Anyway, so yes I watched this because I was interested in the manufacturing process behind jpop bands, but I'll get on to reviewing the damn thing now. Before I say anything else though, I will say that if you're a straight guy, you should really turn tail and run because you will gain absolutely nothing from watching Utapri.
Story - 7
Although I really liked the setting, there was quite a lot of angsting to be done. I could tell that it didn't have an amazing or overly intellectual plot while I was watching it. I know for a fact that it won't win any prizes for screenwriting. But, for once, I found that I didn't actually care that much. It was so much fun to watch, the somewhat underdeveloped story didn't matter at all.
Art - 8
Lots of flowery, sparkly, shiny, starry shoujo goodness. Need more be said? If you wanna make a reverse harem, you wanna make sure that those guys are damn fine looking. There's nothing worse than a harem filled with ugly creatures! Utapri has most certainly ticked that box.
Sound - 10
Here's where I start to really, really, really like Utapri... I'm listening to the soundtrack now, and I will be for a long, long time. It is perhaps - no, certainly - the catchiest damn anime soundtrack ever. It's an anime ALL ABOUT MAKING CATCHY SONGS. And catchy songs it has. Better than some actual jpop groups. Every guy gets their own song, and they're all pretty talented. If you don't believe me, just look up the main Maji Love 1000% song.
Character - 9
Usually the failing of harems is to drop down into stereotypes. Although there are some hints of those in the characters, they are only vague, and all the characters get about an episode or so of development (which is a lot for something only 13 eps long). Haruka is quite emotive, but not in a way that makes her annoying - emotive in a way that makes the audience feel sympathy and emote right along with her.
Furthermore, the guys are all *cough* very attractive. With *cough* attractive qualities. I like all of them so much that I don't want to see Haruka reject them! They have some quite unique personalities that you wouldn't see in another harem. Schizophrenia is a quality I never expected to see in a romane interest like that.
But even though all the guys get some good character development, Tokiya is the clear stand-out. Much of the plot revolves around his past and struggles. I would bet good money that Haruka will choose him eventually. (And I don't blame her just look at him honestly)
Enjoyment - 9
It's difficult for a harem that takes itself seriously not to feel awkward and forced. (I'm looking at you, Kanigami no Asobi). But Utapri does this very successfully. There's so much fun to be had watching it, from drooling, to singing along with the songs, to laughing at the hijinks, to shouting at the screen 'GODDAMN ICHINOSE JUST KISS HER ALREADY'. Really I just loved every second I spent watching it.
Overall - 9
Uta no Prince Sama is an absolute blast to watch. There's a kind of enjoyment that only a harem can create. So far on my list, Utapri is second only in its genre to Ouran.
