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My Hero Academia: You're Next (2024): Does It Hit or Miss?

Share your thoughts on 'My Hero Academia: You're Next (2024)'. In this opinion piece, we discuss whether the latest installment meets fan expectations and where it stands in the franchise's legacy.

October 12, 2024

My Hero Academia: You're Next (2024): Does It Hit or Miss?

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My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024): Does It Hit or Miss?

Welcome to What’s After the Movie, your ultimate source for comprehensive movie analyses, in-depth reviews, and the latest cinematic updates. Today, we delve into the much-discussed My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024) to answer the burning question: Does it hit or miss? By examining a plethora of audience reviews from platforms like Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, and Reddit, we aim to provide a nuanced perspective on this latest installment in the beloved anime franchise.


Introduction

My Hero Academia: You’re Next has ignited conversations across various platforms since its release on October 11, 2024. As the fourth feature film in the My Hero Academia franchise, expectations were sky-high, especially with the manga concluding and Season 7 of the anime airing concurrently. This unique timing has positioned You’re Next as a pivotal moment for fans and newcomers alike. At What’s After the Movie, we strive to bring you an unbiased and thorough analysis by sifting through countless user reviews to present a balanced view of the film’s reception.

Overview of Audience Reception

The audience reception of My Hero Academia: You’re Next showcases a diverse range of opinions, reflecting the varied expectations and experiences of viewers. On Metacritic, the film holds a Metascore of 70, indicating generally favorable reviews. Critic Aidan Kelley from Collider rated it 67, noting that while it may not be essential viewing for hardcore fans, it offers enough intrigue for both longtime enthusiasts and newcomers. Similarly, IndieWire’s David Opie gave it a 67, highlighting that although the film doesn’t stand alone perfectly, it successfully meets many fan expectations.

Rotten Tomatoes categorizes the film as PG-13, with genres spanning Adventure, Action, and Anime. The consensus highlights the film’s strong animation and action sequences but points out areas where character development and plot coherence could be improved.

Positive Feedback: What Fans Loved

Stunning Animation and Visuals

One of the most consistent praises across user reviews is the exceptional animation quality. Viewers frequently mention the vibrant visuals, fluid fight scenes, and innovative use of color that bring the My Hero Academia universe to life. For instance, Kevin commended the film for its “insane animation” and Antione M appreciated the “beautiful animation throughout the whole movie,” emphasizing that the visuals alone make the film a must-watch.

Engaging Action Sequences

Fans are thrilled by the intense and well-choreographed action sequences. The battles are described as “fantastic” and “amazing,” with specific praise for the climactic fight scenes that showcase the heroes’ evolving abilities. Seth highlighted the “amazing fight sequences” and the use of powerful attacks that keep the audience on the edge of their seats.

Emotional and Heartwarming Moments

Beyond the action, the film delivers emotional depth through its character interactions and development. Reviews often mention the heartwarming scenes, such as Deku’s interactions with his allies and the poignant moments between characters. Elliott B noted that the film has “super cool fight scenes and a great theme,” while Elizabeth appreciated how it provided a “trip to the past for me after growing up on the anime.”

Strong Character Dynamics

The dynamic between Deku and Giulio has been a standout element, with many fans appreciating their unlikely alliance and the emotional weight it carries. Antione M found Giulio’s sacrifice “earned and compelling,” while Mark enjoyed the teamwork between Deku, Dynmight, and Shoto in defeating Dark Might.

Constructive Criticism: Areas for Improvement

Underdeveloped Supporting Characters

While the main characters receive ample attention, many users feel that the supporting cast is underdeveloped. Characters like Anna Scervino and members of the Gollini Family are often mentioned as “one-dimensional” or “filler,” lacking the depth needed to leave a lasting impression. Ian P criticized the “poorly written plot” and felt that the returning cast served more as “filler” rather than contributing meaningfully to the story.

Plot Holes and Convenience

Some reviewers pointed out plot inconsistencies and convenient resolutions that detract from the film’s overall coherence. Ivan noted that the “plot feels kind of gimmicky” with “lots of conveniences for characters,” leading to a sense of frustration. Similarly, Dan_the_Milk_Man expressed disappointment in the “underdeveloped story” and “missed potential,” citing “contrived character conveniences” and “unsatisfying conclusions to arcs.”

Pacing Issues

The film’s pacing has been a point of contention, with certain segments feeling “lagging” or “reused.” Ian P mentioned that the “exposition really pulled me in” initially but felt that the excitement dwindled as the plot became “too large scale with no thought put in.” Tito echoed this sentiment, describing the movie as “a fun watch” but “something you can watch at home,” implying that the theatrical experience didn’t fully capture the film’s potential.

Reused Concepts and Lack of Originality

Some users felt that the film reused scenes and concepts from previous installments, leading to a sense of déjà vu. Ian P criticized the “re-used scenes” and “poorly written plot,” while Mark M mentioned that it felt like “another standard My Hero Academia movie” without offering new twists. nan666nan highlighted the “re-used concepts” and felt that “the plot feels kind of gimmicky.”

Common Themes in User Reviews

Animation Excellence vs. Storytelling Depth

A recurring theme in user reviews is the balance between animation quality and storytelling. While the animation receives unanimous praise for its stunning visuals and dynamic fight scenes, many viewers feel that the story lacks depth and character development outside the main trio. This dichotomy suggests that while the film excels in its visual presentation, it may fall short in delivering a compelling narrative.

Fan Service and Accessibility for Newcomers

Users appreciate the fan service elements that cater to long-time followers of the series, such as character cameos and references to previous events. However, this focus sometimes alienates newcomers, making the film feel less accessible to those unfamiliar with the My Hero Academia universe. Brian noted that the heroes “captured all of these villains on the chase,” indicating a reliance on established lore that may not resonate with new viewers.

Emotional Resonance and Sacrifice

The themes of sacrifice, redemption, and love resonate strongly with the audience. Giulio’s ultimate sacrifice to neutralize Anna’s Quirk is frequently highlighted as a heartfelt and impactful moment, showcasing the film’s ability to deliver emotional weight amidst the action.

Reddit Discussions: Community Insights

Mixed Reactions and Personal Preferences

Reddit discussions reveal a mixed reception among the community, with users expressing both admiration and disappointment. For instance, u/throneofkings appreciated the “class’ dream memories” and u/kpossibles enjoyed the “Aizawa interaction,” while u/nan666nan questioned potential FMA references and u/bad_cabbage critiqued the “underdeveloped story.”

Comparative Opinions with Previous Films

Many Redditors compare You’re Next to previous My Hero Academia movies, often ranking it second-tier behind titles like Heroes Rising and World Heroes’ Mission. u/kirbyfanner stated that it “is a tie for second with Two Heroes, right behind Heroes Rising,” reflecting a general consensus that while the film is strong, it doesn’t quite reach the heights of its predecessors.

Highlighting Animation and Action

The animation and action sequences remain the most praised aspects, with users like u/Saleenseven lauding the “jaw-dropping sakuga” and u/GaelAcosta commending the “insane animation.” These discussions underscore the importance of visual excellence in anime films, even when narrative elements may falter.

Critiques on Character Utilization and Plot Coherence

Reddit users also voice concerns about character utilization and plot coherence, with u/throneofkings pointing out that “Aizawa would have shut down this movie one second in,” suggesting that certain character decisions may undermine the film’s integrity. u/b_dills noted that the “story is so underdeveloped and missed potential,” highlighting the need for more thoughtful character and plot development.

Conclusion: Does It Hit or Miss?

Based on the extensive collection of audience reviews, My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024) presents a mixed bag. The film undeniably excels in animation and action sequences, offering a visually stunning experience that captivates fans and anime enthusiasts. The emotional moments and character dynamics, particularly between Deku and Giulio, add layers of depth that resonate with many viewers.

However, the film falls short in several areas, including supporting character development, plot coherence, and original storytelling. The reliance on reused concepts and convenient plot resolutions detracts from the overall narrative, leaving some audiences feeling disappointed and underwhelmed.

Ultimately, whether You’re Next hits or misses depends on individual expectations:

  • Fans of the series may find the film satisfying due to its visual brilliance and faithful representation of beloved characters.
  • Newcomers might struggle with the density of lore and character introductions, potentially finding the story less accessible.

At What’s After the Movie, we believe that while You’re Next has its flaws, it remains a solid addition to the My Hero Academia franchise. It offers enough exciting moments and emotional beats to merit a watch, especially for those invested in the series’ ongoing narrative.

For a more comprehensive understanding and diverse perspectives on My Hero Academia: You’re Next, explore the following external platforms:

  • JustWatch: Find out where you can stream or purchase the movie in your region.
  • Metacritic: Read critic reviews and see aggregate scores for the film.
  • Rotten Tomatoes: Explore audience ratings and reviews.
  • TMDB: Access detailed information on the movie’s cast, crew, and production.
  • IMDB: View user reviews, trivia, and more about the film.

These platforms offer a wealth of information that complements the content available on What’s After the Movie, providing a well-rounded understanding of the film’s reception and significance.


Thank you for joining us on this comprehensive exploration of My Hero Academia: You’re Next (2024). Whether you’re a dedicated fan or a curious newcomer, we hope this analysis has provided valuable insights into whether the film hits or misses. Stay tuned to What’s After the Movie for more in-depth reviews, analyses, and discussions on your favorite movies and series.


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