Kamen Rider The First (2005)

I really want to like this movie more than I do.  it's got a lot going for it, some great action, not too much "bullet time" crap (I'm so over seeing slow motion spin around punches, kicks, etc) and a good cast with a decent story.  the music is OK, but when you open with the first minute of "Let's Go! Rider Kick!" which is an awesome song, it's gonna be hard to top that. 

it's only 90 minutes long which also helps a lot.  most superhero movies should only be about that long, otherwise they tend to dip into pretentious posturing about how important they are.  or have far too many fake out endings (I'm over those as well).


however, it's hindered by not enough action and a meandering subplot with two terminal patients that become Shocker operatives... I didn't even realize all that was a flashback until this last time I watched it.  it wasn't even that necessary to show why someone would want to become a Shocker agent.  you'd think good people woudn't give their principles up just because they are dying.

the fight scenes are quite good, even if they didn't use the tradition "henshin" moves, except in one slight homage shot.  when the two Riders battle each other it's a great moment, filmed in mostly real time with some excellent gags.

so take out some of that, add another fight scene in and the movie would be a lot better.  the actors really took their parts seriously and practiced their unmasked fight scenes.  the US DVD has some nice behind the scenes footage showing this.  they talk about how hot the costumes get, which tells me no superhero would ever wear actual leather in the real world, or much armor (sorry Batman Begins, your realism just flew out the window).

I'll review "The Next" soon.