Tuesday, March 31, 2020

As Expected, the 'KonoSuba' Movie Is Comedy Gold

Instead of a season 3, the continuation of the KonoSuba saga is through a feature-length, theatrically-released film, KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! – Legend of Crimson.  In it, Kazuma and his party, along with Yunyun, pay a visit to Megumin and Yunyun’s village – the home of the Crimson Demon Clan.  While they’re there, the village gets attacked by the Demon King’s army, which is led by one of his Eight Generals, the chimera Sylvia.

KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! is probably the funniest anime ever, and there’s a good chance that it will end up among my all-time favorites.  The case for that is further solidified by Legend of Crimson.
As a fan, this movie really made me happy.  It’s really nice to once again get the comedy fix that only these hilariously zany, inept characters and their dynamic can provide.  Sure, I got to see them more recently, their personalities accurately depicted, in the excellent Isekai Quartet show.  But still, seeing them be in their canon narrative is different – and just better.

Legend of Crimson, as expected, is an absolute riot.  I was laughing during almost every scene.  It’s packed with side-splitting gags that are executed with impeccable comedic timing and visual presentation.
As usual for an anime comedy, it really pushes the envelope with the kind of naughty jokes it can get away with.  It even has one centered on attempted rape.  It’s played for laughs, but it’s still cringey.  If you’re easily offended, this could be major turnoff.  But if you understand what KonoSuba is all about and just roll with the punches, the whole thing draws chortles.

Another notable (but the non-distasteful) source of laughs is anything related to the Crimson Demons.  Apparently, the hyper, overdramatic chuunibyou personality that Megumin displays is not limited to her; such behavior is actually embedded in the Crimson Demons’ culture.  My most favorite amusing revelations about them are probably their actual situation with the Demon King’s army and the origin story of their people.  There’s no doubt that the Crimson Demons’ village is the best place that Kazuma’s party has ever visited so far.
But other than the outstanding humor, the movie also has heart.  Per usual of KonoSuba, when the storyline gets to the height of the main conflict, it’s shown that beneath their squabbles and bickering, the members of Kazuma’s party really care and trust each other.  The movie also gives Megumin and Yunyun a touching arc.

Lastly, being a film intended for the widescreen, Legend of Crimson presumably has a higher budget than any season of KonoSuba, and as a result, the production value is more striking than usual.  The movie takes full advantage of the benefits afforded to it by its resources and medium, as it delivers luscious, exhilarating cinematic sakuga with its action scenes – especially when spells and explosions are involved.
Overall, KonoSuba: God’s Blessing on This Wonderful World! – Legend of Crimson is a delightful treat for fans.

Hopefully, season 3 (or a new movie) comes sooner than later.

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