DIRTY PAIR MOVIES
These films are summer blockbusters *every* summer
Review by: Craig "Box Office Bomb" Norris
Length: 3 movies
Genre: Action, sci-fi
Watched: All, subbed
As we previously did with the movies in the Slayers franchise, it was decided that reviewing all
the Dirty Pair movies in one shot was the best course of action, because A) the characters are
constant, B) each movie is pretty much the same genre, and C) we're lazy bastards. Besides, it's
our site, and we'll do things however we see fit to do them. So there! If our conceit hasn't made
you leave yet, feel free to enjoy this 3 for 1 Dirty Pair movies review.
Artwork: The animation quality is pretty much the same as the TV series, with a little extra spit
and polish to make the movies look more like the feature films they're supposed to be. Affair
on Nolandia looks like it may have been done by a different studio than the other two films,
as the character designs look noticeably different, but not to the point where we wouldn't
recognize our favorite trouble-making trouble consultants. Although some elements are still
present throughout, as most of the male characters wear the same bland suits, and Kei and Yuri
still show off the goods in their skimpy outfits. Action sequences are pretty good, but still look a
bit rough by today's standards. It's definitely a small step up from the series, but it would be a
large step backwards from current animation quality if done today.
Music: One of the most fun aspects of the series was the soundtrack, which made full use of hair
band style that matched the personality of the series perfectly. The soundtracks for these movies,
for the most part, follow along in that spirit, with only a few deviations to accommodate scenes
that are supposed to be somber and/or dramatic. As usual, the most attention-grabbing tunes are
the openings, and the background tracks played during the battle sequences are very high-energy.
Overall the soundtrack is successful in accompanying the actions of the Dirty Pair, and those who
had a blast with the songs in the series will find many more worthwhile tunes in these movies.
Characters: Well, we should all know the dynamic between Kei and Yuri by now, being that
they are one of the best buddy cop duos in history. Well, at least better than Jackie Chan and
Chris Tucker. The movie centers around them, and everyone else who shows up are really just
supporting characters. Between the three films the only other recurring characters are Kei and
Yuri's boss, who I'm surprised hasn't keeled over from a massive ulcer yet, and, of course,
there's Mughi, the giant cat who provides Kei and Yuri with much needed backup. Aside from
Kei and Yuri, all the other characters that show up from film to film are there to provide one or
two specific functions, with most being swept under the rug afterwards.
Plot: Some elements of the plots are fairly predictable, but by and large they were a lot more
complex than the usual devices used in the series, mostly I believe due to the fact that there was
over twice as much time devoted to each movie as there was for each episode of the series.
Normally the Dirty Pair shoot first and ask questions later, but in this case it is most decidedly
the other way around, as there seems to be a lot more investigating going on before the all-you-
can-eat buffet of bullets, killer robots/aliens/robot aliens, and running away from fireballs that
invariably concludes each movie. Plot twists, however mild they may be, are well-paced, and in
some cases actually serve to keep you guessing for at least a noticeable amount of time. Of
course, as anyone familiar with the series probably knows by now, the plots are not that original
in these films, but for the most part the plots make up for their relative lack of innovation with
good organization and pacing.
CHICKS!: The only two chicks on screen for more than a couple minutes are Kei and Yuri. To
that I say, "Okie dokie!" Two hot girls with guns running around in hot pants and tube tops is
more than enough for me. Their personalities are a bit less divergent this time around, however,
as they seem to act the same way the majority of the time. Not that that's a bad thing; I like a
take-charge attitude in a woman. They seem to be less like two people and more like one person
with two bodies. Nevertheless, I would still give up the organ of their choice to be the meat in a
Dirty Pair sandwich.
FLIGHT 005 CONSPIRACY
Length: 60 minutes
Plot synopsis: Dubahl Cosmo Lines Flight 005 has exploded in deep space! The fact that no
insurance claims were filed by the relatives of the victims gets the attention of the 3WA, which
decides to investigate. The case is assigned to Kei and Yuri, the Dirty Pair, who discover that the
explosion occurred for very different reasons - and with very different motivations - than first
suspected.
Overall: The movie tones down the mood of the series considerably, and as a result loses a bit of
energy. However, it somewhat makes up for it with a well thought out plot. Those looking for a
60 minute Dirty Pair filler episode will be surprised at what they see. Whether it is a pleasant
surprise or not depends upon personal preference.
In a Nutshell
+ More mature than the series
+ Solid plot
- Slight departure from the "Dirty Pair" formula
- Not as energetic as the series
Rating: 7.5/10
PROJECT EDEN
Length: 80 minutes
Plot synopsis: After two of their experimental vizorium refineries are attacked and destroyed by
mysterious monsters, the state of Uldas of the planet Agerna accuses rival state Eida of arranging
the attacks. Eida insists that is not the case, and hires Kei and Yuri to investigate. After a run-in
with professional thief Carson D. Carson reveals who is controlling the monsters, the
investigation leads them to the laboratory of Dr. Wattsman, who has discovered that the material
vizorium is refined from, sadinga, is actually dormant organisms from a prehistoric age. In an
effort to spark a forced evolutionary change, Dr. Wattsman aims to awaken every sadinga on the
planet.
Overall: By far this is the most successful of the films. It's got mutants, a mad scientist, an evil
plot to destroy humanity, and (of course) a multitude of large explosions. Basically, it is
everything one would expect from a movie starring the Dirty Pair. There's even a romantic
subplot between Carson and Kei, so we get to see a little of her softer side. But not so much that
she doesn't kick huge amounts of mutant ass. If you only see one Dirty Pair movie it should be
this one, because this one nailed it!
In a Nutshell:
+ The Dirty Pair at its best
+ Lots of amazing action
+ Most complete of the films
Rating: 9/10
AFFAIR ON NOLANDIA
Plot synopsis: Kei and Yuri arrive on Nolandia only to find their client murdered and the young
girl she cared for, Missnie, missing. They track her to a jungle area, one of the few inhabitable
areas of the planet, and immediately notice a preponderance of strange organisms. On top of
that, they begin to have strange dreams and visions upon arriving there. It is not long before they
begin to think that Missnie is the focal point of these phenomena. Kei and Yuri must find out
what Missnie truly is, as well as how she relates to AJ Development, the owner of the planet
Nolandia.
Overall: There were a few parts of this film where I thought someone may have slipped some
LSD into my iced tea. My guess is that it was meant to show the confusion of Kei and Yuri, but
really it only served to confuse me. As well, the animation looked a little sloppy in spots, but not
to an unforgivable degree. This movie never really seemed to start clicking on all cylinders, but
it's still a worthwhile watch for fans of the Dirty Pair, if only to see Kei and Yuri turn the jungle
into their own personal vacation resort.
In a Nutshell
+ Artwork give Kei and Yuri a fresh look
- Artwork also is not the greatest
- The film just can't get it going
Rating: 6/10
Return to Index