Reviewed on August 25, 2021
Use the table of contents below to choose specific topics of your choice, or simply read through the whole article! (Pro Tip: use “Alt + Left” to return to the table of contents!)
The Review
The safest way to test the waters in the entertainment industry is to experiment different styles with well-established franchises; Lupin III: The First seems to do just that, and with great confidence.
Helmed by the talented people from Marza Animation Planet, known for their work with CGI cutscenes for the Sonic the Hedgehog franchise, this 3D-animated movie spectacularly retains the sense of fluidity and flair from cartoons and anime. The visual stylization certainly stays faithful to the source material yet carves its own marvelous style. The general aesthetic of Lupin III: The First is quite polished to the likes of Pixar movies, though I’d say that some aspects—cuts, close-ups, and scope of scenes—are still rough and could be improved.
Although anyone can appreciate the full-blown jazz score and engaging, zippy action sequences, the movie feels like a short preview to the world of Lupin III. While newcomers can enjoy this movie, they are mostly dropped off an airplane with a parachute and expected to navigate underlying relationships between characters. Because of this, the main cast feels mostly there to entertain than to connect with. Regardless, the interactions between characters are hilariously fun to see on the screen.
The lip syncing in the English dub is not necessarily the best, though that’s because the animation is incredibly synced to the original language. That said, having both the Japanese and English cast reprise their roles for this movie will make a lot of fans happy.
The main scenario is something that’s been done before, and done better elsewhere; perhaps Lupin III was the first series to employ such a conflict, but this movie’s old-fashioned storyline won’t surprise anyone in this era. Nonetheless, the plot moves with purpose and never lets up with entertaining dialogue and exciting developments. I especially like the touch of ancient fantastical technology in an otherwise realistic world.
Above all, Lupin III: The First doesn’t take itself too seriously, and is willing to bend into unrealistic goofiness to get people laughing. Although everything points to a movie that is just passing, there’s a right amount of action, fun, and charm that should entertain a wide range of viewers. I’d especially recommend it for those wanting an animated experience whose action and dialogue goes a little beyond the family-friendly constraints of Pixar.
Despite the hour and a half-long runtime, I still felt wanting more from the movie; I hope a sequel is in the works, because this is a style, cast of characters, and world that I’d love to see a few more times.
Verdict
EYE LIKE
CRITICAL RATING: 8/10
OVERALL...
A stunning, enjoyable 3D-animated film with great action sequences, zippy movement, and cool characters. This movie exudes style, confidence, and polish comparable to Pixar, though the plot itself treads familiar ground –
The Blu-ray Special Features
- English Cast Reunited (50 minutes): A casual podcast with the main cast that focuses on voice acting for the first half, but delves into their feelings of the franchise for the second half. While not entirely a productive conversation, these individuals are closely linked to the Lupin III English localization and have a lot to say about their decade-long involvement.
- CG Model Gallery (12 minutes): A detailed showcase of the movie’s models for items and backdrops, both small and large. Accompanied with jazzy music, it felt surreal to see these models displaced and seen from a different perspective. Unfortunately, there are no close looks at the characters models.
- Animation Breakdown (18 minutes): Perhaps the most informative, intriguing feature that delves heavily behind-the-scenes. This is a well-organized (albeit silent) breakdown that takes us through the multiple stages of character animation, lighting, shots, and certain scenes. Creators and artists will especially like seeing this, though any viewer should be entertained by the goofiness of the early drafts.
- Interview with Director & Japanese Cast (30 minutes): Another feature that talks about voice acting and the Lupin III franchise. While the conversations between voice actors are casual and mostly for fun, the director’s commentary provides necessary context to this film’s creation and the considerations they had to make when transitioning the franchise into 3D.
- Yellow Carpet Premiere (1 minute), Theatrical Trailers & Promos round out the special features.
CRITICAL EYE 