[Kamen Rider Die]

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Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

Shouldn't you be happy to put all that Time Nonsense behind you though? The best parts of Den-O is when it's not focusing on that.

This is too far in the opposite direction, though. Instead of poorly-defined rules that suddenly take on massive significance, this is all just Whatever and nothing seems to have any weight to it.

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Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

She finally sees the real Ryutaros! I was very happy for him in that moment!

Probably the best moment in the movie, and the sort of thing I was hoping we'd see more of.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

The movie is indulgent comedy that gives the Denliner crew the excuse to experience all those espionage and detective tropes for the first time, which they have an awesome time doing, with even Ryoutarou getting in to it at the end.

I think the reason why people may not like this movie is due to taking it too seriously and not appreciating it for what it is, just a cute adventure. I understand that not being invested in Suzuki's story is going to get in the way of that. It's mostly a simplified version of Wataru's story, but I thought it was good enough.

I think the more likely reason people dislike this movie (aside from legitimate criticisms regarding theme and Ryotaro's insignificance) is that it takes place after the series, but then doesn't do anything with that placement. If this had been the summer movie during the show's run, instead of I'm Born, I don't think there'd be as many haters. As far as dumb fun goes, yeah, it totally delivers some ridiculous shenanigans. But as the first Den-O project after the series finale, it aims way too low. This was a chance to expand our understanding of the finale and set up a new status quo. Instead, it feels like a regressive money-grab, something where everyone involved was just aiming for Good Enough. That, ironically, isn't good enough.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sh Ranger

I don't think Negataros and Kai are that similar, other than getting bored easily. Where Kai is apathetic and sick of everything, Negataros is motivated in the pursuit of his clear goal. It's like he took inspiration from the Showa style bad guys and decided, "I want to do that but better." Negataros' whole generic evil organization is totally to be a parody but that's pretty appropriate for a movie that parodies the cop comedy genre. It's just another part of the fun of the movie. He's also the first Dark Rider to debut after his heroic counterpart's show is over.

Sure, I can see that. I found the whole Purposeful Disinterest of Negataros to be very similar to Kai, but that's maybe me projecting some on Negataros. In fairness, he is not very well defined!

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Originally Posted by Androzani84

And here we are with the final of the arm monsters, Dogga the Frankenstein (alias Riki, and I’m sure of this this time). I’ll reveal now that all three are named for onomatopoeia (garulu is the howl of a wolf, basha is the sound of something hitting the water and dogga is the sound of being punched).

I did a real double-take when I thought Kivat had called for the Doggo Hammer. Good to know the reason for the actual name!