The karierte Ninja 2 Review: A Fun Sequel with Room for Improvement
Some time has passed since Alex Stenstrøm and his ninja-possessed puppet managed to put the businessman Phillip Eppermint behind bars through a staged drug possession scheme. Or so they thought. It turns out that Eppermint is set to be released from prison thanks to his shady lawyer. This prompts Taiko Nakamura to return to Earth, this time possessing a hedgehog. To stop their common enemy, Alex not only has a new puppet made for his friend to inhabit but also convinces his family to vacation in Thailand, where Eppermint is incarcerated. There, they aim to thwart the villain’s plans together with the ninja…
Sequel to the Animated Hit
When a film is successful, it’s not long before thoughts turn to a sequel. And “Der karierte Ninja” was indeed a hit: in its home country of Denmark, the animated adventure was a box office success, garnered multiple awards, and screened at prestigious festivals. So, why not give it another go? Luckily, Anders Matthesen, the author of the original novel, had been busy in the meantime, penning a second book about the boy and the vengeful ninja spirit. This book was then adapted into a screenplay by Matthesen himself and co-director Thorbjørn Christoffersen. And so, nearly three years later, “Der karierte Ninja 2” hit the screens, even though the puppet was supposedly abandoned at the end of the first film.
But that’s no obstacle. A new version is simply crafted, closely resembling the first one albeit with a different color. Matthesen sticks to what works. While the return to facing off against the businessman from the first installment somewhat justifies the resurrection, it lacks inventiveness. Shifting the story to Thailand does introduce a visually different setting, but it’s mostly superficial. “Der karierte Ninja 2” only sporadically uses the Far East country for comedic purposes, lacking genuine utilization of the location. It’s a bit disappointing after a three-year wait, as one might have expected more, especially considering the concept isn’t as fresh after the rehash.
Entertaining but Weaker
Nevertheless, the reboot is still entertaining. The mismatched duo’s escapades in catching criminals while blending action with crude humor remain enjoyable. The incorporation of coming-of-age elements, this time centered around Jessica, Alex’s girlfriend from the first film, is well-executed. She suddenly craves a bad boy, throwing our young hero into a crisis. What did he do wrong? Should he behave differently to keep his girlfriend? This subplot is resolved by the story’s end, with Matthesen taking a different approach than expected in “Der karierte Ninja 2.”
As for the visuals, they’re predictable, not straying significantly from the first film’s imagery. Those hoping for more investment in the execution following the predecessor’s success will be disappointed. While everything is decent, it’s not particularly remarkable. Coupled with the less audacious content, “Der karierte Ninja 2” ends up being a typical second installment that builds on the established formula but is ultimately less engaging. Fans will still find it enjoyable; the Danish production has its charm. However, the announced third installment should ideally push the boundaries further, injecting more excitement and daring to truly justify the continuation.
Conclusion
“Der karierte Ninja 2” is a fun sequel that retains the charm of its predecessor but falls slightly short in terms of innovation and depth. While fans of the original will likely enjoy the continuation, there’s room for the series to evolve and explore new territories in subsequent installments.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How does “Der karierte Ninja 2” compare to its predecessor?
– “Der karierte Ninja 2” retains the humor and charm of the first film but lacks the freshness and inventiveness that made the original stand out.
2. Are there any notable improvements or changes in the sequel?
– The incorporation of new characters and dynamics, particularly the coming-of-age elements, adds depth to the storyline.
3. Does “Der karierte Ninja 2” offer anything new to the audience?
– While the sequel maintains the comedic elements and action-packed sequences, it doesn’t introduce significant innovations to the overall narrative.
4. How is the visual presentation of “Der karierte Ninja 2”?
– The sequel’s visuals are consistent with the first film, offering a familiar aesthetic that fans will appreciate.
5. What can viewers expect from the character development in the sequel?
– The sequel delves into new facets of the characters, exploring themes of growth, relationships, and personal challenges.
6. Is “Der karierte Ninja 2” worth watching for fans of the original film?
– Fans of the first film will likely enjoy the sequel for its familiar humor and characters, despite its shortcomings in originality.
7. Does “Der karierte Ninja 2” set the stage for future installments?
– The sequel hints at potential developments in future films, suggesting that the series may evolve in new and exciting ways.
8. How does the sequel handle the themes of friendship and adventure?
– “Der karierte Ninja 2” continues to explore the bond between the characters and their adventurous escapades, maintaining the spirit of the original.
9. Are there standout performances in “Der karierte Ninja 2”?
– The cast delivers solid performances, capturing the essence of their characters and contributing to the film’s comedic and action-packed moments.
10. What are the expectations for the third installment of the series?
– Fans hope that the third film will take more creative risks, offering fresh storylines and engaging twists to revitalize the franchise.
Tags: Der karierte Ninja 2, Checkered Ninja 2, Movie Review, Danish Film, Animated Sequel, Comedy, Action, Adventure, Coming-of-Age, Anders Matthesen, Thorbjørn Christoffersen, Ninja Puppet, Sequel Development, Film Critique, Film Industry