Length: 115 minutes

Written by: Keiko Nobumoto and Hajime Yatate

Directed by: Shinichiro Watanabe and Hiroyuki Okiura (opening scene)

Characters:

• Spike Spiegel
• Jet Black
• Faye Valentine
• Edward and Ein
• Electra
• Vincent

Summary: "Mars. Days before Halloween 2071. Villains blow up a tanker truck on Highway One, releasing a deadly virus that kills hundreds. Fearing a bigger, even more devastating biochemical attack, an astronomical reward is offered for the arrest and capture of the person behind the destruction. On the space ship, 'Bebop,' Spike and his crew of bounty hunters are bored and short of cash. But with the news of the reward, everything changes." Taken from the back of the DVD of the U.S. release. Pretty accurate, I think that will do.

Commentary: My only comment is on the U.S. release - could they have been a little more creative than Cowboy Bebop - The Movie? Not sure what was wrong with Knockin' on Heaven's Door. I think it's a good title. Anyway, when I went to pick up the copy I reserved, that's what I called it and the guy said, "Um, what?" I guess since it was the only Cowboy Bebop movie they didn't see a point in naming it something special. Oh well, enough bitching. I really liked the movie and thought it was a nice addition to Cowboy Bebop. Unlike many anime movies, Knockin' on Heaven's Door added to the series and told you something about the characters that you would not have learned with just the series alone. Definitely a must-see!

Rating: 9/10
Reasons for Rating: I really liked the story and thought it was a good addition to the Cowboy Bebop phenomenon. Great music and beautifully animated. Though we learned more about the characters, it was a little more filler than I had hoped.