While sci-fi conceits still permeate the plot (alien DNA, rogue scientists), attention to personal detail float world-weary, superbly-drawn protagonists in a rare movie-a character-driven animated film.
I find this movie a pleasant deviation from the original style found in the Patlabor series. It ain't comical and the mood is rather dark, like in the second movie, but this one focuses more on a simpler story mixed with horror and biology (this last one, a theme that was present in the original series, but that had a ratter light approach to it).
In summary, all 3 movies are unique experiences and I think the viewer will be disappointed if he goes into them expecting more of the same. Each of them has their own style and favorable aspects. Just keep an open mind and you will enjoy all of them.
I'm surprised that people think this is the weakest of the film trilogy. Personally, I think that goes to Patlabor 2. Though technically proficient, I found that film to be too slow and talk-heavy.
WXIII I rather like. It is a combination of detective story, mystery, and science fiction. Not something you see everyday. You get corporate and military intrigue as well as grief and obsession. Liked the two main characters as well. Yes, they fit the stereotypes of laid-back but experienced older cop and more emotional younger cop, but if it's not broke then don't fix it. Animation looks really good. Once again the series maintains it's detailed, realistic backgrounds. The monster fight scenes, though admittedly few and far between, look great.
Is this the greatest anime film ever no, but I feel WXIII is an enjoyable experience.
The backgrounds are handsome and moody, and the character animation is less distractingly cartoonish than that of films like the otherwise breathtaking Metropolis (2001).
A competent if overlong blend of policier, sci-fi conspiracy thriller, daikaiju eiga (giant monster) stompfest, and tragic romance. It's also anime (short for "cheaper than live-action").
The route to the film's dramatic and poignant climax is so hard to follow that the pleasure, the potential for which is considerable, has been substantially diminished.
The full title of this animé import is WXIII (Patlabor the Movie 3), and if you think the name's confusing, you may want to spare yourself the work of figuring out the film itself.
+Once again an intriguing mystery to solve!
+Excellent animation/production quality
+Superb soundtrack
-Overall feels like a mis-step into horror fiction :(
A superb production overall marred somewhat by its deviation towards a horror/giant monster genre where I personally always felt like the strengths of the film series have derived from the complex geopolitical tone, where WXIII tells a far more personal story... Nonetheless PL3 is well worth your time!