Reviews of films and movies.
Considering my dislike for Saber and my increasing disappointment with Revice, I went into Kamen Rider: Beyond Generations (仮面ライダー ビヨンド・ジェネレーションズ) with apprehension. I had no idea what to expect and my expectations were definitely low. But perhaps that’s partly why I’ve come out of the film actually liking and enjoying it. Really enjoying it, actually. And much to my surprise, even succumbing to a huge MaGMCM at the end of it.
To commemorate the 45th season of Super Sentai and the 50th year anniversary of Kamen Rider, Toei presents Saber + Zenkaiger: Superhero Senki (セイバー＋ゼンカイジャー:スーパーヒーロー戦記). The crossover film will feel familiar to fans who may have enjoyed the Super Hero Taisen series of films where numerous legendary Sentai and Kamen Riders come together to fight a vicious foe. And though there are certainly a few hurdles this film needs to overcome, it ultimately is a loving tribute to Shotaro Ishinomori, the father of the two long-running tokusatsu franchises. As well as to children, young and old, who have enjoyed both series the last five decades.
Writer/director Roo Seung Wan delivers a breathtaking film with Escape from Mogadishu (모가디슈). The combination of edge of your seat action, tense wartime drama and sincere heart and emotion make for a thrilling and satisfying cinematic experience.
Koh recalls the day after they were able to help Nada free himself from Gaisorg’s darkness and be able to join their team.
Nada meets with Bamba in the hopes of meeting Dimevolcano. Bamba calls him over and Dimevolcano tells Nada his riddle. A thief has robbed you of all your wealth. What should you do?
Mashin Sentai Kiramager vs. Ryusoulger (魔進戦隊キラメイジャーVSリュウソウジャー) might be one of the best Sentai VS films. Rarely does a team-up or crossover event capture the essence of both original series as well as this film does. A perfect blend of exciting action and character-driven story results in an unquestionably wonderful and satisfying experience.
Juuru and Tametomo awaken and find themselves at the beach, not knowing how they got here. While Fire begins to explain, “that woman” who was responsible is currently approaching Takamichi as he is drilling for Stones in the forest.
There is a sense of finality with Zero-One Others: Kamen Rider Vulcan & Valkyrie (ゼロワン Others 仮面ライダーバルカン&バルキリー). And that feeling is bittersweet. The film, the second of two V-Cinext releases in the Zero-One Others series, wraps up the shocking turn of events in Kamen Rider MetsubouJinrai and serves as a final conclusion to Zero-One, the story.
Commanding performances from Kim Hye Soo and Kim Go Eun power the bloody and heartbreaking 2015 film Coin Locker Girl (차이나타운/Chinatown). The stylish crime-noir is wrought with pulpy action, but well-balanced with an unexpected bit of heart and emotion.
The 2020 film Justice High (공수도) takes the all-too familiar theme of school violence and turns it into a fascinatingly fun and charming story. Endearing characters and the actors bringing them to life carry the film that has much more potential than there is room for in two hours.
The feature film Double Patty (더블패티) is a thoughtful slice of life drama about a pair of young adults trying to find their way and fighting for their dreams, even if they may not know what those dreams might be just yet.