The best of the pre-Strong World One Piece films. Luffy and company are engaged in suspenseful race against a dangerous opponent. Another rogue with an agenda is also thrown into the mix, and while this character takes the narrative focus away from the Straw Hats, it provides an emotional core and provides stakes for the characters.
Two things really hold this film back: -As it should be pointed out, is the antagonist is far too similar to the similarly defeated Crocodile from the main story, and thus the conclusion to the film could be far too much of an homage and feels come across as more of a repeat.
-The Straw Hats themselves, while engaged and active, have little to do by the film's conclusion. Though they are the helpful force to the film newcomer they personally really don't have any stakes themselves at risk.
Two things really hold this film back: -As it should be pointed out, is the antagonist is far too similar to the similarly defeated Crocodile from the main story, and thus the conclusion to the film could be far too much of an homage and feels come across as more of a repeat.
-The Straw Hats themselves, while engaged and active, have little to do by the film's conclusion. Though they are the helpful force to the film newcomer they personally really don't have any stakes themselves at risk.