SSSS.Gridman is really important to me, being one of the first seasonal anime I discovered and watched on my own in 2018 (i.e. without a friend's recommendation) and ended up liking ALOT.
I was like 14 back then; for somebody who grew up watching transformers and power rangers this was like the dream show for me. The bombastic soundtrack, entertaining characters and the super interesting stuff which was happening with Akane made the anime leave an everlasting impact on my impressionable brain (even though I was too dumb to completely understand the last part on my own so I hard to resort to reading articles).
Fast forward 3 years, after watching alot of different types of shows and movies, I watched Dynazenon as it was airing; which at that time I found to to be even better than Gridman.
Now, before I could watch this movie I decided rewatch both Gridman and Dynazenon as I wanted to give it the sendoff it deserves. And this was unironically one of the best choices of my life, watching these shows and the movie have given me an unpredented appreciation for this frachise. I could now properly understand why Gridman's story of Akane's escapism impacted me so much. I could now see why watching people overcome their past regrets and move on in Dynazenon was so engaging for me.
Seeing these these two stories end on such a fulfilling note made me wonder how were they planning to incorparate a 'finale' movie.
In this time I aso read/watched some stuff regarding the original Hyper Agent Gridman show. So I could appreciate some elements more (like the 5,000 year old mummy episode mirroring dynazenon, final few episodes mirroring gridman and the stuff with Anosilus II).
//the actual review//
This movie primarily deals with Yuta's identity, which was one open plot point from the Gridman anime and it handles it really well. Its also extremely witty and meta in some sections (particularly the first half) when its discussing the relation of humans with the fictional worlds they love creating and exploring.
Watching the characters from both universes interact with each other was such a treat. Seeing them learn from their pasts and each others' and then finally get a deserving sendoff was gratifying.
The animation, both 3D and 2D is exhilirating (that one sequence of Yuta in the school hallway lives rent free in my head). Also the blending of live-action scenes led to some surreal sequences as well.
There is this one scene in the final battle where the OP is playing, which is already hype as you can imagine. But the it suddenly switches and I just lost my shit; unironically one of the most "HOLY SHIT" moments I've ever had watching something.
The finale was extremely sweet, and wraps up everything perfectly.
You just love to see it.
Thank You,
(Special Signature to Save a Soul) Gridman and
(Scarred Souls Shine like Stars) Dynazenon.
I will never forget this.
I hopefully understood what you were trying to tell. And even if I didn't, atleast I laughed.
