Eureka 7 Movie

Pros: Good twist to the original story, some good action
Cons: Hard to find likable characters, animation was poor for a film
Synopsis: Eureka 7 is a retelling of the TV series with very few similarities except for the character designs and similar plot. The overall plot of the film is about a war between humans and an alien race. During the course of this story you are witness to a relentless love between the two main characters and their desperate attempt to reunite and save each other. Along the way a group of rebel with a tragic past search out these two in hopes of fulfilling a prophecy, all while trying to remain hidden from the government. Leading up to how everyone's destiny is tied to the government's last attempt to save humanity and destroy the alien race. Not the easiest plot to describe without giving away to much information.
Comments: The Eureka 7 movie was released in 2009, and the US release title is, Good Night and Good Luck Young Lovers and the Japanese release is titled, Pocket Full of Rainbows. I was torn between liking and disliking this film. I found the story to be very interesting and kind of mysterious, but the changes in the characters from the series frustrating. While I am all for dark and intense characters, there needs to be a balance between darkness and humor. The new Nirvash provided some humor but failed in the balance between funny and annoying. While I can overlook this, what really got me was the two main characters Renton and Eureka; I just did not believe their emotional attachment. Their whole relationship seemed force and over the top/unbelievable. Don't get me wrong, the movie is worth a view, there are just character flaws that take away from the enjoyable experience the movie should be.

Paprika

Pros: fun story, great art, creative
Cons: plot holes makes the story confusing
Synopsis: Paprika is a film about a radical new invention that allows people to enter dreams. The plot of the story involves a therapist who uses this device to enter the dreams of her clients. Problems arise when it is discovered that one of the devices has been stolen and people can no longer tell the difference between dreams and reality. It is then up to Paprika, the therapist's dream alter-ego, with the help of some of the scientist, to find out who stole it and stop them.
Comments: Paprika was released in 2006; I found Paprika to be a very creative and enjoyable movie. The plot, while flawed, was still intriguing and fun. The animation was top notch and it was surprising how great it looked in HD. The movie really shines in the dream sequences and was a great fan service for those who love anime. The only downside of the movie was that the plot did not makes a lot of sense and just kind of ended. While this might deter some, I highly recommend the film and think most will look past that and enjoy.

King of Bandits Jing - OVA - Seventh Heaven

Pros: fun story, good art, really liked the music
Cons: a little ridiculous and kinda pointless in light of the series
Synopsis: Is a three part OVA that aired in 2004. The story follows Jing and Kire as they have been arrested and are heading to the jail, Seventh Silo or also referred to as Seventh Heaven. They are arrested so they can infiltrate the jail to find a dream orb created by one of the inmates; as all the best laid plans, things go all to hell and Jing ends up in a battle for survival. The first episode is a introduction but mostly a fun romp in a dream world The second is a flashback to Jing‘s childhood when he first met his crow friend Kire and how they saved one of their friends. The third goes back to the main story about Jing finding the dream orb and matching wits, so to speak, with the orb creator.
Comments: I was hesitant to watch this movie, the series was good but I didn‘t hear good press on this little outing. In the end I enjoyed the movie, it was very creative and fun. The art was done surprisingly well and for some reason the music melded really well with what was going on. I’m not sure what the movie really accomplishes in the series’ universe, except showing how Jing an Kire met, but fit into the episodic nature of the show. I’m always a sucker for a dream sequence in an anime, it‘s a good window for the creators to really express themselves. Overall an enjoyable movie, even without seeing the series.

Sword of the Stranger

Pros: great art, interesting characters, lots of action
Cons: story is a little perplexing, kid is a little annoying
Synopsis: The story takes place back in the feudal era, following a boy and his dog. The boy is running away from a group of Chinese that are trying to capture him for a ceremony of eternal life for the emperor of China. The boy at one point is saved by a mysterious man who he then hires to protect him while he travels to a temple for safe hiding. All along, in the backgrounds, there is political strife going on between the Japanese warlords and the Chinese.
Comments: A stand alone movie that was aired in 2007. This was a great movie, the story overall was a little odd, but the art and action easily make up for the short comings. The fight scenes were fluid and great, with no short cuts. The movie might be too long for some people and the pace can very between action and political interactions. I liked the pace, but I’ve always been one for political intrigue. Overall a very recommended piece.

Strain: Strategic Armored Infantry

Pros: interesting story, good art, lots of emotion.
Cons: not many likable characters, hard to understand story and what exactly is going on.
Synopsis: Strain is a series about a young girl who is joining the military to try and stay close her brother. In this universe a war is being waged using sophisticated mechs to battle in space. The story mainly follows the trials and tribulations the main character (Sara) encounters as she tries to figure out why her brother became a traitor; all while hiding her identity. As the story progresses, many secrets about the mechs are discovered and how Sara's brother is involved.
Comments: This series is a 13 episode series that aired in 2006-07. Strain is as a whole a character study of a brother and sister, and how they change because of the horrific events that occur in their lives. You don’t get much story on any of the other characters or really what exactly is going on in the universe. Unfortunately, I had a hard time liking the girl or really caring about what is going on. I found myself wanting to know more about what is going on in the universe. The story is really interesting, especially when you start learning the history of the Strain mechs and the link between them and her older brother. The series would have been so much better if they had focused more on everything else instead of Sara and her problems. Overall the series is worth a look, there is a sense of suspense that builds up and keeps you watching to see what happens next. In the end though, enjoyable series, but forgettable.

My-Hime

Pro: entertaining series, fun characters, good twist on the story, good animation
Cons: starts kind of cliché, I didn’t like the ending, took a few episodes to start liking it
Comments: Is a series that aired in 2004 and span 26 episodes; it also has a sequel, but with different characters. The series takes places in a private school, where it turns out a select number of students, all girls, have special powers. These powers link them to a type of creature that they can call on for help. The series starts with the girls finding out about there powers, dealing with all their personal issues and fight the government agency after them. The series really gets interesting in the middle where you find out what their real destiny is and the history behind the Himes. Overall a very enjoyable series that will keep you watching, It just seems like they copped out on the ending but understandable why they would.

Gokudo

Pros: fun series with a lot of fun characters, story stays interesting throughout.
Cons: very poor animation, many characters can lead to some confusion, is a bit ridiculous
Comments: Is a series released in 1999 and spans 26 episodes. The series is not one to take serious; revolving around a swords man, Gokudo, who is kind of an antihero who just wants money, women and power. The series takes place in four different saga ranging from stopping an evil king to taking part in a battle between sorcerers, gods and buddhas. The main cast of characters includes a geanie, a princess and a sorcerer’s son; with lots of characters showing up from time to time. Overall an enjoyable series that keeps you wanting to watch the next episode; well if you can get past the poor animation.

Lupin the Third: Castle of Cagliostro

Pros: Fun, well written, likable characters
Cons: Dated animation
Comments: Is a movie from 1979 and spawned from the 228 episode series. This movie is the most popular and well known movie because it was written and directed by Hayao Miyazaki. The story is serious but you get the great humor and interaction between the cast the makes it seem very light hearted. The plot involves a great heist, saving a princess and lots of money. A very recommended and memorable animation.

Urusei Yatsura Beautiful Dreamer

Pros: Fun, imaginative, likable characters, still original and re-watchable
Cons: Dated animation, movie from a very long series
Comments: The film was originally released in 1983 and is the second movie spawned from the 195 episode series. This movie takes the core cast of the TV series and throws them into a Japanese variation of Rip Van Winkle. The story revolves around the cast running into a series of unexplainable events trying to decide what is real and what is a dream. While it may be hard at first to understand the plots of the series, you should be able to catch on and just enjoy the overall plot of the movie. Meaning the movie is very stand alone and there is not much back story to know about. Beautiful dreamer is a very recommended movie and fun viewing experience.

Original Gundam

Pros: Fun, emotional series; great conflict between likable characters (Amuro and Char);
Cons: Dated animation, series was finished prematurely, maybe a little confusing on the political aspect of things.
Comments: The series spans about 43 episodes and was created in 1979; If you are able to get into this anime, the series really shines during the fight scenes and suceeds, where many have failed, in having you care about the conflict between the two characters Amuro Ray and Char Aznable. Some aspects of the series may frustrate you but I found myself always wanting to see what happens next.

Beginnings

Greeting, I hope that everyone is well and happy. My blog will be a simple display of my review and thoughts of anime. My tastes range quite well, but my favorites are the original older stuff.