Shin Kamen Rider

Hideaki Anno's Shin Kamen Rider is a rare piece of fandom. It's clearly B-level kitsch, executed with an A-level budget, but without sacrificing that B-grade charm. Most tokusatsu films end up on the cheap and cheesier side, if you're wondering what a blockbuster rendition of the genre would look like, here's your chance.

When Takeshi wakes up, he finds that he is turning into a monster while wearing a suit that gives him superpowers. It turns out a scientist made him this way, in an attempt to stop similar creatures that are being brought to life with more nefarious intentions. Takeshi accepts his destiny, but his fight will not be easy.

I didn't know much about Kamen Rider, but the lore is quite a bit crazier than most other tokusatsu franchises I know. Anno doesn't hold back either and leans into the action and weirdness of it all. It's still a bit too cheesy for my liking, but I definitely appreciated the dedication and the random twists and turns this film took.