Movie Review: Sword Art Online the Movie: Progressive - Scherzo of Deep Night (Gekijōban Sōdo Āto Onrain Puroguresshibu Kuraki Yūyami no Sukerutso)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A really fun animated action movie from Japan.

This sequel to Sword Art Online Progressive: Aria of a Starless Night, now takes place completely within the videogame world. This does not mean however that it has lost its human element. Much of this film still works heavily because of the main characters. These characters are just as likable and relatable as they were in the first film. While this movie may not look as deeply into who these characters are, this is not necessary because their backstories have already been established. This does not mean that they become one note here. There are still complexities to these characters that make them all the more interesting. Probably the best scene in this film involves our main character meeting up again with her best friend from the previous movie. This scene is quite emotional and shows a real depth and growth to these characters. After seeing how much these two characters have changed, we also see how their relationship both changes and, in some ways, remains the same. Though this relationship is not the main part of this film as it was for the previous one, it still is the heart of the movie and provides us with the most emotionally effective scenes. However where this movie actually outshines its predecessor, is with the world building. Taking place all in the videogame world allows us a deeper look at how this world functions. Again it is obvious that the filmmakers have a strong love for the types of videogames that this world takes place in. This can be felt in every scene, and this is a movie that feels like a video game in the best sense. As you watch this film, you become emersed in this world and it is simply a joy to visit. This movie also benefits from really fun action scenes, which takes the best elements of video game fights and movie action scenes to create something that is simply a joy to watch. 

Unfortunately, this movie's story can resemble the story of many other films, to the point where you can almost always see which way the story is going to turn and often times, you can guess a twist before the characters do. Also in this movie, many of the supporting characters are not that interesting and can come off as kind of bland. There is also some clumsy and forced dialogue and humor here.