The pinnacle of every Kamen Rider series is what fans refer to as the “Summer Movie.” Just like its namesake, this is the theatrical film that caps off each Rider series every July, bringing a story to a close (and sometimes introducing the next hero within.) They’re fairly standard romps, acting as feature-length episodes to their respective series, with perhaps just a little bit more budget added. One of the latest theatrical Kamen Rider films, Kamen Rider ZEZTZ: Farewell Mission, had its North American Premiere at L.A. Comic Con just a few weeks ago, and I was lucky enough to attend with an auditorium full of Kamen Rider fanatics.
Tokusatsu fans will not be shorted on the sheer amount of well-directed action and stuntwork present in this film; there’s a plethora of great fight scenes, impressive motorcycle stunts, and big character moments that will get fans out of their seats. It’s very clear that Toei knows the formula to these movies, as once things begin, they seldom slow down. Yuya Takahashi’s writing is at a peak here, with twists, turns, and emotions running high throughout the unraveling story. This is, after all, the end of the road for Kamen Rider ZEZTZ, so it’s clear that the team behind the series wanted to go all out. Even if you’re not a fan of Kamen Rider, it’s still an action-packed ride and a pretty entertaining 60 minutes that doesn’t go to waste. At my screening of the film, the fans were clapping, cheering, and were having a blast with this movie, delighting in the clever writing, action, and yes, fan service that can be found within.
The ultimate drawback with summer movies like these, especially Farewell Mission in particular, is that films like these are tying a bow on a television series with more than 50 episodes of storytelling, character arcs, and setup. The payoff for those who followed along from the beginning is immense, with tons of easter eggs, treats, and character resolutions being thrown around in this movie, but for those who are looking for a short movie to get themselves into Kamen Rider, this one might be like having Avengers: Endgame as your first Marvel experience. There’s enough cohesion in the writing and plot structure to follow along, but the real
reward is having this as the end of your journey with these characters you’ve followed for an entire season.
Kamen Rider ZEZTZ: Farewell Mission gives viewers a strong, well-written goodbye, leaving no stone unturned nor fan-favorite left out. If you have followed along and have viewed each episode, this movie feels like a gift back to the fans. If you have not, there may be other options that would be a better (and more cinematic) experience when accessing Kamen Rider for the very first time. There is no current information on a potential wide release for both this film and the other 2026 Kamen Rider flick, AGITO: Psychic War, but here’s hoping more Kamen Rider fans in the United States can experience this thrill ride as soon as possible!
