Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force
review by Bobby Blakey
I love an epic fantasy flick especially when infused into the martial arts and Asian cinema. In 2023 Well Go USA brought the first chapter to a new martial arts fantasy trilogy in Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms that promised that it was just the beginning. Now the second chapter Creation of the Gods II: Demon Forces is here starring Huang Bo, Yu Shi, Chen Muchi, and Kris Phillips with director Wuershan returning to the helm. Could this next chapter further expand this fantasy world for fans, or will it be spells not worth conjuring?
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Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force follows continues the epic Fengshen Trilogy adapted from the classic 16th century Chinese novel Investiture of the Gods. Jiang Ziya and Ji Fa, aided by the Kunlun immortals, lead Xiqi’s defense against the Shang Dynasty’s dark forces. As the battle for the Fengshen Bang intensifies, alliances shift, and secrets emerge in this stunning clash of mortals, gods, and monsters.
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Many of the characters here are popular in folklore that have been showcased in numerous films including part of the Fengshen Cinematic Universe focusing on Nezha and Jiang Ziya and so many more. Being a fan of these films made it even more exciting seeing them come into the live action world in the first film and getting to see them once again this time around. These are just a small portion of this film but one of the highlights for me as the film goes all in with the blend of fantasy and martial arts to create a series that pulls you right in.
This chapter opens up with the events in the after-credit scene of the first film before diving right back into the action. Both films keep elements of the wuxia epic intact but has fully embraced the fantasy element and goes all in from start to finish. This entry is even more CGI heavy offering up so many more creatures and
magic with some still being a bit cheesy, but if you are all in then it is easy to let go and just enjoy the ride. They bring it all from undead armies to giants to demons and so much more. It’s got its flaws, but they go all in, and it works more than it doesn’t.
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Now that we have passed all the buildup, we can get right to the action, betrayal and lore of it all and make for an even more enjoyable entry into the franchise. The sets, costumes and surroundings continue to be vibrant and beautiful. It fully embraces the culture and gives an insane amount of detail to every element. Despite some of the same CGI issues I loved this new entry as well. You get pulled completely into the fantastical world and make you want to see more.
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If you love martial arts period features with an infusion of films like Lord of the Rings, then this is a series you must check out. This time around it features two mid-credit scenes and an end credit scene that all lead into the anticipated next chapter which I cannot wait for.
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Check out Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force in theaters now from Well Go USA.
Creation of the Gods I: Kingdom of Storms is also available now on Blu-ray and DVD from Well Go USA.