The second feature film from the popular anime series 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime' offers little for newcomers, despite being easy to follow. Titled 'Tears of the Azure Sea,' the movie sidesteps the goopy substance of the title, focusing instead on a generic side-quest involving the slime protagonist Rimura Tempest and his companions.
Directed by Yasuhito Kikuchi, who helmed the previous film and most of the series, the story begins with Rimura (voiced by Brittney Karbowski in English, Miho Okasaki in Japanese) and his team visiting the private island of Celestial Emperor Elmesia. Their relaxation is interrupted by ocean princess Yura (Allegra Clark; Saoiri Onishi), who is fleeing from antagonists Zodon (Christopher Corey Smith; Koichi Domoto) and Djeese (Yuri Lowenthal; Koji Yusa).
A notable shift in this film is the focus on Gobta (Ryan Reynolds; Asuna Tomari), usually a comic relief goblin, who becomes an unlikely love interest for Yura. The plot unfolds as a tragic romance with franchise insider humour and palace intrigue, including a magical flute that controls a dragon.
The animation features gauzier, more primitive styles during flashbacks and impressive aqueous action scenes with swirling water and aerial combat, which should suit theatrical screenings. However, the underdog-saving-mysterious-woman narrative feels too predictable, and Rimura's detached diplomacy undercuts the stakes.
Released alongside the ongoing fourth season, 'Tears of the Azure Sea' feels more like a long-weekend getaway than a substantial film. Devoted fans will appreciate the additional lore, but there are few reasons for non-fans to take the plunge.
