Introduction: An Iconic Reboot Hideaki Anno, known for his work on the Neon Genesis Evangelion anime franchise, takes on the classic Kamen Rider series with “Shin Kamen Rider.” As the first of Anno’s reboots without Shinji Higuchi’s involvement, fans were eager to see how this new rendition would fare. Set in the world of SHOCKER, an organization kidnapping people and turning them into mutant insect hybrids, the film follows motorcyclist Takeshi Hongo as he becomes Grasshopper-Aug. With a desire to kill amplified, Hongo must team up with allies to bring down SHOCKER once and for all.7
Bloodshed and Humor: A Tonal Rollercoaster “Shin Kamen Rider” struggles to find a consistent tone, veering between serious and comedic elements. While the superhero film showcases Hongo’s intense and bloody fights, it also embraces lighter moments with dry humor. The SHOCKER augmentations boast detailed costumes and over-the-top performances, injecting entertainment into the film. Each augmentation has unique characteristics, adding a delightful touch to the action sequences.
A Rush of Action and Intrigue The film maintains a quick pace, rarely slowing down between fights and enemies. Notably, the confrontation of two Kamen Riders against a swarm of grasshopper augmentations is a standout moment. The special effects, while occasionally clunky, fit the nostalgic homage to the original TV show. The overall cheesiness adds to the film’s comedic and nostalgic appeal.
Flawed Writing Amidst Fun and Action Despite the fantastic action and costume design, the film suffers from its writing. “Shin Kamen Rider” feels like a string of fights strung together with nostalgic references, lacking a compelling narrative. The performances are enjoyable, and the cinematography captures intense moments during the fights. However, the film falls short in delivering a coherent and memorable storyline.
Conclusion: An Entertaining Yet Disappointing Adaptation “Shin Kamen Rider” offers a rollercoaster of action, humor, and nostalgia. While flawed in its writing, it still manages to entertain with blood-pumping fights and impressive costume design. Although not Anno’s strongest tokusatsu adaptation, the film provides a fun ride for fans of the franchise.
