City Hunter Shinjuku Private Eyes is awesome. After a long time City Hunter returns to animation with a brand new original movie by Sunrise the studio that originally animated City Hunter in the first place. I think it replicates what made City Hunter so awesome in the first place is a fantastic return to form. The story really isnt anything special tbh. It isnt bad its about our boy Ryo getting hired as a bodyguard as he usually does in the series by a famous model then evolving into a plot about trying to stop a corporation their super weapon. Its not a particularly stand out plot but City Hunter being an episodic series was never known for its plot in the first place so this is fine. Even as a plot it still brings with it some high stakes good character moments serves as a great driving force for the action setpieces in this movie. So although nothing too special its hard to really complain about this plot that much. The characters are pretty much exactly what you remember from the series I wouldnt have it any other way for whats supposed to be a standalone return to form after a long absence City Hunter movie. Ryo is the same perverted yet reliable sweeper you know love from the original series although his perverted side has been dialed back a bit for modern sensibilities. I honestly dont mind this as they really didnt dial it back as much as my statement would lead you to believe hes still the same Ryo Saeba I know love from the OG so I have no complaints. Kaori is the same trusty sidekick who keeps Ryo in check whenever his antics get too out of hand. Other characters you remember from the series such as Sayako Umibouzu return as well. While my explanations of these characters make them seem like very simple characters because they are I need to bring up that City Hunters cast consist of largely comedic characters. Comedic characters dont necessarily need to have a large amount of depth to them provided they allow for good comedy can offer good dynamics I feel as though City Hunters characters succeed at both of these as I found myself laughing numerous times throughout this movie. Even when this movie starts getting more serious the characters know how to act in the situation it never really leads to any tonal whiplash because the movie knows how to balance comedic serious scenarios. The artwork in this series is exactly what I would want a modern day interpretation of City Hunter to be. Character designer animation director from Gundam The Origin Tsukasa Kotobuki lends his hands on this project I think its a good fit. His character designs achieve that right balance of old school but modern. These characters look feel like the characters I loved in the original anime from 1987 so I have to give big credit. The art design generally speaking is pretty spectacular too its got bright colors detailed backgrounds action scenes that flow well crisp shading. I will say though this movie can be lacking polish at points I did notice some nofaces badly drawn background characters in a few scenes. They arent riddled throughout the movie enough in order to ruin it for me but I did notice them more times than I wouldve liked to notice them. These mainly come at the beginning of the movie though by the middle end its pretty polished overall. The movie also has moments of CGI but I actually dont mind it because CGI is used the way it was in Gundam The Origin Gundam Unicorn mainly used on background objects off in the distance or machinery. I will say the CGI is more noticeable here than it was in either Gundam series I mentioned but I dont think its bad enough to detract unless you just really hate CGI being in anime. The sound department is pretty crisp with most of the voice actors returning to their roles. Akira Kamiya reprises his role as Ryo Saeba hes still got it despite getting up there in age. I will say that if youre like me have seen anything City Hunter prior going into this movie you can notice that Kamiya has aged but he still brings a good performance in spite of that so I wont dock points for it. The music is pretty good with fan favorite tracks returning such as Footsteps Fall in love returning I got really giddy when I heard these in the movies. Even the original tracks are really solid too the opening sequence of this movie has a banging rock piece playing that really gets you in the mood to see this movie. So the returning cast an OST that keeping with the theme feels retro but brings City Hunter into modern times simultaneously? Sign me up. This movie is a treat. I thoroughly enjoyed it from beginning to end I really hope Sunrise makes more City Hunter movies like these Id be so down for them. Do I think this movie is a great way to see if youd like City Hunter or not? I think so the story is pretty simple to understand its got everything I ever liked about City Hunter crammed into it. I would say you might wanna do some research into who these characters are going into it but even if you dont the movie does a great job at introducing you to these characters. It reminds me Cowboy Bebop Knockin on Heavens Doors opening scene in which the animation directing portrays to the viewer Spike Jets personality dynamic differences all without really needing to tell you about it. I give this movie a 9/10