This engaging action-comedy falters to a needlessly complicated conclusion in its final episodes. All the villains from Earth and Solvania--Willard Gates, the Yonshinkan, and Ryugen Higashita--attack during the Daimon High School fair, wrecking the play martial arts champion Ryoko Mitsurugi is performing with kendo captain Tatsuya. During the battle, Ryoko realizes that brash fellow martial artist Shizuma "Nagi" Kusanagi is a more effective partner for her than the shy Tatsuya. Unfortunately, the filmmakers never really explain who all these bad guys are or how they relate to Ryoko and her friends. Is the timorous Miyuki the War Priestess of Solvania? Is Gates a mafia capo or a demon-sorcerer? Did Nagi learn his fiery techniques from the human embodiment of Fate? What is the significance of the sword Schwartzkaiser? These likeable, silly characters deserve a better finale. (Unrated: suitable for ages 12 and older: violence, minor profanity) --Charles Solomon