And then this one goes and totally redeems the franchise. Solid State Society is a follow-up movie to the Stand Alone Complex series, and takes place after the 2nd Gig. It looks like it’s a buildup, in the time line, for the first movie.

It was packed with action, intrigue, hacking, multiple cyber-bodies being controlled by one cyberbrain (Puppeteer FTW, especially as a precursor for the Puppetmaster), kidnapping and cyberization of wee children (tug those heartstrings!), and the Major kicking all kinds of arse. It was kind of strange to see Togusa in a leadership position, and my heart went out to his wife, but they did it well. I really can’t reveal any more about what I liked without giving away spoilers, so I won’t.

I enjoyed this movie so much, I gave it five stars. If you’re a fan of Ghost in the Shell, you’ll dig this.