75
Ultimately, Lupin III: The First plays it safe. While the film adds a new visual kick, there’s not a whole lot in the way of storytelling innovation. But maybe we don’t need it.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
70
It’s an old-fashioned escapade with a helplessly likable hero—a criminal who can’t help but be better at the former than the latter, despite his best efforts.
70
The unflaggingly perky caper has no down time, so one can’t help wishing for more the laid-back gamesmanship and boyish banter of the older renditions.
60
Forgettable story aside, the film is a visual treat, full of joy and zaniness.
50
Los Angeles Times by Tracy Brown
“The First” is a zippy 93-minute comedic adventure that embraces all the familiar building blocks of classic “Lupin III” stories: impressive car chases, impeccable disguises, impossible escapes and Lupin taking on an evil organization.
3D CGI anime is usually ... not great. I was skeptical of the new Lupin III movie having grown up with Hayao Miyazaki's timeless Castle of Cagliostro. While this film doesn't reach the former's bombastic highs, it does provide a zany adventure worthy of Lupin, and the 3D CGI complements, rather than detracts from the film. It suits Lupin's rubbery movement and bouncy demeanor, as well as the ridiculous physical antics he and the gang get up to. I watched the film in English - a mistake, given the lip mismatch - but everything else was technically wonderful. Shout out to the insane plot point involving Lupin disguising himself as none other than an elderly Adolf Hitler - only he could pull off something as goofy as that.