As the executive producer, Zhang Jizhong’s *Journey to the West* remake has finished airing the segment of "Rampage in Heaven."
If I were to be very critical, up until now, for this long-awaited TV series, I would probably give it a score of around 6-6.5.
The special effects are passable. For a mythological subject like this, Valentine's Day event theme, special effects are the primary requirement. However, compared to the top-tier special effects currently achievable in Chinese film and television as seen in *Madame White Snake*, *Journey to the West* still appears somewhat amateurish. Truly good special effects are those that use effects but make you feel like there are no effects. In *Journey to the West*, you can clearly sense the presence of special effects everywhere. Although the visual results displayed are acceptable, they inevitably lose some authenticity due to "artificiality."
For instance, during the scene where Sun Wukong competes with Erlang Shen, Sun Wukong transforms into a rabbit running in the forest. The trees, the ground, and even the rabbit itself all look more like an animated cartoon rather than a TV drama.
The dialogue and acting are overly cutesy. Wu Yue's portrayal of Sun Wukong lacks the monkey-like spirit seen in Liu Xiaolingtong's version, and instead comes off as a bit clumsy. Upon learning that he was not invited to Queen Mother Wang's Peach Banquet, Sun Wukong's reaction should have been one of extreme anger. However, Wu Yue portrays Sun Wukong as “lowering his eyebrows, glancing around, twisting left and right,” which makes him look more like a cute girl pouting. After emerging from the crucible, this Wu Yue-version of Sun Wukong is even hesitant about destroying the crucible because his staff was forged there, something that seems quite out of character for the bold Sun Wukong we know. I don’t understand how such a "fussy" Sun Wukong could wreak havoc in heaven. Inside the Palace of Immortals, Sun Wukong holds a large gourd of golden elixirs and repeatedly says how delicious they are, commenting on their flavors: "There's apple-flavored, strawberry-flavored, and mixed-flavored ones." Watching this, I couldn’t help but worry he might accidentally say, "And chocolate-flavored ones too."
All the heavenly generals are also overly adorable. When Tota Tianwang asks who will go fight Sun Wukong, everyone retreats except for Marshal Tianpeng, standing firm—this plot point feels rather clichéd. The Four Heavenly Kings become miserly about their treasures, turning them into legendary "Gluttons"; during the fight between Erlang Shen and Sun Wukong, the heavenly generals comment idly on the side as if they're just enjoying peanuts. Facing Sun Wukong emerging from the alchemical furnace, Laozi pretends to be calm, but when Sun Wukong threatens to smash the alchemical furnace, his demeanor changes instantly, which is hilariously adorable. Children watching this would likely find it amusing.
The entire episode of "Rampage in Heaven" loses the tension and seriousness of the old *Journey to the West*. Wu Yue's Sun Wukong lacks both the spirit of a good monkey king and the audacity needed to create chaos in heaven, making it difficult for viewers to stay engaged. The TV series' theme song, ending song, and background music are all too mild, seemingly deliberately creating a sense of "Zen," but ultimately leave the audience with a vague, flowing impression.
Zhang Jizhong once said he wanted to turn *New Journey to the West* into China's *Lord of the Rings*-style fantasy epic, but now it seems more like a fairy tale suitable for children. However, the character designs appear rather terrifying, possibly scaring young viewers. It's complicated; I don't know how to categorize this much-anticipated yet greatly disappointing *New Journey to the West*.
[Link to related content](http://www.tooopen.com), similar to the Forbidden City and Terracotta Warriors.