This review contains minor spoilers for the movie.
After several special appearances from Kaito Kid, with cameos in regular episodes, 90 minute specials and a movie partially dedicated to him...we needed another one.
His tricks seem to be impossible but because they exist within the realms of probability, we find ourselves draw in by his splendor, wondering just what will come next. However, while I do appreciate the concept of the Phantom Thief, I believe that Kaito Kid is mostly all tricks and no substance. They feel unfair as you have no choice but to be deceived, because it would be impossible to understand them (or replicate them in real life for that matter), and some aren't explained, such as how he can change the voice at will. It's kinda silly because while Conan can do exactly the same, there's actually an explanation for the ribbon gadget.
So, part of me wasn't very excited about a movie focused on Kaito Kid, since the whole thing can be a bit predictable. He's not going to be caught, and he'll escape at the end, no matter what. The whole gem thing is a plot device that can be expanded for as long as necessary. Rather than evil, he is a kind-hearted individual and it's interesting how Conan exploits this aspect of his personality, giving somewhat of a new dynamic to their rivalry.
This is also not to say that I dislike Kaito Kid - I just feel that rather than intelligent and witty, he turns the movie into something more like a fireworks festival.
The case itself is short and not very exciting. It felt like it was there just because we needed to have one. The dramatic turn at the last third is sure to leave you on the edge of your seat, if you can forget that life or death situations don't really matter for these characters since they're well, sorry to say, essentially immortal. This is sadly a problem that will be present in every single movie, however that doesn't stop you from feeling emotionally invested in the characters.
There is also some sort of romance development, but it's all nullified at the very end, as if it never happened. With these hundreds of episodes long anime, you just know that romance takes two steps forward and three steps back at any given time...Unlike the other movies, there is little of historical or cultural interest, except the one Napoleon quote that every knows (but not who said it).
The soundtrack and the art, especially on the 25th anniversary remastered edition is quite the treat. Detective Conan wouldn't be the same without its amazing soundtrack.
Overall, the whole thing just doesn't feel cohesive, almost like a papier-mâché plane glued together that's bound to crash at any time...but it's a quite entertaining movie, especially if you're taken in by Kaito Kid's charm. Perhaps I'd be more captivated by its magic if I watched it 15 years ago but with that said, this is perhaps my least favorite DC movie thus far.