Picking up where Season 1 left off, Denji meets a nice girl named, Reze. As they develop a close bond, all heck breaks loose. Denji and his new partner, Beam team up to battle the Bomb Devil. “Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc officially premiered in September 19, 2025 in Japan. Then, it came out in America a month later. Chainsaw Man’s first movie earned praise and became a commercial hit. A second season is in the works. As of early 2026, no confirmation on a specific date. Before Season 2 streams this year, I wanna share my thoughts on Chainsaw Man’s first movie.
Today’s review contains no SPOILERS. If you’re not caught up, watch Chainsaw Man’s first season so you can get up to speed.
Sharp & Rusty Qualities
Sharp: Voice Actors reprise their roles from the show and they all did a superb job for their respective performances.
Animation’s Class A bringing elements to life such as character models, creature designs, fluid movement and Tokyo set in an alternate late 1990s. Adding more vibrant colors contrasting the show’s grimy filter. You can tell MAPPA took their time perfecting every single frame.
Action Sequences are over-the-top filled with dismemberment and explosives.
Hiroshi Seko (Attack on Titan, Dandadan, Jujutsu Kaisen) wrote the script. Made sure every plot point kept me invested.
Funny Moments made me laugh. Way funnier than Carlos Mencia’s stand-up comedy. He’s an unfunny untalented hack.
Pacing didn’t feel like a slow burn. I was hooked right from the get-go.
Denji’s relationship with Reze serves as the main highlight.
Denji’s new partner, Beam was interesting. He’s a human/shark hybrid. Beam’s a trillion times better than Taylor Lautner as Sharkboy.
Random Thought: I never got a chance to see Chainsaw Man’ first movie in theaters. I was dog sitting recouping expenses for attending Fan Expo Dallas 2025. I finally watched Reze Arc at home renting it on Prime Video. By the way, I’m going to Fan Expo Dallas 2026. It’ll begin on September 11-13. Better start saving some dough.
A new enemy known as, the Bomb Devil plays a crucial role. It has the ability to blow stuff up like Kacchan from “My Hero Academia.” I think Bomb Devil’s one of the best villains of 2025 along with other movie and TV antagonists.
- Remmick – Sinners
- Gabriel Martinelli – Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
- Lex Luthor – James Gunn’s Superman
- Col. Steven J. Lockjaw – One Battle After Another
- All For One & Shigaraki – My Hero Academia’s Final Season
- Kaiju No. 9 – Kaiju No. 8’s 2nd Season
- Count Saint-Germain – Dandadan’s 2nd Season
- Conquest – Invincible’s 3rd Season
Kenshi Yonezu’s “IRIS OUT” plays during the Opening Credits. I haven’t seen a wacky Opening Scene since “Deadpool and Wolverine.”
A Plot Twist changes everything.
Upon first viewing, rewatch for subtle clues regarding the Bomb Devil.
Stay tuned for a Post-Credits Scene.
Rusty: I couldn’t find nothing wrong. I’m giving MAPPA an Extra Point for making a flawless anime film as possible.
The Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc is my favorite animated film of 2025. MAPPA really outdid themselves crafting a worthy film of a show based on a manga. Not bad, not bad. It’s a darn shame Chainsaw Man didn’t get an Oscar nomination for “Best Animated Film.” This is why we can’t have nice things. Anyway, if you’re already caught up with Chainsaw Man’s first season, rent it on Prime Video. If you prefer buying a physical Blu-Ray copy, it might be a while. Which anime film or series of 2025 is your favorite? Please leave a comment.
My Hero Academia’s final season is my favorite. Told a proper grand finale than “Stranger Things.” I cannot wait for Chainsaw Man’s second season. In the words of Kevin Malone from “The Office.” “This is gonna be epic!”
Nickthemoviecritic.com 