storyline. Those who are immersed in the third season of the anime must surely remember a scene in Yuei's workshop:
"As an apprentice superhero, it's better to stay on good terms with [Hatsume]. You'll need her later. […] Innovators are those who know how to think outside the box."
Maijima Higari "Power Loader" – Support Section Manager (season 3)
If the scenario of the film My Hero Academia: Two Heroes promised beautiful revelations on the side of All Might and his sidekick of youth, it is nothing – or almost. We discover in the first minutes of the film a young woman who seems to know our national hero well: Melissa. And for good reason: his father is none other than the scientist and friend, who helped All Might to become known in the United States. The reunion is joyful and full of muscles, leaving a Midoriya a little stunned in front of so many new unknown heads. Despite some rare flashback sequences on the beginnings of All Might, we did not find anything exceptional to put in our teeth on this side…It's a shame the team didn't put more emphasis on All Might's past and his rise as a superhero. This would have made the film really indispensable and perfectly anchored in the line of the series.We will have to show a little more patience!
However, the general atmosphere of the film almost made us totally forget the shortcomings on the side of the script. An effective recipe for this shōnen who manages to pull out of the game with a sympathetic cast and spectacular action scenes.
A small cast, but very pleasant to follow
On the casting side, almost all of the 1A is present and makes us spend a pleasant moment in the cool. Even if the circumstances that allow the whole class to end up at I-Island seem a little simple and do not totally convince us. If we enjoyed seeing all the heads of our Yuei superhero apprentices, we deplored the uselessness of these appearances without tail or head. Was this a way to please all the fans? Surely. But was seeing your favorite superhero apprentice only ten seconds, in a useless scene, the right solution? Probably not. While fans of Dark Shadow, Koji or Tsuyu are reassured, season 3 of the anime will bring the best – and especially the worst – for your favorite heroes!
If the film only puts ten 1A students forward (out of 20, let's say it's a good average), we may regret seeing the same favorites always appear. But we must also admit that this mixture takes well with the scenario and that the recipe is finally successful. Each student present, as with the formula used in the anime, is put forward in turn. We greatly appreciate the sharing of the main roles that make us discover the facets and weaknesses of our apprentice superheroes. The codes of shōnen are as well respected as in the original work, with a touch of fan service that is not to displease.
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes also focuses on the relationship between Izuku and his tutor. We learn a little more about the life of All Might to the rhythm of the encounters that Izuku makes. An already close bond that is strengthened during the film, giving way to total trust. If All Might is not the center of attention despite a selling synopsis, it is still an important element. Not essential, however. And it's a bit of a shame that only the end of the film reminds us of the power of the symbol of peace.
However, one character pleasantly surprised us outside the 1A: Melissa. If his father holds a somewhat dull place alongside All Might – important character however for the continuity of the scenario – his daughter Melissa, has us much more from the first moments. Serious, endearing and courageous, she will become a centerpiece of the film by occupying a special place that will evolve throughout it. Melissa could be a character that we will have to see again in the manga sooner or later. We can even imagine that she will attach herself to Deku and provide him with her equipment who knows! And in both cases, it will be with joy!
Adrenaline PLUS ULTRA!
On the animation side, we were surprised several times – but certainly not in a good way. It all starts with a rather peculiar opening aerial scene. A scene that does not look like the animation we know for My Hero Academia and that made us think of a new trailer. Unfortunately for us, the film was just beginning. By dint of watching the anime on a small PC screen, maybe our senses are a little biased in front of a large movie screen. But when several other crude scenes, with barely drawn facial features follow each other, we remain a little smug at the time. A major failure on the animation side that we would not like to see too often … Especially given the budget allocated to this film.
But if there are times when the animation leaves much to be desired, there are others when it sublimates the beauty of the scene and the action. Because if there is a MORE ULTRA element in this film, it is the fights. Finely led by Yuei's team improvised for the occasion and guided by Melissa, these fights made us shudder more than once. If the first part of the film quietly installs the backstory and inserts the characters, the second part of the film is all muscles and neurons. We discover with pleasure characters highlighted like Minoru or Kyoka, each having the right to his little moment of personal glory against the villains. The fights are fiery, fiery and there is a unique atmosphere in the room, where everyone fears for the lives of our superheroes in the making.
And if All Might seemed a little bland in the first part, the second one reserves a big surprise for the fans. A scene that has been long awaited in the anime, but which is slow to come. A shuddering fight, which boiled our blood for a quarter of an hour. An ultimate alliance… That of Izuku and All Might, in a fight far from being won in advance. HAYASHI Yuki's epic soundtrack resonates, thrilling the hearts of the audience in unison, each holding their breath. A 100% MORE ULTRA scene, that no one will be able to sulk! A sequence that will amaze you and that will (finally) realize the dream of many fans!
If My Hero Academia: Two Heroes has some weaknesses in the scenario, the general atmosphere of the film has conquered us with its classic formula and an ultimate alliance. We would obviously have liked to learn more about the youth of All Might, but we will have to show a little more patience! And for that, nothing like season 3 being broadcast on DNA!
P.S.: To our surprise, we got the bonus book My Hero Academia Vol. Origin, only one million copies printed in Japan. We will surely reserve a special article for him soon.
My Hero Academia: Two Heroes trailer
