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-This heavily atmospheric adaption of "Yuzo Takada's" popular manga (Who also lends his talent to the anime's screenplay) is both enormously ambitious and zealously fast-paced; but "immortals" suffers from some faulty elements and a lack of plot momentum. In the end, it's not a surprize we are as flummoxed as the main characters are.
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-The second installment to the popular occult-thriller holds little or no flaws, and is also the sequel "3x3 Eyes" fans have been patiently awaiting. Both action-packed and surprizingly romantic, this should occupy any seasoned or new fan seeking a vibrant and entertaining romp.
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-Though the coeval soundtrack and 'BGC' backdrops are still present, a lot's changed since the rockin' days of "Priss" and the gang. And while the often violent action does seem to exist as a conciliation for days of old, the vision now appears more commonplace; and a lot less sci-fi.
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-This heavily erogenous action/comedy is a gigantic mess of ultra-clad females, parading antagonists who's personalities are thinner than molecules and one very embarrasing piece of camisole. If there are those out there willing enough to have reached the end, it will not have been because of the gripping plot.
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-Rich visuals & a familiar but intriguing love story is the center attraction in this blatantly obvious but wholeheartedly entertaining film debut. This time around a sinister villain figure heats things up. Takahashi's "Keichi" & "Belldandy" are wholesome & fun as usual; characters "Urd" & "Skuld" provide comic relief. Dazzling animation.
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-It had almost seemed as if "Otomo's" classic had been out of commission for an entire decade (Perhaps more), or at least for enough time to have been discarded of it's prominent image as one of anime's finest ground-breakers. While just having been recently brought back from the dead and also on DVD, as pleasant a surprize as the film itself: it's amazing that even more people do not know about it.
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-Even the reality that the original Japanese script is first-rate compared to the atrocious English-dub cannot save this anime's incredible ability to appall, offend & insult. Not only by it's bombastic content, but for it's incredibly risible storyline; Which never really manages to redeem itself. Check it out if you like abundant action/violence.
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-Though incredibly uneven, and overwhelmingly understated; this surprising and engaging human drama keeps things daring with some colorful characterizations and unusual plot twists. Which are either endearing or offensive depending upon your point of view. However, one's unlikely to forget the experience, for better or worse.
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-This compelling war narrative which served as the inspiration for some hit video games of the early SNES, follows an emotionally burdened soldier who's insipid about killing; who as a pilot, marks his many kills serving a covenant to get him home. This is great cinema merdged with a spectacular stylish animation, which creates a unique feel all it's own. A stirring 80s soundtrack completes the mix.
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-Though this re-conceptualized, re-edited version of the OAV is more suitable for theatrical release; the immense scope and unique vision of the world and it's characters have to have left with it. While the film's animation may be glossy and it's action fast and detailed, it's characters do not deserve to fill the void left by this movie.
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-If there's an epitome of flawed fantasy series like "Bastard!!", it's individual actuality in the comedy realm is no exception. Despite seeming like wearing the accouterments of a bad B-movie, it's rather well done; and though we'd hate to admit it, it's hilarious. Even if it's in the worst way.
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-"Kishiro Yukito" is fully aware that his "Battle Angel" is a fully realized thriller, complete with moody atmosphere, great characters and fast-paced sci-fi elements. Little does he know he's traded a decent premise for convoluted pacing and excessive violence; which he seems to constantly eulogize over a standard form of emotion, which Battle Angel seems to have trouble finding the slightest amount of. Yukito's "Alita" is a great character but not in this anime.
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-Of all the 'game-to-anime' incarnations out there, fighting game or not, BAT is arguably the worst ever. Every inch of this anime is overlooked, all the way down to it's atrocious animation style which is a cross between some of the medium's worst 'stock' and also some of it's worst vision. It there is one anime without any hint of it whatsoever, the choice is clear.
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-This anime has been described as a marriage between the "Batman: Animated Series" of the 90s and "Giant Robo". That statement could not be any more accurate. Despite it all, that's not to say Big O is terrible by any means; it's not. However, there are many good and bad things about it. Like most titles with fantastic visual imagination, Big O suffers from a lack of proper story length and character depth.
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-There's nothing at all bad about the anime horror film "Biohunter", except maybe for the sheer length which is a tad short. The film delivers what it should. Quirky yet surprizingly in-depth characters, a fast plot and your given action/violence. It's perfect if you enjoy the genre. But like most gross-out titles like this, it's not for everyone. While it's nowhere near a masterpiece it's keeps your attention.
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-Black Heaven is one of the most surprizing series of the year, and it wholeheartedly deserves that label for it's taunting messages and attentive characters; which are not bromide or cliché but express hope and feeling. As a story of the triumph of the human heart and spirit, that premise seems rather ridiculous given the setting and the animation; it somehow manages to grasp our undivided attention. Not to mention the music rocks. Quite literally.
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-O.k., so the premise isn't the most realistic or believable and it's narration crosses the paths of farcical; but who cares anyway. Black Jack is one of my favorite protagonists from the world of "Tezuka Ozamu", give the man some credit for bringing us such an unforgettable character. Who leaves a tingle down one's spine.
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-Though the action and animation mark's been cranked up a bit since the OAV series, this one still has it's share of flaws even more visible than ever. Though one thing has remained the same exactly, Ozamu's brilliant characters which keep the plot moving at a steady rate.
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-"Blue Seed" is just another one of those series which either fails to execute it's premise the right way or doesn't realize what it's trying to be. Second-rate animation as well as characters don't manage to move the tired plot along which is a cross between epic and uttery confined 'soap-opera'. The heros never manage to come across as truly effective central figures. In the end we are basically rooting for the bad guys.
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-As few true heros as there are in "Blue Submarine No. 6", director "Mahiro Maeda" really only has two 'real' heros by his side; animation director "Toshiharu Murata" & mechanical designer & anime icon "Shoji Kawamori". They are the only two names which truly sustain the project through it's uncharted terrain of bad character development and risible plot exposition. Next to it's vibrant effects, it's perhaps amazing that we even acknowledge such things.
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-Though considerably flawed to this day, there's no doubt in anyone's mind that "Bubblegum Crisis" is still a true anime classic. Some of the great characters of the 80s era and one killer soundtrack bury the hatchet in terms of viewing palpability. I as an anime fan am not afraid to admit that. And nobody else should be for that matter.
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-Sequel? No... How about Prequel? Not even close. Then just what is "Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040"? The truth is it's a re-realization of the classic story along with some brand new characters; as well as a new soundtrack. New? Yes. But is it really improved? Well, probably not; but you be the judge. While both generations were flat, uncoordinated and considerably thin in terms of character depth, this still holds the interest of BGC fanatics for it's sleeker atmosphere and abundant action. Just don't expect it to be better than the original. Heck, is anything better than it's predecessor?
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-This timeless adventure romp was "Miyazaki's" first and arguably best. It's a film which transcends time, space as well as animation into one wholeheartedly original and fast-paced frenzy. Both touching, lighthearted and gripping. "The Castle Of Cagliostro" is a definitive classic, which has not shown the slightest hint of age.
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-It's impossible to justify everything great about this anime, and it would also be almost criminal not to do so. Cowboy Bebop was the sleeper hit of 1998 and there's a reason for it; it's the best anime of the year. Completely original and fully entertaining; both tauntingly fresh and imaginative in the darkest as well as most lighthearted of ways. It's a must have, must own and foremost must see. An instant classic worthy of any anime collection.
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-Guess what DBZ fans! "Gohan" has been kidnapped by the infamous "Garlic Jr.", what's even worse is that there's little or nothing that can be done to prevent the elusive "dead zone" from wreaking havoc across the universe!... Again. Luckily for best friends "Piccolo" & "Krillin", this elongated fight sequence only lasts about 3/4 of an hour. Leaving little or no screen time for our green and bald friend, who probably don't want to be traped in this film anyway with a more callow Goku; who can't hold our interest for more than one hour.
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-Ninja Scroll's own "Yoshiaki Kawajiri" directs this tenebrous rush which breaths a fixation of dark visual style and grace. Unfortunately that's the only thing it does right. Though faster paced than most, it's plot suffers from an array of bad clichés and characters. Including an often clueless "Kyoya", a beautiful but hollow "Sayaka" and the demonic "Rah"; who at first glance couldn't hurt a flea but instead ends up hurting the audiences' intellegence.
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-A quest for magical orbs, an individual triumph of human surmounts and a plan to overthrow evil in the universe are just some of the many scenarios which plague several of the great characters found in "Dragonball Z". A classic which to this day somehow manages to grasp the attention of the masses w/it's clever and somehow sophisticated fight sequences; which for the most part appear seemingly 'over-the-top' but are foremost amazing for kids and adults. Characters such as "Goku", "Vegeta", "Krillin", "Gohan" & "Piccolo" are some of the classic stand-outs.
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-"A huge comic mess" is a good way to describe this alleged "Hentai" farce, which apparently never crosses the line of funny or (As if you didn't already know) tasteful. One seemingly normal character inhabits a storyline of bad aphrodisiac encounters, some of which involve stupid gags (One involving a dragon & camera) and all of which proceed with a complete disregard for audience accountability. It's amazing the animators could have expected anything less.
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-"Terry" & "Andy Bogard" and "Joe" Higashi", though some of the most bromide anime characters ever created are still among the best in the fighting-game realm; but even still, not in this flick which is basically your 'run-of-the-mill' redemption fest. Choppy martial arts sequences accompany a series of platitudes which all occur too quickly. It's amazing that the main character was even able to learn the so-called "martial arts technique". Once in a while I almost feel like saying: "Hey!, have you guys ever heard of guns!"
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-The theatrical release of the "Fatal Fury" saga, while superior to the first two OAVs, lacks bite and fails to gain any momentum. Except until the very end when the stars of the show erupt into a bombastic chaos of fighting frenzy, which many people may still find very boring next to the film's killer ending theme song. Which rules over the sappy character development any day. Be sure to get the DVD!
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-Though considered by many fans to be a classic, Vampire Hunter D's "Toyoo Ashida" ends up directing a graphic mess of bad set-ups and missed opportunities for character development. Many will also tell you that it's not at all the point when watching "Fist Of The North Star". In that it's all about the fight sequences. Anyway, like I said before; it's a graphic mess.
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-This is perhaps arguably the epitome of anime romantic fantasy. An often vibrantly crafted tale which suffers from animation flaws. That alone would be enough, but there are just far too many unnecessary characters and elements in "Fushigi Yugi: The Mysterious Play". In turn, the animators who may expect us to cry may simply end up making us laugh; furthermore, most of the time when it's not meant to be funny.
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-In "Galaxy Express 999", "Leiji Matsumoto's" legendary characters are reunited onto the screen in sweeping gorgeous detail. Fixated on a young boy's journey of redemption which magically transforms into the triumph of the human spirit. It was as invigorating for fans upon the film's initial release as it was in the golden days of "Harlock" & "Emeraldes". Though the "Arcadia" is long and gone, and some of the 70s blaxploitations seem a bit corny now, the music thrives through mesmerizing waves; much like the detail of the Galaxy Express itself.
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-"Mamoru Oshii's" visually stunning vision of a future world flourishing on the backdrop of computers is certainly one that can appeal to the masses. Despite subtle social commentary and unique visual extravagance, this endeavor is chalk-full of unadorned characters who cannot seem to find the correct ending. Oshii trades repetitive action and 'techno-babble' in place of much needed visionary ideas, which he only displays in short bursts within a convention. Ghost In The Shell is an impressive sci-fi action film trying to be a classic.
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-One of the smartest comedies to ever come out of Japan is an often bedraggled & quirky tale of a college student trying to make his mark through some extremely meddling and often farcical circumstances. While it's intentions can seem dark, this is a lighthearted and brilliant comedy with style, substance and an ending that'll just put a big smile on your face. It's emotion interweaved through screwball instances is a pleasant surprize. See it fast, because "Buddha only waits three times!"
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-It's quite amazing that this one's animation is 'up-to-par' with most out there; though it's nowhere near impressive. This remains one of the most ridiculous action films to date. Risible character development is second to none here, in an all-out heap on sex & violence somehow centering around a political/thriller style plot. Golgo 13 is no Lupan III except for the philandering; on that note: "Lupan III" was far less explicit.
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-This non-Ghibli "Isao Takahata" film is so heartbreaking to the core, that it's amazing the movie somehow manages to achieve such painstaking detail. A post WWII backdrop supplies the emotional remnant for a tale of survival, as we follow youths "Seita" & "Setsuko" along their incredible journey of human will & spirit. By the very end, we as an audience feel very much the same way as they do; however, it's not because of starvation. Rather we are starving to see more of their lives, which we have grown so close to.
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-A seemingly humdrum tale of redemption soon transforms into one of the most beautifully crafted animes ever told. Following young "Noriko Takaya" amid her 'coming-of-age' journey are all the usual pressures of growing up, and at the same time the monumental realities of war's effect on the human heart. Luckily for us Noriko manages to pull through and we are happy for her; even though we might not know it at first. Accompanying the narrative are some of the most taunting sequences of drama and animation ever put to film. And even though it all seems a bit dated, we know that the emotion is still very much alive.
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-The characters in "Gundam Wing" all have two things in common. One, they're all surrounded by one of the most gripping and intellectually challenging sci-fi narratives thus far. Two, every single one of them is denser than lead; and because of that we could care less. A variety of "mobile suit" melees keep the first half of the 52 episode series fast paced. However, by the time it reaches for it's remaining emotion it's too late.
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-"Rally Vincent" & "Minnie May Hopkins" are just a couple of cute n' quirky bounty hunters who can get the job done; they also happen to own a 'less-than-legit' gun shop: hence the name. It's too bad the story which goes along with them isn't as interesting. Things heat up some when an ultramarine terrorist plagues the two's short-lived OAV, which if were any longer wouldn't hold our interest for more than a few seconds.
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-It would most certainly be a great wonder indeed, had this contemporary OAV sparked it's way into the anime realm upon "Harlock's" initial release. A lot's changed since then and while the atmosphere and classic characters do still seem right on the mark, the frequently exploited sci-fi elements do not. A wonderful soundtrack almost saves this anime from the deep void of space it drags itself into at the beginning; but never really gives us a good reason to keep watching.
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