Fullmetal Alchemist: Conquerer of Shamballa (2005)

In a lot of ways the film reminds me of the Scouring of the Shire chapter in the novel (and not in the film) 'Lord of the Rings' where after the Ring is destroyed, the hobbits return home to find that the Shire has been overrun by brigands. This film takes place after the series' conclusion, meaning that all the major plot points that existed in the show are solved, with only a few loose ends left to create a movie from. Bad move. While it's nice to spend just a bit more time in the world of alchemy, the entire effort feels forced. What was once a smart metaphor for for so many relevant and layered conflicts now boils down to a third-rate Indiana Jones adventure. The character writing is still good, and the voice acting actually managed to improve compared to the series, but the story just doesn't manage to justify its existence. It's nice to wrap up those last few threads but I'm of the opinion they were better left unsaid.

3 out of 10.