I write this review as someone who has been a fan of the comics and animated film for over 20 years (one of my first tattoos was of Battle Angel).
I really have no idea whether or not the folks who are walking into this film with no prior knowledge of the original works will enjoy this film, but I really couldn’t be happier.
I firmly believe that the film Robert Rodriguez directed is very much like his other action films (El Mariachi, Spy Kids, Sharkboy and Lava Girl, Predators, Machete): the visual effects are stunning, the sound design top notch, and the journey a top-notch thrill-ride. Not Fast and Furious 17 thrill ride, but Planet Terror thrill ride. Much like the 2008 action film based on a different anime series Speed Racer, this film appeals to things teens can relate to while at the same time the story has something for everyone. I felt like this new story was an expanded version of the old school animation (a project which had very obviously suffered from a lack of a proper budget, and much smaller in scope than the manga). I do fear that people walking into this cold will find the story disjointed, but that is always a stark possibility when adapting a franchise that already exists. I could be wrong, though. Coming in fresh might be just as grand.
The nods in this new film to the original bodies of work were unbelievably meticulous and appropriate. Beyond appropriate, in fact: necessary and executed very well. Fan service for fans’ sake.
Furthermore, the augmented subplots and new character paths/goals/characteristics/relationships are done very skillfully. The addition of Martians into the story, I thought, was brilliant, particularly for those those of us already very familiar with the old story lines. It made it so that the film wasn’t just a rehash. Rather a fresh new take, by the fans, for the fans.
Christoph Waltz and Jennifer Connelly were just as amazing as they always have been, and the overall diversity of the cast was a breath of fresh air. Oh, and what’s this? Edward Norton as Nova? You better start investing in part two, Mr. Titanic-Avatar!!!
But seriously, I came away very happy. I dare say, I think I like it more than the original anime. And it was this cartoon, if you will, (along with Ninja Scroll and Gunbuster) that got me into anime in the first place…
This film gave the legendary story an update and a polish it (deserved) needed for a much larger audience. Two thumbs up, 10 stars, and a beer from the Kansas bar for your troubles.
Highly recommended for fans of cyborg films. A must-see for die-hard Gunm fans.
