[KFCC] Zeram 2 Review

Story: Iria is your normal everyday hard working gorgeous bounty hunter. Of course, it’s just not safe for a gal to fight alone. With the help of her friend Fujicrow and her computer “Bob”, she repeatedly kicks universal ass. Things get out of hand, however, when Iria’s android bodyguard, who was built with a Zeiram unit implant, begins hunting Iria and her friends after being damaged. With the help of it’s powerful Zeiram unit, the robot traps them in a 3-dimensional zone and wreaks mad havoc for over half the movie!

Review: Unfortunately, I have not seen the first Zeiram movie. Luckily, it’s only optional as this movie is very simple and easy to follow. Tokyo Shock continues to bombard the U.S. with fairly good quality Japanese titles, and this is really no exception. While there are some problems spread throughout Zeiram 2, it comes out feeling like an overall solid experience.

One of the troubles with this film is something that may initially turn people off. I’m not tryin’ to hate, but a lot of scenes in Zeiram come off as slightly Power Ranger-ish. This is mostly attributed to some fairly lackluster and cheesy costume design for minor enemies. the one scene where this is most apparent is when our heroine Iria is about to be skewered by around 50 monsters and other unsavory folk. While some of the fiends look great, a few stick out and seem like they’re wearing 2 bucks of Halloween make-up and a goofy grin. The grins don’t last though, because a minute later they all get their wigs split and their socks knocked off!

On the other hand, Zeiram does manage to produce some interesting fights that create some cool effects and leave a few lasting impressions. Of course, the battle that sticks out most in my mind is the epic struggle between Iria, her partner, and the twisted would-be bodyguard robot. This is one cool ass enemy, no diggity. I was kind of disappointed when he took off his pimp “Raiden” hat (sorry, I don’t know what they’re really called), but overall he looks like a rabid metal-wolf on crack. Not to mention the Zeiram unit implanted in his chest. Being the root of all his evil, it looks like an evil pasty faced Japanese girl. If this fight hadn’t been cool, then I’m afraid there would be no movie, as it comprises most of it’s feature length. This thing really won’t die. While it may get a tad tiresome near the end, the director switches it up enough with new locales and more bad ass machinery.

The cast may not have been amazing, but they get the job done, and manage to create the illusion that they all have a relationship with each other prior to the film. That’s really all I ask. I can’t stand the cheesy computer AI named Bob, but it didn’t put a damper on the viewing. If you are down for some completely mindless action, then pick the movie up, but don’t expect too much. I may not be able to think of too many bad things to say, but there’s also nothing really praiseworthy to mention. But hell, I had fun watching it. Let’s hope that Tokyo Shock keeps up the good work, and brings out more decent titles like this one.