[Xtreme RX]

Been a while since I posted last, but the newest episode of Amazons was so good that it warrants my thoughts.

First off, Amazons is an amazing project with fantastic content, a great atmosphere, and solid pacing. I think its a great idea for Toei to expand their series like Marvel did with their Netflix series' and web-based streaming is an ideal platform for that. They are crafting a Kamen Rider series devoid of all the clutter in the Sunday morning shows and its really hearkening back to the early Heisei era's prime (no pun intended).

As a whole, I enjoy the show so far, but a few of the episodes have been hit or miss. I hated episode 8, and episode 9 was subpar, but ep 10 was just amazing. The writing is good, the conflict setup is excellent, the action is amazing and the editing is tight. The introduction of Amazon Sigma is adding a great dynamic to an already well-written show (again, minus ep 8). This is Kobayashi working her last-quarter magic again.

But man, I have to say it here - Ryuta Tasaki is probably the best director Kamen Rider has. Today's episode was extremely well shot. He knows how to frame and has an almost art-house style that's not prevalent in a lot of Toku directors. And his action direction, though not as bombastic as Sakamoto, is more grounded and is definitely fierce.

I love this series, glad season 2 is happening, and I am excited to see what kind of projects could spawn going forward. Kuuga remake, anyone?