Seishun Buta Yarou wa Randoseru Girl no Yume wo Minai

This movie felt like an old friend. It's been years since I've watched the ending of the series, and I've skipped two movies in between, but watching it was an easy return to what I enjoyed about the Bunny Girl senpai. (I refuse to call it the Dreaming Rascal series, I only do watch it for Mai.)

This movie had an air of finality around it. Sakuta's family arc has come full circle, and Sakuta is ready to move to the next level with Mai. I really like the poetic echo of the call back to the first arc of the series, with Sakuta experiencing Mai's ... "adolescence complex". Switching places meant Mai got the chance to save Sakuta, if she wanted it.

Really, this was a good place to end the series, even if it has several novels remaining and it is ongoing.

This movie probably resembles the perfect middle ground between the three movies that have come out after the series as it is better than the second movie " Rascal Does Not Dream of a Sister Venturing Out" but not quite as good as the first movie " Rascal Does Not Dream of a Dreaming Girl", which was phenomenal. Returning to this series always feels like embracing a warm hug, but there's also a lingering sour aftertaste and an underlying sense of dread that a catastrophe is looming, making it hard to fully enjoy the movie without feeling apprehensive. On paper this probably sounds like a ... bad thing, but it's really not cause that's what makes the Bunny Girl Senpai series so different and intriguing.

I'll be the first to admit that it can get extremely confusing to follow along with the various cases of "Adolescence Syndrome", and numerous resulting timelines, but the movies tend to manage to clean up after themselves by the conclusion and get to a coherent ending which makes sense and at the same time builds up to whatever is next. This movie continues directly from the previous one, advancing the plot and answering open questions. While the last film centered on his sister Kaede, this installment shifts the focus back to Sakuta, who experiences "Adolescence Syndrome" as he disappears and relies on others, particularly Mai, to save him. A significant portion of this movie also addresses Sakuta's family and their issues, delivering a wholesome conclusion that complements Sakuta's experience with "Adolescence Syndrome." This resolution felt satisfying and well-integrated into the story.

This movie shows all characters that have become a staple to the series and manages to stand on it's own. There is a bit of everything as there also are romantic scenes between Mai and Sakuta which transmit a feeling like their relationship is evolving and they are ready to take further steps and becoming serious as a couple. One critique I have is that many of the side characters receive little to no screen time. However, it's commendable that almost all of them make an appearance, even if it's just for a few seconds or in the background of a scene. It feels like even if they did not have an important role in this movie, their existence is acknowledged, which is nice.

If you're a fan of the Bunny Girl Senpai series, I am fairly certain you'll enjoy this movie. It follows the familiar formula, blending supernatural elements that get super confusing at times with the usual characters and charming interactions between Mai and Sakuta, creating an enjoyable viewing experience, which left an overall positive feeling. I very much recommend this one.

To be frank, I didn't quite enjoy the movie as much as the previous 2. The themes explored within this movie simply pale in comparison to what was shown in S1 and the previous movies. Sakura's conflicting feelings simply felt too distant for me to comprehend, though other viewers may think otherwise. I believe that the slow pacing and depiction of the problems experienced by the MC in the show simply didn't tug on my heartstrings.

However, I feel like the SOL scenes and the deepening of the relationship is more than worth watching the movie regardless. Major and minor characters make their appearance too ... and are enjoyable to watch.