Since childhood, I’ve been fascinated by mythical creatures — dragons soaring through stormy skies, giants shaking the earth with every step and demons lurking in the shadows, whispering forgotten lore. There’s something deeply enthralling about these beings, whether they symbolize power, chaos or ancient wisdom. Myths and legends from around the world breathe life into them, making them feel larger than life, yet American cinema often fails to capture their full potential.
Instead of embracing their grandeur and mystery, Hollywood tends to reduce them to forgettable CGI spectacles or background threats devoid of real presence or depth.
Too often, these creatures are sidelined, either as generic monsters or plot devices with little intrigue. Take Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves — while fun, it barely scratched the surface of the rich lore its namesake franchise offers. Meanwhile, Wrath of the Titans, the sequel to Clash of the Titans, squandered a prime opportunity to explore mythological beasts with weight and menace, instead opting for dull, soulless action. Where are the films that make dragons feel mythical, giants feel awe-inspiring, or demons feel truly menacing?
Maybe the answer to my theatrical desires lies outside the United States…
Directed by Wuershan, Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force continues the Fengshen Trilogy, an adaptation of the 16th-century Chinese novel, Investiture of the Gods. Picking up where its predecessor left off, the film follows Jiang Ziya (Huang Bo) and Ji Fa (Yu Shi) as they, alongside the powerful Kunlun immortals, rally Xiqi’s forces in a desperate struggle against the tyrannical Shang Dynasty, led by King Yin Shou (Fei Xiang) and its growing army of dark sorcery and demonic entities.
As the war for control of the Fengshen Bang — the divine list that determines the fate of gods and mortals alike — escalates, old allegiances are tested, unexpected betrayals unfold and hidden truths come to light.
American cinema rarely attempts the kind of grand, operatic action seen in Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force, which blends myth, martial arts and large-scale warfare into a breathtaking spectacle. While Hollywood excels at superhero blockbusters and sci-fi battles, it often shies away from the intricately choreographed, high-fantasy combat that makes Chinese epics so visually and emotionally compelling.
Instead of embracing dynamic, mythic storytelling with gods, demons and legendary warriors engaging in fluid, large-scale duels, Hollywood tends to rely on CGI, quick cuts and formulaic action beats that lack the artistry and gravitas of films like Demon Force.
When it comes to the aforementioned CGI, Hollywood undeniably has the upper hand over Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force. While the film delivers breathtaking visuals and ambitious set pieces, there are moments where the effects don’t quite meet the polished standard that American audiences, including myself, have come to expect. Some scenes feature noticeable inconsistencies in rendering, with certain creatures or environments lacking the level of realism and fluidity found in top-tier Hollywood productions.
While the film’s artistic vision and choreography remain stunning, these occasional shortcomings in CGI can momentarily pull viewers out of the experience, especially for those who enjoy digitally enhanced American blockbusters like the Avengers series.
One of the greatest strengths of Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force is its well-structured and engaging storyline. While watching the first film certainly enhances the experience, it is by no means a requirement to understand and enjoy this sequel. The filmmakers take great care to ensure that key plot points are either thoroughly explained through dialogue or seamlessly integrated into the narrative via flashbacks. This allows new viewers to grasp the stakes, character motivations, and overarching conflicts without feeling overwhelmed or lost.
Unlike a film like Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2, where jumping in without prior knowledge of the series would leave audiences confused and disconnected, Creation of the Gods II skillfully balances its storytelling in a way that welcomes both returning fans and newcomers alike. By offering just the right amount of exposition without feeling heavy-handed, it creates an accessible yet immersive experience, making the unfolding battle between gods, mortals, and demons all the more compelling.
All things considered, Creation of the Gods II: Demon Force earns a well-deserved four out of five stars. While it may not always match Hollywood’s CGI precision, it more than compensates with its breathtaking action, sweeping mythology and compelling storytelling. The film delivers dazzling battle sequences and an immersive clash of celestial beings, legendary warriors and monstrous adversaries, bringing ancient Chinese lore to life in a way that feels both grand and emotionally resonant.
Given how lackluster American cinema has been in truly embracing mythical creatures and large-scale fantasy epics, Demon Force serves as a reminder of what’s possible when a film fully commits to its mythical world. If the final chapter of the Fengshen Trilogy continues this trajectory, American audiences may find themselves looking beyond Hollywood’s formulaic offerings in favor of the grander, more ambitious storytelling found in Chinese cinema.