Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker

Detective Conan: The Eleventh Striker – A Bombastic Blend of Soccer and Suspense

If you’re a fan of high-stakes action, soccer showdowns, and that classic Conan charm, The Eleventh Striker is a must-watch. Released in 2012 as the 16th film in the Detective Conan series, this movie kicks off with a bang—literally. When Kogoro’s detective agency gets a mysterious bomb threat, Conan dives headfirst into a race against time to decode cryptic clues and save lives. And let’s be real, what’s a Conan movie without some over-the-top stunts?

First off, the soccer theme is everywhere, and it’s both a hit and a miss. Die-hard J-League fans will geek out over the cameos—real players like Yasuhito Endo and Kazuyoshi Miura voice themselves, which is cool… until you hear their lines. “The soccer players’ voices were a bit painful to hear,” one fan groaned, and honestly? Relatable. But hey, props to them for promoting the sport. The training scenes with “King Kazu” are fun, though—who wouldn’t want to see Conan kick a ball like a pro?

Now, let’s talk about the action. Conan’s skateboard stunts are insane. Remember that scene where he flies through the stadium roof? “It’s like a rollercoaster with 100x Danger + 100x FUN,” another viewer raved. The animation here is top-notch—those high-speed chases and explosions look crisp, even by today’s standards. And don’t get me started on the climax: Conan, bloodied and determined, taking that final shot? Chef’s kiss. Though some joked about his “vampire” moment when his glasses turned orange—relax, it’s just the sunset, guys.

But wait, the mystery… Hmm. Let’s be honest, it’s not the strongest. “The mystery was pretty lame,” one fan admitted, and I get it. The culprit’s motive feels a bit forced, and the clues are either too obvious or too convoluted. You might guess who did it halfway through, but that’s okay—this movie isn’t about the whodunit as much as the how Conan stops them. Plus, the bomb countdowns keep you on edge, even if you see the twist coming.

The characters? Classic Conan chaos. The Detective Boys are back, and their parents are… well, questionable. “What were you doing inside a football stadium filled with bombs?” “Looking for bombs, duh.” “Oh, okay.” Yeah, that exchange sums up their parenting skills. But Conan’s chemistry with Haibara and the gang is as charming as ever, and the ending—where Conan notices something “white”—leaves you grinning.

Is it perfect? No. Some fans compared it unfavorably to The Raven Chaser (still the GOAT, let’s be real), and the pacing drags a bit in the middle. But for what it is—a fun, action-packed ride with soccer flair—it delivers. “It wasn’t anything spectacular, but I still enjoyed it,” one reviewer said, and that’s the vibe. It’s like a summer blockbuster: loud, silly, and impossible to look away from.

So, should you watch it? If you’re a Conan fan, absolutely. If you love soccer, even better. Just don’t go in expecting a mind-blowing mystery. Grab some popcorn, turn off your brain, and enjoy the ride. And hey, if nothing else, you’ll get to see Conan pull off skateboard tricks that would make Tony Hawk jealous.

Final Verdict: 8/10. Not the best Conan movie, but a solid, entertaining entry that’ll leave you wanting more. Now, when’s the next one coming out?

P.S. The ED song by Ikimonogakari slaps. Don’t skip it.