‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is a massive hit. But is it a good movie?

A few years ago, for reasons that escape me ― maybe a lot of people in the newsroom were out sick or on vacation or something ― I was asked to write a story about then-K-pop sensation BTS.

As a journalist, you are often called upon to be an instant expert on any number of topics. It’s without question one of the coolest parts of the job. It can also be one of the most frustrating. (I’m using the word “expert” loosely.)

My one-story stint as a K-pop expert went about as you’d expect. Let’s just say I was never asked to write another. And while I have unusually varied interests in musical genres, I fully acknowledge that K-pop is, despite my toe-dipping with that single story, not something I listen to very often.

By which I mean ever.

Which is fine. I’m not a music critic. I’m a media columnist, which is how “KPop Demon Hunters” first caught my attention. Mine and everyone else’s. It debuted on Netflix on June 20 and is now the second-most-watched Netflix original film of all time, with three of its songs currently in the Billboard Top 10. Its success came out of nowhere, which is the most satisfying kind of success.

Is ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ any good?

All well and good. But I review movies for their quality, not their popularity. While I watched the global phenomenon that is “KPop Demon Hunters” gather momentum for the last couple of months, it was mostly with bemused curiosity. The only question that really matters to me is a simple one: Is the movie any good?

In this case, it really is.

I know. I was surprised, too.

I love the genre-hopping: animated horror musical romantic comedy. And it’s suitable for the family.

What is ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ about?

It tells the story of Huntr/x, a K-pop girl group whose members secretly double as their generation’s demon hunters. Its members ― Mira (May Hong), Zoey (Ji-young Yoo) and Rumi (Arden Cho) ― work to keep demons in the Golden Honmoon, a realm that keeps the demons at bay. Their fans’ adoration fuels their supernatural fighting abilities. Good thing. Without demon hunters, the demons would steal everyone’s souls.

But Jinu (Ahn Hyo-seop), a put-upon demon serving the demon king, Gwi-Ma (Byung Hun Lee), has an idea to swipe the fans’ souls, which is expressed in the most delightful three-word phrase I’ve heard in a movie all year: demon boy band.

Aren’t they all?

The boy band, the Saja Boys, becomes an immediate hit, which endangers both the popularity of Huntr/x and the souls of their fans. What follows is a fight for popularity, along with a tale of inclusion, becoming comfortable in your own skin, being honest with the people you care about, a little romance, some cute supernatural creatures and a televised battle of the bands and a lot of songs, all of it steeped in Korean lore.

Not everything will make perfect sense. I’m not sure it’s supposed to. It isn’t the kind of movie where you nitpick the details. It’s the kind of movie where you float along from one scene to the next, buoyed by catchy hits like “Golden” and “Soda Pop.” They don’t just serve the story, but drive it.

All of which explains why it’s an entertaining movie, one you can watch with your family. (The scary bits aren’t too intense, although there is some soul-sucking going on.)

But why is it a worldwide phenomenon?

What makes ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ so insanely popular?

You can guess at some reasons. At a time when countries and people seem determined to wall themselves off, to make room only for themselves and those like them, it is a refreshing change to see something different, to expose yourself to something unfamiliar. Like “Sinners,” it’s not based on an existing franchise, although K-pop is of course massively popular.

But historically popular like this film? If I really knew the answer to why “KPop Demon Hunters” is such a massive success, still going strong two months after its release, still making headlines, still spinning off Top 10 hits, I would be typing this on my private jet on my way to Nantucket to chill.

For the record, I am typing it in my Chandler, Arizona home, where it is expected to be 111 degrees today. So no, I don’t have a great answer. I hope it’s all about inclusion and a good time at the movies.

Beyond that, I don’t really care. Sometimes you capture lightning in a bottle. This is clearly one of those times. And I’m glad it happened to something as entertaining as “KPop Demon Hunters.” We could all use a little more fun.

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‘KPop Demon Hunters’ in-theater singalong event

In theaters Saturday, Aug. 23 and Sunday, Aug. 24. Check local listings for showtimes.

‘Kpop Demon Hunters’

Great ★★★★★ Good ★★★★

Fair ★★★ Bad ★★ Bomb ★

Directors: Maggie Kang, Chris Appelhans.

Cast: Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo.

Rating: PG for action/violence, scary images, thematic elements, some suggestive material and brief language.

How to watch: Stream on Netflix.

Reach Goodykoontz at [email protected]. Facebook:facebook.com/GoodyOnFilm. Media commentary with a side of snark? Sign up for The Watchlist newsletter with Bill Goodykoontz.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ is a global phenomenon. Should it be?