Netflix just dropped a juggernaut of a kids movie that has instantly blown up as a talking and singing point for youth of many ages. My 11-year-old and 8-year-old have already watched more than a few times and can sing every song in KPOP DEMON HUNTERS, which is all the evidence I need to know that this film is a genuine hit.
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS follows a world famous Korean-pop girl band who have secret identities as demon hunters. Pretty straight forward. The name of their K-pop band is called, “Huntrix” who consist of Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), Zoey (Ji-young You). A boy band named “Saja Boys” burst onto the scene and start getting their own rabid followers only to be secretly demons trying to upstage “Huntrix” at their own game. A bit of forbidden love a la Romeo and Juliet style happens between a member of each band, which somewhat slows the film. However, the characters, humor, and especially the music, makes KPOP DEMON HUNTERS an easy rewatchable for kids.
The secret to KPOP DEMON HUNTERS is similar to Disney in that the music is genuinely pretty great and mainstream re-listenable. The whole soundtrack is pretty incredible, but the standouts are: “How It’s Done,” “Golden,” “Soda Pop,” and my personal favorite, “Takedown.” All of them are catchy with some pretty great choreography as well.
My kids discovered KPOP DEMON HUNTERS as soon as it dropped and were replaying it immediately, which for the record is not done too often in my household. The film caught my attention on their repeat so I sat down and gave it a whirl. I was quite shocked at just clever and funny the film was with visually exciting animation. The film drags a bit in the love story in the middle, but the music is banging and I wouldn’t be surprised if we see a little Oscar run in the animated feature and song categories. Don’t write KPOP DEMON HUNTERS because it’s a kid’s Netflix original, the brisk 1 hour and 35 minute formulaic film is surprisingly contagious.
