Martian Successor Nadesico - The Motion Picture: Prince of Darkness
Although it was initially criticized for spoofingmechasci-fi  adventures and fan culture,Martian Successor Nadesico(1996) became an  international hit. Unfortunately, the theatrical film offers little of the  original's irreverent humor. Two years after the broadcast series, Yurika and Akito are  missing and presumed dead; Ruri now commands theNadesico B. Ruri was always  the beleaguered voice of common sense, noting, "I guess we’ll be fumbling  about, making noise ‘til the end. However, when you think about it, that’s rather  appropriate for us." The new Ruri asks dumb questions: "Are you a good guy or  a bad guy?" Fry cook turnedmechapilot Akito appears as a masked,  Keanu Reeves-esque figure. ("That was then. This is now.") Fragmented and  difficult to follow,Prince of Darknessis a dreary coda to a wonderfully funny  series. Where's Gekiganger 3 when we need him? (Rated 15 and older: profanity,  brief nudity)--Charles Solomon