The first film in 2021 in the Russian box office was a fantasy based on Russian folklore The Last Hero: The Root of Evil.
This is a continuation of the tape, released in screens in 2017.
The director's chair of the project was again taken by Dmitry Dyachenko, also known for the films of the cycle "What Men Talk About" and the TV series "Kitchen".
Victor Khorinyak returned to the main role, who, by the way, became famous thanks to the same "Kitchen".
In the 2017 film, Ivan (Horinyak) learned that he was the son of the epic hero Ilya Muromets (Yuri Tsurilo), made friends with a number of fairy-tale characters - from Vasilisa the Wise to Koshchei the Immortal - and took part in the liberation of the magical world of Belogorie from evil in the person of Dobrynya Nikitich ( Evgeny Dyatlova) and the beautiful Varvara (Ekaterina Vilkova).
So peace reigned in the fantasy state, Ilya Muromets ascended the throne.
But in Vanya's life, by the beginning of the sequel, everything is not as fabulous as we would like.
The hero does not manage to assimilate into the entourage of the Russian Middle Ages, so every now and then he opens a portal to the 21st century and brings from there the wonders of technology.
Ivan's main problem is that he has no paternal strength, so he can oppose the merits of the good fellows of Belogorie only with ingenuity (which, of course, will come in handy at the decisive moment).
But the hero doubts that this will be enough to please his beloved Vasilisa.
Moreover, heroic games are organized in the city, where all attention is focused on the good fellow Finist (Kirill Zaitsev).
However, soon Vanya has more important problems.
Power in Belogorie is seized by Varvara and her adoptive mother, whom the viewer knows as the housekeeper of the hero from the original film.
The latter is played by Elena Valyushkina.
© kinopoisk.ru
The heroines do not act of their own free will.
The fact is that many years ago the sorcerer Rogaleb gained power over them.
Seizing the moment, the sorcerer in the form of the root of evil (literally) returned to the world and now intends to avenge the old grievances.
To defeat the sorcerer, Ivan, Baba Yaga, Vasilisa and Finist will go north to the kingdom of the dead.
There you can still find Koshchei, who died in the previous part, who imprisoned Rogaleb underground a long time ago.
Among the new characters are the Fish-whale from the fairy tale "The Little Humpbacked Horse" by Pyotr Ershov, as well as the Kolobok.
This character was voiced by showman Garik Kharlamov (however, there is no portrait similarity between them).
"The Last Hero: The Root of Evil" is designed for audiences from six years old, and it will be better if young viewers have an idea of this and other characters before watching the film.
So, Kolobok turned out to be more frightening than funny.
From the eyes of an adult viewer, the filmmakers' fascination with references will not be hidden.
There are many of them.
The stone head will open the passage to the cave (just like in the cartoon "Aladdin"), the heroes will meet similar to the scene on platform 9 3/4 in the final part of the Harry Potter franchise, as well as dangerous hide-and-seek based on the hobbits escape from the Nazguls in The Lord of the Rings ".
The homages to ancient Greek mythology are also easy to spot.
True, it seems that they would fit better into the context, being presented with a greater degree of self-irony.
Nevertheless, the "Easter egg" works well in the scene where the star of "Moving Up" Kirill Zaitsev demonstrates his masterly ball handling skills.
By the way, Zaitsev's character turned out to be extremely successful.
The hero Finist in his performance is a storehouse of stereotypes: he is handsome and strong, and all his thoughts are concentrated on the desire to become famous.
Because of this, Finist is not drawn to the hero-lover.
The authors made this image stilted to the limit, which finally became obvious the irony with which they approached the task.
Ivan's line, on the other hand, is confusing.
On the example of the hero, the problems of human relationships, relations with parents and the search for their place in the world are touched upon.
Filmmakers have included many good ideas in Ivan's story.
However, given the fact that most of the screen time this character is responsible for the humorous component, the impression from serious scenes is blurred.
© kinopoisk.ru
The opposition of modern Moscow and Belogorye is used in an interesting way.
The differences between the two worlds become the source of conflicts between Ivan and Vasilisa.
In a fairytale atmosphere, the characters argue about things familiar to many couples.
This uncomplicated moment reminds of simple truths that are applicable in any of the worlds: the importance of mutual understanding and sincerity, support and faith in oneself.
Among other advantages of the tape - colorful video sequence.
Previously, director Dmitry Dyachenko admitted that he was guided by the pictures of the famous Soviet film storyteller Alexander Row.
The experience of turning to traditions was really a success: intricate outfits, fabulous decoration of the city and armor of daring heroes create a holistic atmosphere of magic.
Unlike the previous film, the picture of the "Root of Evil" is complemented by impressive winter landscapes that correspond to the setting of the New Year's premiere.
Meanwhile, work is already underway on the third part of the franchise.
It can be expected that in the future the story of the family of the hero, who initially considered himself an orphan, will be more fully revealed.
It is also known that fairy-tale characters will find themselves in the 21st century.