Okay, let's talk about Kamen Rider Zero-One Real x Time. I'm just gonna say it: I kinda liked it more than the series ending.
The Movie Magic (Or Lack Thereof?)
Look, the series ending was... well, it was an ending. But it felt a little rushed. It didn't give me the satisfying *thump* I craved.
The movie though? It went bonkers. Like, full-on "let's throw everything at the wall and see what sticks" bonkers.
A World on Fire (Literally)
Imagine this: a bunch of people can suddenly become Kamen Riders. Chaos, right? Absolutely. But glorious chaos!
We have Esu/Kamen Rider Eden, who wants to... well, destroy the world. Super original, I know. But hey, at least he's committed to his vision.
Our hero Aruto/Kamen Rider Zero-One has to stop him. Classic hero stuff.
Unpopular Opinion Incoming!
Okay, here's where I might lose some of you. I preferred the movie's villain. Esu was more compelling than, say, Horobi's sudden "humanity" arc in the last few episodes.
Don't get me wrong, Horobi's redemption was cool. But Esu was just so deliciously evil. Sometimes you just need a good old-fashioned bad guy who *really* means it.
Rider Kicks and Existential Dread
The fight scenes? Top-notch. We're talking Rider Kicks that could probably demolish a small building. That's the good stuff.
And the stakes? The whole world is at risk! Talk about pressure.
But it's also kind of funny. A bunch of people suddenly getting superpowers and deciding to use them for good (or evil). It's a superhero cliche, but I love it.
Why I Think It Works
Maybe it's the pacing. The movie is just one concentrated dose of action. No filler, just pure, unadulterated Kamen Rider goodness.
Perhaps it was the sheer absurdity of it all. Giant robots, a villain who wants to delete humanity, and Aruto trying to keep his optimism intact. It's beautiful in its ridiculousness.
Or maybe, just maybe, I'm a sucker for a good final battle. And Real x Time delivers that in spades.
Don't @ Me
Look, I know this might be controversial. The series ending had its moments. It explored themes of humanity, artificial intelligence, and the meaning of progress.
But for sheer entertainment value? Real x Time edges it out for me. It's the equivalent of eating a whole bag of candy in one sitting. You might feel a little guilty afterwards, but it was worth it.
So, what do you think? Am I completely off my rocker? Or do you secretly agree that Real x Time is a hidden gem of the Zero-One saga?
Let me know in the comments (but be nice!). Just remember it's okay to have unpopular opinions! Now, if you excuse me, I'm going to go re-watch those Rider Kicks. For research purposes, of course.
"Aruto ja naito!"
