DAN DA DAN: Evil Eye

Made me feral for the new season already!

I think it’s just the first 2 episodes of season 2, but the production felt movie-level and I’m so glad I saw it in theaters!

I wish it was longer :,(

Bro. This movie was wild and made me taste colors.

Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is the electrifying 2025 Japanese animated science fiction action horror film, a compilation of the first three episodes of the anime's second season, adapted from Yukinobu Tatsu's wildly popular manga. Directed by Fūga Yamashiro and written by Hiroshi Seko, the film plunges viewers back into the chaotic and bizarre world of Momo, Okarun, and Jiji, as they investigate a supposed curse in a rural village. My initial reaction was one of immense excitement, eager to see how this beloved series would translate to the big screen format, particularly with its signature blend of supernatural absurdity and high-octane action. My overall impression is that Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is a visually stunning, relentlessly energetic, and genuinely thrilling ride that perfectly captures the unique spirit of the manga, delivering an excellent cinematic experience that will delight both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Rating:
8.4/10 ⭐️ (★★★★ - Excellent)
An excellent rating for an animated film that brilliantly adapts its source material, delivering a compelling blend of action, sci-fi, horror, and unique humor with exceptional animation and a driving score.

The Good:
* Narrative & Story (Strengths): The film effectively picks up directly from Season 1, immediately immersing viewers in the ongoing saga. The plot surrounding Jiji's cursed house and the Byakuja Village is an excellent self-contained arc for this compilation film, allowing for intense encounters with the Kito Family and the terrifying Tsuchinoko (revealed as a Mongolian Death Worm). The escalation of the supernatural threat, culminating in Jiji losing control to the "Evil Eye," is expertly paced, creating a sense of imminent danger and personal stakes. The blend of science fiction elements, supernatural horror, and comedic absurdity is a core strength, making the narrative constantly unpredictable and engaging.
* Characters (Strengths): The voice cast is perfectly aligned with the beloved characters. Shion Wakayama (Japanese) and Abby Trott (English) continue to bring Momo Ayase's fiery personality and strong spiritual powers to life. Natsuki Hanae (Japanese) and A.J. Beckles (English) capture Okarun's endearing timidity and his supernatural misfortunes. Kaito Ishikawa (Japanese) and Aleks Le (English) perfectly embody Jiji's growing struggle with the "Evil Eye." The established camaraderie and unique quirks of the trio are a joy to watch, driving both the humor and emotional beats. The Kito Family members and the various monstrous entities are well-designed and memorable.
* Directing & Filmmaking (Strengths): Fūga Yamashiro's direction is dynamic and visually stunning, perfectly translating the frantic energy and wild imagination of the Dandadan manga to the cinematic screen. The action sequences are breathtakingly choreographed, with a kinetic flow that utilizes the characters' unique abilities and the bizarre threats they face. The film effectively balances moments of intense horror and gore with comedic timing, maintaining a consistent and distinct tone. The seamless transition between different narrative beats is a testament to the directorial control.
* Technical Aspects (Strengths): The animation is simply phenomenal. Every frame bursts with vibrant detail, fluid motion, and incredibly expressive character designs. The monster designs are grotesque and imaginative, truly bringing the horror elements to life. Kazuto Izumida's cinematography is exceptional, employing dynamic camera angles and creative visual effects that enhance both the action and the unsettling atmosphere. Kiyoshi Hirose's editing is razor-sharp, maintaining the film's breakneck pace. Kensuke Ushio's musical score is a standout; it's unique, experimental, and perfectly captures the film's blend of chaos, humor, and cosmic dread, making the experience even more immersive.
* Enjoyment & Engagement: Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is a wildly entertaining and thoroughly engaging film from start to finish. Its unique blend of genres, relentless action, bizarre humor, and genuine scares ensures that there's never a dull moment. Fans of the manga will appreciate the faithful adaptation, while newcomers will be immediately captivated by its sheer originality and energy. It's a non-stop thrill ride that consistently surprises and delights.

The Not So Good:
* Narrative & Story (Weaknesses): As a compilation film of TV anime episodes, the narrative structure, while generally cohesive, might occasionally feel a bit episodic compared to a story originally conceived for a single feature film. Viewers completely new to Dandadan might initially feel a bit overwhelmed by the established character dynamics and the rapid introduction of its eccentric supernatural rules.
* Enjoyment & Engagement (Negatives): The film's unique blend of sci-fi, horror, and over-the-top comedy might not appeal to all audiences. Some viewers might find its humor too absurd or its horror elements too graphic, depending on their preferences.

The Verdict:
Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is an exceptional animated film that serves as a brilliant continuation of the beloved Dandadan series. It flawlessly translates the manga's unique blend of science fiction, action, horror, and absurd comedy to the big screen with stunning animation, dynamic direction, and captivating voice performances. The film is a masterclass in visual storytelling and tonal balance, delivering relentless thrills, genuine laughs, and a surprisingly heartfelt exploration of friendship and supernatural phenomena. Whether you're a long-time fan of the manga or looking for a fresh, incredibly creative animated experience, Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is a must-watch that proves the immense potential of the Dandadan universe in cinematic form.

Optional Additional Categories:
* Genre & Tone: The film masterfully juggles science fiction, action, horror, and comedy, maintaining a consistently high-energy, irreverent, and often bizarre tone that is true to the manga. It navigates between terrifying moments and laugh-out-loud humor with impressive agility.
* Target Audience: The film successfully caters to existing fans of the Dandadan manga and anime series, as well as adult audiences who enjoy unique, genre-bending animated films, particularly those with a blend of action, sci-fi, and horror.
* Originality & Innovation: While adapting existing material, the film's strength lies in its faithful yet dynamic animation, which beautifully renders the manga's distinct art style and chaotic energy. The seamless blend of disparate genres is a hallmark of its originality.
* Themes & Messages (Further Discussion): The film explores themes of friendship, courage in the face of overwhelming odds, overcoming personal insecurities, and navigating a world filled with the unknown. It also subtly touches on the nature of curses and the power of belief (or lack thereof).
* Comparison to Other Films: It stands out among contemporary anime films for its unique blend of genres, drawing comparisons to other high-energy, visually distinct anime like Chainsaw Man or even the more absurd elements of Mob Psycho 100, while maintaining its own distinct Dandadan flavor.

I think it’s just the first 2 episodes of season 2, but the production felt movie-level and I’m so glad I saw it in theaters!