Third Stage is the much-anticipated movie sequel to Second Stage. This movie easily exceeded my expectations, easily combining what made both First Stage and Second Stagee so good while giving a much needed graphical boost and actually having an ENDING. Yes, you read correctly. Third Stage actually ends.

Third Stage also answers the most glaring question that we ask throughout both series: who is that guy in the Mercedes-Benz that drives Natsuki around? Well, if you ever wondered that your question will be answered. Unfortunately, while Takumi's relationship with Natsuki undergoes a massive overhaul, Itsuki and Iketani are still "lonely drivers". Mako, Kazumi, and Saori make no appearances or even mentions in Third Stage which was a big letdown for me since they were such pivotal characters in the first two series.

Back in Third Stage are the interesting race sequences that made First Stage so popular. While they're obviously not as long as they were in the first series, they're not as condensed as in Second Stage so they have a very smooth feeling to them. Also, the amount of talking during the races has been almost cut out entirely. This was a big annoyance for the first two series because whenever something exciting would happen, it would then cut to inside the car where the characters would give us some sort of monologue.

One last thing: you need be prepared for a long ride. This movie weighs in at nearly two hours in length, and you may find yourself counting the minutes until it ends.