Netflix’s Devil May Cry Review – A Devilishly Good Adaptation

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Since its initial release on PS2 in 2001, Devil May Cry has consistently offered an exhilarating blend of extreme action, style, and poignant emotional moments. Recreating this formula for television is no small feat, but Netflix’s adaptation of the iconic Capcom series confidently delivers. By wholeheartedly capturing the carefree spirit of the video games, enhancing its humorous tone, and adding depth to the franchise’s narrative, Dante’s newest journey leaves a powerful first impression.

The Netflix animated series quickly sets its base without delay, introducing us to our carefree demon-hunter protagonist Dante, who unwittingly gets entangled in a clash involving the White Rabbit from Alice in Wonderland, demons, and an elite US government team of hellbusters, helmed by Mary Arkham, or Lady as she’s famously known to fans due to her appearance in Devil May Cry 3. A devious plan is brewing among influential figures on Earth and Hell, positioning Dante as a crucial element in resolving this ongoing conflict.

In Devil May Cry, we meet Dante, a confident demon-slayer seeking excitement to combat his growing ennui. However, this lively version of our protagonist shares equal importance with Lady across the eight episodes of this initial season. This method is beneficial as it allows viewers to notice similarities between these characters while preventing the series from being dominated by Dante’s carefree persona or Lady’s no-mercy approach towards demons.

Dante exhibits a blend of coolness and awkwardness, and it’s evident that his voice actor, Johnny Yong Bosch, enjoys every moment of it. On the other hand, Lady’s serious demeanor complements Dante nicely, creating a classic odd-couple dynamic whenever they appear together.

The route taken by Lady in the Devil May Cry series offers opportunities for growth and presents a complex and engaging narrative that hasn’t been delved into as deeply before within this universe. While previous games have touched on Dante’s acceptance of his lineage, Lady’s journey through the world of Devil May Cry uncovers fresh ground by examining the aftermath of Sparda’s uprising in the demon realm and providing a more humanizing perspective for the demons. The Netflix adaptation poses thought-provoking questions that earlier games didn’t tackle, adding depth to the story and expanding upon its themes.

As a fan, I can’t help but view the world of Devil May Cry through the nostalgic lens of summer blockbuster action films from the early 2000s. You know, those high-budget, mass-appeal movies that once ruled our cinemas before the streaming wars and the craze for interconnected universes turned movie-making into a factory line of generic flicks. Devil May Cry proudly flaunts its inspirations, just like a biker with his crimson leather jackets, and if films such as The Matrix Reloaded, The Raid, and Dredd played a significant role in shaping your love for movies, then you’ll be thrilled to spot familiar references sprinkled throughout this series. However, these cinematic nods never overtake the main storyline.

In Devil May Cry, both Dante and Lady play significant roles. The series also features a host of other captivating characters to enrich its ensemble. Some familiar, albeit demonic, figures create challenges for Dante, while Lady’s companions seem to have sprung from a Jim Lee WildCATs comic. However, it’s the late Kevin Conroy who commands attention as Vice President Baines in an outstanding performance.

In a remarkable transformation, the iconic voice actor of Batman, Conroy, portrays Baines as a composed and devout patriot with an intense fixation on constructing paradise on Earth, no matter the cost. His performance is chilling in its effectiveness, particularly when contrasted with the typical mustache-twirling antagonists that Devil May Cry gamers are accustomed to. On the other hand, Hoon Lee’s portrayal of the White Rabbit villain aligns with the theatrical villain archetype common in the games, but as his mask falls away, we discover another intriguing character who transitions from stereotypical to tragic in just one episode. Interestingly, the sixth episode of Devil May Cry offers a captivating exploration of both the villain and Lady, with their narratives unfolding largely without dialogue and through contrasting visual styles that paint a haunting picture of their troubled pasts.

Absolutely, this show isn’t just about deep, contemplative scenes and complex character growth – it also delivers some amazing action sequences, thanks to Studio Mir. While there are a few instances where CGI feels a bit jarring, the animation is sleek and well-executed. To top it off, they perfectly blend in late ’90s and early 2000s rock and nu-metal music that adds an extra layer of excitement. For instance, one episode has Dante dancing up a storm to Rage Against the Machine’s “Guerrilla Radio”, turning enemies into dance partners. Another episode features a thrilling highway chase powered by Papa Roach’s “Last Resort”.

Moments such as these possess the vivacity of a music video animated by Todd McFarlane, the creator of Spawn, or at minimum, an ardent anime enthusiast equipped with Windows Movie Maker and Linkin Park playlists. This is particularly evident in the first season finale, with its suspenseful cliffhanger conclusion. The setup for a spectacular second season is now in place, yet currently, this fresh interpretation of Devil May Cry delivers a devilishly enjoyable experience for both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

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2025-04-03 18:09