If you’re an animation aficionado, then you probably agree that Cowboy Bebop stands as one of the most totemic anime series of all time. Its unique blend of lived-in futurism and a jazzy soundtrack — along with the devil-may-care attitudes of its central gang of bounty hunters — make it a standout not just for anime, but for adult animation at large. That golden reputation was solidified with 2001’s Cowboy Bebop: The Movie, directed by the show’s creator Shinichirō Watanabe. Here we’re back with the gang — Spike, Jet, Faye and Ed — as they track down a terrorist who threatens humanity with a deadly virus. The film’s scope may seem large, but in reality, the film feels like an extended episode from the show. It’s light, it’s fun, it’s jazzy; it’s even got composer Yoko Kanno delivering one of the funkiest soundtracks in all of sci-fi. The animation itself is a wonder to behold, with plenty of hand-to-hand fight scenes that rival the action flicks of today. Whether you’re already a fan of the show or just looking to dip a toe into the series, the Belcourt will be showing the film on Friday at midnight. See you there, space cowboy.
Midnight at the Belcourt
2102 Belcourt Ave.
