Pop quiz, hotshot: what do you get when you cross fancy robotics, a doodle from Mr. Nakasumi and slavish research into teen trends? I'm not sure, exactly, but Drakken apparently needs all of them for his latest evil plot. Meanwhile, the prom is coming up and all of the Middleton High cheerleaders have their dates lined up...except for Kim. She's a bit nervous about having to go with her best friend instead of a boyfriend.
Ron is having his own issues: things are changing at Bueno Nacho and they are not for the better. On top of the elimination of his beloved Naco night, the new management is adding kids' meals with little toys. Also, there's a new addition at school: Eric, who quickly hits it off with Kim. Ron is worried that he may be losing his friend...or is there more to the story?
Given the piecemeal details I'd heard about "So the Drama" in the months prior, I was apprehensive. There were many ways the story could go down, and just as many threads to untangle (perhaps, they've been sussed out in the episodes yet to air). And then there's the whole 'will they/won't they' situation with Kim and Ron. I'd like to confess something: I support them. To me (a hopeless romantic), the two of them look very nice together, but it's not the end of the world if they don't end up together. (Would that one could say that of everyone else, but that's not here or there.)
To my relief, the film delivers. You want more adventure? Try an exciting rescue in the streets of Japan. You want excitement? The final battle at Bueno Nacho headquarters (it'll make sense in the long run). From the overall look of the film, it's clear the staff wanted to go out with a bang. The traditional animation is very lush and the instances of CG are well-done. Also, fine work (on the show overall, but here as well) by composer Adam Berry.
Another surprise: Drakken. In the earlier days, he seemed like a threatening villain (and there were hints of that in his line to Shego when she returned to the lair), and his plan looks like one that would succeed. (Now that I think of it, there were certain elements reminscient of "A Sitch in Time".)
And then there's the humor. The treehouse scene, Ron's Bueno Nacho discovery and Drakken's search for information (nothing beats a great Orson Welles impression) definitely fit the bill.
Any problems? There's an ultimate revelation about one of the characters that isn't that much of a surprise (though credit must be awarded for handling this, as well as the romantic angle, with subtlety). And, despite the title's promise, there's not very much drama. ("A Sitch in Time" was, to me, a good deal more heart-wrenching.) In any event, thanks to Messrs. McCorkle, Schooley, Loter and the whole staff for a delightful finish to the series.
"So the Drama" is worth the time.
***/****
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