Good Ol’ Review: Emotional, Exciting “Kamen Rider OOO 10th: Core Medal of Resurrection” Absolutely Delivers

TYPE OF REVIEW : GOOD OL’ REVIEW
No spoilers.

In 2010, I fully got sucked into the world of Super Sentai. And soon after, I decided to do the same with its Sunday morning sibling Kamen Rider. With Sentai, I had years of watching Power Rangers to help me be at least familiar with different parts of the series. That and also having been aware of Power Rangers‘ origins in Sentai as well. But I didn’t have the same background with Kamen Rider. So going into the franchise, I was a bit less familiar.

But thanks to Kamen Rider OOO and Kamen Rider Fourze, I had no problem getting into this interesting world of bug-eyed heroes. And I’ve been a fan ever since.

Both OOO and Fourze will always have a special place in my heart as my first Kamen Rider seasons. (I binged OOO while watching Fourze as it aired.)

So upon hearing about Kamen Rider OOO 10th: Core Medal of Resurrection, I was very excited. Not only because it was a chance to visit with old friends again. But also since it reminded me of how long I’ve enjoyed (and maybe not in some years lol) Kamen Rider.

This anniversary film probably has everything a fan could ask for. (And maybe some moments that fans never wished they saw. But you’ll just have to watch to find out what I mean. ;))

The film opens with Ankh suddenly resurrected. But he finds himself in a world that is far different from the one he left ten years ago. He is able to meet familiar faces once again, but things are definitely not as they seem. And a new (old?) threat arrives to put the world in danger once again.

Core Medal of Resurrection wastes no time getting into the thick of the story. Not to mention being able to quickly trot out all the familiar faces in ways that are seamless and believable.

It’s definitely quite a feat how Toei managed to get every single member of the original cast back for this anniversary film. And it is a welcome treat to see all the familiar faces. A bonus that they appear according to the story and not just as fan service cameos.

And it’s because of that fact that the film’ story works on an emotional level. Of course, getting back into the world of OOO with all the same faces and characters will bring about a sense of great nostalgia. But having that foundation allows for the story to play out in an urgent fashion. Having that sense of urgency and danger for these characters raises the level of excitement. And the emotional connection with the audience that may have been forged over the original 48 episodes and the years since then bring it all together.

Again, seeing pretty much the entire cast back is itself a cause for celebration. It’s almost like it hasn’t been 10+ years since they were all together last.

But it’s especially a highlight to see Shu Watanabe and Ryosuke Miura back together as Eiji and Ankh. And their performances in this film are excellent. With some particularly breathtaking scenes as well. Probably some of the best performances I’ve seen in Toei toku in a while.

Kamen Rider OOO 10th: Core Medal of Resurrection just simply delivers. It’s an exciting (and yes heartbreaking) film. Its story effectively uses the foundation set by the original series. The cast all returns and makes it seem like they were filming the series just yesterday. That great chemistry along with their great performances support the pitch perfect story and successful execution.

I don’t know how someone who hasn’t watched OOO will take this film. But for me as someone who holds the season close to my heart and credits it with introducing me to (and convincing me to stay in) this fun, crazy world of Riders, it is a great film. And a wonderful way to celebrate the season’s anniversary.