- Last OnlineApr 9, 5:04 PM
- GenderFemale
- BirthdayNov 11
- JoinedAug 15, 2012
RSS Feeds
|
![]()
Mar 30, 2015
When an anime is pigeonholed based on its most popular or well-known feature, it does a great disservice to the anime. People only see the show as a part of what makes it unique.
Should you watch Jojo's Bizarre Adventure *only* because it is "GAR" or super-manly-moe-stomping-fun? Absolutely not.
Should you watch Jojo's Bizarre Adventure because it has an interesting premise, great art, amazing music and voice acting performances, and some fascinating characters? Absolutely YES.
Story: The show is divided into 2 parts, with different feels. The first is a Victorian-era action-adventure, with our hero learning to master a supernatural power, and fighting supernatural enemies. The second
...
is a globe-trotting comedy adventure with our hero learning to master a supernatural power, and fighting supernatural enemies. The shift from more action oriented to more comedy oriented is mostly due to the main character in each part, discussed below.
The show's pacing is very fast, and is probably the show's weakest point. So much material is covered in such a short time, that the viewer doesn't often have time to relax. The viewer has to keep up to speed, or else you're left behind. Not that it's a 100% bad thing; keeping the show moving leaves no room for fillers.
Art: The stylized manga has been adapted as a stylized anime. The use of freeze-frames and color-shifts are used liberally, as well as on-screen "sound effects". Overall, the show feels like a comic book brought to life. The use of color (not just in the color shifts) really adds a light-hearted feel to the show, especially in tense fight scenes.
As for quality, the show has consistent quality for both characters and backgrounds. The action and fight scenes are fluid, and don't suffer from any frame drops.
Sound: The Japanese dub is very good: if your native language is not Japanese, it can sometimes be hard picking up on the subtle things actors can do with their voices to convey a message. The actors all do this perfectly, and each role sounds natural.
The opening songs are upbeat and interesting. The ending song is "Roundabout", by Yes, which the manga author stated was influential when he was creating the manga. It not only has a great sound, and drives home the fact that so many characters' names are based on Western musicians, but it is often used in the final minutes in certain episodes as part of the soundtrack. The plucking of guitar strings adds a serious, melancholy note to depressing scenes, and adds a sense of mystery to cliffhanger endings. It's not often that music is used to complement the most climactic part of an episode this way, but it is used perfectly.
The rest of the OST is great, as well. The first part features Victorian-style music, with organs and harpsichords in minor keys. It fits the calm and collected demeanor of the main character, and the classical horror of the villain.
The second half is where the OST really shines. The second half, which is set in the 1930s and featuring a brash, over-the-top man, heavily features electronic and dubstep music. It's off-putting at first, but it's such a perfect compliment to the action on the screen that it simply feels right.
Character: The first part's hero, Jonathan, suffers from a minor lack of development. He is and always will be the perfect gentleman, fighting for good simply because it is good and righteous.
The villain, Dio, gets a little more characterization. You quickly realize that he wasn't born evil, but became evil due to his lust for power. He wanted to become powerful so that he would not have to live the cursed, poor life he was born into because of his father. Once he sees that his psychotic plans are thwarted, he sacrifices his humanity in exchange for unimaginable power. His pride would not allow him to accept defeat.
The hero of the second act, Joseph, is a polar opposite to Jonathan. Joseph is a smart-ass, quick-thinking punk. His sense of humor, especially during intense fights, is what makes Joseph so charming. That, and he's not afraid to run from a fight if he knows he's not going to win. He also goes through some development when he meets a man who is almost as arrogant as he is. Through tough trials, the two men become friends, and it's genuinely satisfying to see emotional development like that.
The cast of side and minor characters is immense, and varied. Some are powerful, and meant to be feared and respected; others are goofy and are there for comic relief. The designs and personalities of the characters are a great mix, and add a great deal of variety to the show.
Overall: Jojo's Bizarre Adventure is a great show because all of its different parts work together perfectly. It feels like each facet of the show inspired each other, and it has an innate flow that ties it all together. The fact that it's so over-the-top and fun is simply a side effect.
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe Jojo's Bizarre Adventure
great art, great music, fast paced, fun, Joseph is best Jojo
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
 0
Love it
 0
Funny
 0
Confusing
 0
Well-written
 0
Creative
 0Show all
![]()
Nov 12, 2014
As a fan of Steins;Gate, I decided to watch these shorts. Before you watch these shorts, there are a few things to keep in mind. These shorts are advertisements, meant to show people how IBM's "cognitive computing" initiative might enhance people's lives in the future. The 4 shorts use the Steins;Gate characters and universe to show different scenarios and how the "cognitive computing" (represented by an Oopa with a cutesy voice) help solve problems.
If you can get past the fact that these are advertisements, and you are a fan of S;G, there are some very enjoyable moments and interactions in the approximately 12 minutes of
...
animation. The art and sounds are almost identical to the series, with White Fox at the helm, and many of the same voice actors reprising their role. The 4 shorts are described below:
1. "Cooking" - Kurisu and Mayuri want to make fried chicken, and Okabe and Daru are hesitant to let the girls cook. The girls state that with the help of Oopa, they can do it! However, they don't have the ingredients for fried chicken, so Oopa helps them make something else.
2. "Navigation" - Okabe and Kurisu have an argument in the park, and each ask Oopa to navigate them back to the lab, without bumping into the other. As they walk and take trains, they think about the other and how silly the argument must have been. Their paths take them to shops, and they see something the other might like.
3. "Fashion" - Mr. Braun's daughter, Nae, complains that Okabe and Daru never change their clothes, and are "yucky". They enlist Kurisu to help give them new wardrobes. With Oopa's help, Kurisu sees projections of Daru and Okabe in clothing that matches their hobbies and personality.
4. "Meeting" - The lab members are told that due to the noise, they are being evicted. They ask Oopa to help them find a new lab. Everyone requests some "must-haves" for the new space, but Okabe is reluctant to leave their current lab. Oopa's suggestion for a new lab space surprises everyone.
Each short has moments of comedy and some light emotional drama. The Navigation and Fashion shorts have some great character interaction with Okabe and Kurisu. If you are a fan of their pairing, definitely watch those two!
Overall, these shorts are recommended to anyone who enjoyed S;G and (like me) always wants more!
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe these shorts:
funny, cute, heartwarming, fun, Steins;Gate!
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 26, 2014
Mawaru Penguindrum is a roller-coaster of a show. I recently rewatched Mawaru Penguindrum, so I've decided to update my review.
Story: The story starts off as a slow, almost slice-of-life drama. Characters (and their weird quirks) are introduced and start interacting with each other. Some comedy hijinks ensue, and help to flesh out the characters a bit. After a handful of episodes, the series starts dropping hints and foreshadows the dark twists and turns the series will take.
It's a mood whiplash to say the least. What was once a charming story about cute kids and cute penguins delves into more serious and heavy themes: death,
...
sacrifice, fate, rape, to name a few. Watching the mysteries unravel is absolutely gripping, and once the cliffhanger endings start you will not want to stop.
Art: The backgrounds and main characters are very colorful. The art style in the show is beautiful, and lends a very fanciful feel to the bizarre story. The animations are smooth, and there is minimal reused/stock footage.
The decision to make the background characters generic gray "bathroom" shapes is funny. It offers a stark contrast to the colorful world the story takes place in. It also helps because you know you don't have to pay attention to those background characters.
Sound: The music is one of the best parts of the show. The openings, endings and OST are gorgeous. With no unifying theme for the score, the music ranges from jazz, to pop, to blues, to almost western. The mix of music complements the show perfectly.
This is one show where I strongly suggest you watch the original Japanese dub. The English dub is simply atrocious. Not the fault of the actors themselves, but rather the casting choices. A 17 year old boy sounds like he's 35, and an authoritative, demanding princess sounds bored and monotone. The casting is fraught with poor choices, and the English dub suffers for it.
Character: Over the course of the series, the development of the 3 siblings, and the many other side characters are handled very well. Many of the side characters get episodes dedicated to them, and it is rewarding to watch. The well-developed side characters really help the 3 siblings drive the story forward. The siblings' development is slow and gradual, and by the end of the series it's easy to see how the circumstances they found themselves in had affected them (both good and bad). Their family history is also explored, and adds a lot to the understanding of their actions.
Overall: A beautiful-looking, gorgeous-sounding, mind-screwing show that should be enjoyed by more people.
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe Mawaru Penguindrum:
adorable penguins, strong sibling bond, mindf**k, great characters, cool music
Personal: I loved Penguindrum, but absolutely hated Utena. I hated the characters, the art, the music, the story and the constant stock footage. I almost didn't watch Penguindrum. I urge people who may feel the same way as me to give Penguindrum a chance. It far surpasses Utena in my opinion.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 18, 2014
The second Tiger & Bunny movie, "The Rising", is definitely for the fans. Being a big Tiger & Bunny fan myself, I was very excited to see this movie. While it is not a perfect movie, it did a good job of being true to its source.
Story: The movie's plot is very straightforward: we rejoin the heroes some time after the end of the TV series. Kotetsu and Barnaby are part of the Second League, but that quickly changes when a new owner buys Apollon Media. What follows is a predictable, but still entertaining story.
While the TV series can be seen as "Barnaby's story", the
...
new movie is more focused on Kotetsu. Watching him come to terms with his new lifestyle is very heartfelt. The heroes' struggles against the new villains doesn't have as much emotional investment as the series, but is still action-packed.
While the overarching story of The Rising is mediocre, the sub-plot involving Fire Emblem is amazing. It may be that the producers/studio realized that having a hero who is transgendered, but a successful business owner and his own sponsor was an amazing positive message. Even if that is not the case, the movie goes into a touching back-story revolving around Fire Emblem's past insecurities, and the harassment he was forced to endure. It is a moving and very touching story, and adds more depth to his character.
Art: The 2D animation is great, very fluid and sharp. It seems like the 3D hero suits have been given an upgrade as well. The 3D suits are not as jarring and out-of-place as the TV show (they weren't even that bad in the show, in my opinion). The 2D and 3D are almost seamless. The new suit design for Golden Ryan is also good, incorporating lion themes to contrast Wild Tiger.
Sound: A lot of themes from the show are remixed and reworked for the movie. It was great to hear familiar tunes, but it is always nice to hear new things as well. The voice acting was fine, on par with the TV show.
Character: The new hero, Ryan Goldsmith, is an interesting character. Equal parts conceited and confident, and a level-headed point-oriented hero, you don't know if you want to hate him or love him. Ryan points out to Barnaby that he "sounds like his old partner", and even says similar things that Barnaby said as a rookie hero. Ryan even knows that Barnaby needs Kotetsu as his partner. While he doesn't have any development, he serves a purpose in the movie, and he does his job well; Ryan reassures both the audience and Kotetsu and Barnaby themselves that there is no one else who could possibly replace a member of this team.
The rest of the heroes get a great amount of screen time. It is fun to see what the heroes have been doing since the end of the show, and how they have changed. Small humorous bits with Rock Bison, the Second League Heroes and Kaede keep the movie from being too dramatic. While Lunatic does make an appearance, he did not get any further development, and that was a bit disappointing.
Overall: If you love Tiger & Bunny, you will enjoy this movie. It is a fun, fanservice-y movie that has a good balance of old and new. If you are not a fan of the show, you might not enjoy this movie as much; many characters are not given much of an introduction, and the interactions between characters are what really drives this movie.
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe Tiger & Bunny: The Rising
fanservice, mediocre main story, great character back-story, visually pleasing, funny
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Feb 23, 2014
As a big Miyazaki fan, I wanted to see The Wind Rises in theaters to show my support. I went into The Wind Rises with the expectation that it would be a decent film; certainly not another "Spirited Away", but still a movie worth watching. I was let down by some aspects of the movie, but it was still worth watching.
Story: The story seems to suffer the same problems as many biographical movies; trying to tell a story of over 20+ years in 2 hours. Some aspects of the story (such as how certain things in everyday life influenced Jiro's plane designs) are mentioned, but
...
never fully explained due to time constraints. However, Jiro's relationship with Naoko is shown as a slow, gradual build that is very satisfying to watch. Pacing is definitely an issue in this movie.
The dream sequences are where Miyazaki's trademark fantasy and amazing plane elements come into play, and are some of the most inspirational parts of the movie.
Art: As usual, the backgrounds are Ghibli-gorgeous. So much detail and color are put into the backdrops that you cannot help but be awed by the talent in this studio. However, there was a problem with the character animations. When someone was standing still, they seemed to twitch back and forth between 2 animated states. It made everyone look like they were nervous or shivering. I'm not sure if that was intentional or not, but it was very distracting and disappointing.
If you are a sucker for plane porn and shiny things, this movie will not disappoint. The planes are some of the most beautifully animated things I have ever seen. Not only are their flight animations smooth, but the fantasy planes also have beautiful designs. I am not a plane aficionado, but I could still appreciate the time and effort put into each scene.
Sound: The plane sound effects being made by human mouths was an interesting choice. It didn't bother me, but I could see why some people might not like it; watching a gorgeous plane on-screen accompanied by "bbppp-bbbpppp-bbbbpppppp" noises is a strange combination.
I watched the English dub, and overall it was enjoyable. JGL was an interesting choice for Jiro; he did a decent job of trying to inject some emotion into his character, but kept a "scientific mind" about him. There were some instances where the dub synchronization was off, but for the most part the delivery was spot-on. Disney's dubs of Ghibli films are always a mixed bag; big-name actors are used to draw in audiences, but may not necessarily be experienced in a foreign-language dub.
As always, Joe Hisaishi's score was beautiful. However, there are no memorable musical themes from this movie. It serves as excellent mood music, and is very well-perfomed by the orchestra.
Character: I found the character of Jiro to be a bit stoic. Perhaps it was becuase he was an engineer, but he didn't show a lot of emotion through the movie. Victories, disappointments and love were not that far from each other in his reactions. For this reason it was hard to relate to Jiro. Once his relationship with Naoko progressed, he became more open and easier to read. The supporting characters are very memorable and really help to bring a sense of humanity to the story.
Overall: The movie was enjoyable, but as Miyazaki's last directorial feature, it was a let-down. So much could have been improved that it leaves a sour taste in your mouth. If you are a big Miyazaki and/or Ghibli fan, I would recommend going into this movie with an open mind, and don't set your standards too high. If you are not a Miyazaki/Ghibli fan, you could definitely skip this movie and not be missing much.
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe The Wind Rises
pretty planes, twitchy animation, nice music, feels, story pacing issues
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Feb 12, 2014
Sakamichi no Apollon (Kids on the Slope, or simply KotS) is a heartfelt, realistic look at a group of high-school kids and the effect that friendship, love and jazz has on their development. It is hard to describe in a short review; people write essays on the impact of music on someone's life, or the importance of friendship. It's much more enjoyable to watch a fully-realized, self-contained story complimented by beautiful art and simply incredible music, though.
Story: At the start of the series, it was tough to guess how the story would progress. The experience of watching the story play out over 12 episodes was
...
wonderful. The story moved at a slow enough pace that you could feel the weight of a character's actions, or the emotional uncertainty that someone was experiencing. These dramatic moments are not rushed, and offer a chance to really connect with the characters. However, the story does not drag; even at a short 12 episodes, the story is fully realized and finished.
While the story revolves around high-school-aged kids, there is a refreshing lack of melodrama. While Kaoru sometimes overreacts, he will often talk with Sen and Ritsuko and try to work out their problems. It is nice to see teens portrayed in a more realistic light, rather than seeing them get in to trouble because no one wants to share their problems or issues.
Art: A soft, natural color palette for the backgrounds and crisp colors and lines on the characters makes the show very easy on the eyes. The character designs are realistic, and varied enough so that it is easy to remember who is who. The animation was very smooth, and I enjoyed that fact that when the boys are playing their instruments, it seems like they are _really_ playing. The hand movements match the rhythm and pitches on the instruments; it is not a stock animation of someone simply banging on piano keys.
Sound: The most outstanding aspect of the show is the music. Jazz is a major theme of the show, and it is used perfectly. The boys' jam sessions, performances and even just listening to the record players is a toe-tapping treat. The musical selections match the development of the characters and their relationships, and are perfect complements to the story.
The opening and closing songs seem oddly out of place, because they are not jazz tunes. Personally, I didn't care for them and skipped them.
I listened to the English dub, and found no faults with it. It was a little strange when the main female character started singing "My Favorite Things" in English with a Japanese accent, which seemed like a carry-over from the Japanese dub, but other than that instant the voice acting was great.
Character: The other outstanding aspect of KotS is the characters and their developing relationships. The unlikely friendship between Kaoru and Sentarou is a constant during years of crushes, falling-outs and make-ups. Kaoru and Sen's bromance is the one thing that seems to bring everyone back together, but the boys are no strangers to tough situations. As they learn more about each other and their troubled pasts, they grow closer to each other, and also grow as adults. It was very easy to relate to most characters, and the situations they found themselves in.
The minor characters are all memorable, and have major effects on the story and main characters' developments. The supporting characters really drive the story forward, and keep the story from being stagnant. Without them, we would be stuck in a love-triangle pit that many romance shows find themselves in.
Overall: KotS is an excellent recommendation if you like jazz, drama and a great story. It is light but still engaging, and not bogged down by unnecessary melodrama that so often accompanies high-school settings.
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe Kids on the Slope
GOOD JAZZ, emotional, great art, not rushed, GREAT JAZZ
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Jul 18, 2013
By now, you've seen countless reviews saying that Puella Magi Madoka Magica (PMMM) is a great show. Reviewers say that you should watch it because it's a brilliant deconstruction of the magical girl genre, or a surprisingly dark take on the genre.
That is not the only reason to watch the show.
Perhaps you are like me. You heard about PMMM, and decided to do some investigating. I accidentally spoiled major plot points for myself because I was reading too much about the show. Knowing those plot twists, I had a hard time convincing myself to put the effort into watching the show. I finally did,
...
and was pleasantly surprised.
Even knowing what was in store, the show was a thoroughly entertaining and beatiful experience. The following review hopefully outlines why PMMM is more than worth your time. I will not spoil anything in case you want to go in blind.
Story: While the show starts like a standard magical girl show, the real meat of the story comes into play within the first few episodes. It is not a very complex story, but the themes presented and situations encountered are all at once heart-wrenching, joyous, frustrating and satisfying. The plight of the girls is immensely touching, and the sweeping conclusion is one of the best I have ever seen.
Art: The character designs are all unique, and very colorful. Animation is smooth, and backgrounds are beautiful. The witch labyrinths are easily some of the most haunting and interesting scenes of the whole show. Mixing traditional animation with the "Unmoving plaid" effect makes for a very disorienting trip.
Sound: I watched the sub, and enjoyed the performances of each voice actor. The background music fit each scene, but is not very memorable by itself. However, the music during the witch labyrinths is appropriately creepy, and coupled with the animation make for the most memorable parts of the show.
Character: Each of the main girls has different reasons for becoming a magical girl, and exploring the backstories and motivations reveals a lot about each character. While each girl represents certain archtypes, they do not feel stale. Mixing common tropes with their varied backstories keeps the characters feeling fresh.
The amount of character development achieved in only 12 episodes is amazing. Some characters change more than others, but every major character gets so much time devoted to her that you feel like you are going on their journey with them, and rooting for them.
Overall: A solid plot, engaging characters and beautiful art are why you should watch this show. Not just for the "dark themes" and "shock value". After a year, that shock value is lost. What remains is a strong, well-rounded show.
TL;DR 5 words or phrases to describe PMMM
beautiful art, strong character development, emotional, mature, friendship is magic :)
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Apr 29, 2013
I finished Gankutsuou a few days ago, with one of my best friends (who had seen the show and told me that it was great). Even now, days later, I'm still thinking about the show. I'd like to write a short review on why I enjoyed the show so much.
Story: I have not read Dumas' original story, so I will only review the stand-alone show's plot. A young man meets and befriends a mysterious man, who claims to be the Count of Monte Cristo. The young man, Albert, and his friends are quickly swept up in a massive plot of revenge and deceit. Their relationships
...
are all tested, and we soon learn the toll that revenge takes on those you love.
I found the story to be incredibly engaging. While it progressed a bit slowly at times, it was necessary to build the relationships between the yougner characters. The whole show has a very grand idea of revenge, and as a viewer you can easily get lost in the romanticism of the Count's plans.
Art: Personally, I loved the art. The "Unmoving plaid" effect is used liberally throughout the show, and that's what gives the show its disinct feel. While it may seem gaudy and flashy, the bright colors and patterns provide the futuristic, fantastical feel to the show.
Even 9 years after the show aired, the mech scenes and overall CG are still enjoyable. While the CG backgrounds or other models have certainly aged, they can hold their own in the CG-heavy scenes.
Sound: One of my favorite parts of the show was the music. I found the opening and ending songs to be a bit uninspired, but still pleasant to listen to. The backgound music is where the music shines. Every piece fits the situation perfectly. Even listening to the soundtrack by itself is enjoyable, as the songs hold their own without visuals.
I watched the show with English subtitles, and I enjoyed the voice acting. Every actor did a great job, and I feel that the performances mathced the personalities that each character has.
Character: Dat Count. The Count was such an intoxicating character, you have no choice but to like him. So charming and well-spoken, but so undeniably evil. Poor Ablert, he didn't stand a chance. Albert's naivete throughout most of the show is a driving factor for his growth, and by the finale you can see how strongly he has held to some of his ideals. The supporting characters are very fleshed-out, and add significant depth to the story.
Overall: I highly recommend this show to anyone who enjoys interesting art, great music and a wonderful story. I had minimal knowledge of Dumas' classic story, and I was still able to appreciate the adaptation immensely.
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe Gankutsuou
awesome art, romanticised revenge, gripping music, touching, dramatic
Reviewer’s Rating: 10
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 14, 2013
If you like shonen, parodies of shonen or extremely bizarre shows, you might like Yakitate!! Japan.
Story: A young man fights for his dream of baking Japan's first "national bread". He has a talent for baking due to his "Solar Hands", and he has lots of determination. Weekly baking competitions are the name of this game, but the story has different ways of keeping you watching.
At first, I didn't realize it would be so...typical-shonen. I almost gave it up, but then I got to the REACTIONS. Easily the best part of the whole show is watching peoples' reactions to the breads. Touching and absurd, heartwarming
...
and off-the-wall hilarious. The reactions kept me going through the whole show!
I also enjoyed the references to pop culture and other shonen shows. The Japanese cultural references were very informative, even if I had to pause a lot to read them all.
Art: Not the most artistically ground-breaking, but comfortable. Silly hair, bright colors and...delicious bread. The bread. Looks. Awesome. It made me so hungry watching this show.
Sound: The opening and ending songs were nothing special, and I found the background music to be unmemorable. I watched the sub, and I enjoyed the character portrayals. No one was overly annoying, but there were no Oscar-worthy performances.
Character: One of my biggest gripes is how one character (Kawachi) went from being an average baker in the first arc, to a complete butt-monkey in the second. It's like he didn't even know what bread WAS after the mid-point.
The other characters are all interesting, but they don't get much development. Azuma is his "everything I do will be fine" self all throughout the show, and the supporting characters are not very fleshed-out. I would have liked to see more from the other bakers, and not just "we're here because Azuma beat us, so now we'll help him".
Overall: I watched the show off and on for about a year. I couldn't handle more than 2 episodes a day. However, I am glad I watched it all. The reactions and the multitude of different breads baked made me keep watching. Bonus points to the studio, for doing their homework: every bread is real, or CAN be real. Every explanation of the bread is true, adn not just crazy magical bread.
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe Yakitate!! Japan
hilarious, informative, shonen parody, weekly "battles", drool-worthy breads
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
![]()
Mar 11, 2013
I was finally able to watch the first Tiger & Bunny movie yesterday, and I'd like to share my opinions.
Story: The first movie is 2 parts retelling, 1 part new story. The first two episodes of the series are used, with new sequences added in. Some additions are purely cosmetic (scenes with Kotetsu struggling to put on his CrapSuit in his car) and others serve to flesh out characters (we finally learn what Rock Bison's NEXT power is!).
The new scenario was on-par with an average episode. The villain had an interesting power, and the heroes dealt with him in classic T&B style: everyone
...
works together to try and catch him, but T&B end up figuring it out. I must say, I did not expect the capture the way it played out on screen; I was expecting something completely different based on what characters were saying throughout the epsisode. I felt that the crime was lackluster, however. It seemed a little cheesy, but that's part of T&B's charm.
Art: The retelling section was mostly reused from the show, so nothing new there. The new sequences were added in seamlessly. I loved the villain's swanky outfit!
Sound: Like the art, most of it was reused. I didn't notice any new themes, but I could be wrong.
Character: Most characters benefitted from additional screen time. Rock Bison, Sky High, Blue Rose, Wild Tiger and Barnaby all had some interesting tidbit or sequence that shed more light on their personalities or Hero alter-ego.
Fire Emblem, Dragon Kid and Origami Cyclone got the shorter end of the stick, with nothing new revealed about them. Poor Ivan came across as a mumbling loner that no one paid attention to. I guess you could say that's true to Origami Cyclone, but out-of-costume Ivan is such an interesting character. In the movie, he was mostly seen muttering to his shurikens.
Overall: I was impressed with the first movie. Sunrise handled the retelling well, and interspersed the new sequences well so that you were not bored. I think this is an excellent way to start the series if you've never seen it before, and even if you have, you'll look at characters differently. I suggest it to new and old fans alike.
TL;DR 5 words/phrases to describe Tiger & Bunny: The Beginning
retelling, some filler, new scenario, new character tidbits, great start to series
Reviewer’s Rating: 8
What did you think of this review?
Nice
0
Love it
0
Funny
0
Confusing
0
Well-written
0
Creative
0Show all
|
