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-"Golden Boy" director Hiroyuki Kitakubo succeeds in creating this kinetically vibrant, but sloppy excuse for an action/horror film. Which is burdened with concrete dialogue and an unfinished storyline. A noble attempt at re-creating a pre-Vietnam War era environment, inevitably falls flat; as 48 minutes is little time for Blood to redeem itself.
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-This flawed but overwhelmingly fun kids series of a young heroine is both heartwarming and fun for all ages. CLAMP's wonderful animation style is emphasized here with some wonderful characterizations and quirky humor; which keeps the often goofy and oblivious narrative believable. An entertaining romp which beats the heck out of Pokémon anyday.
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-It would seem that fan patience has it very good indeed, as much of this stylish, big-budget romp is in many ways worthy of it's masterful predecessor; and those are hard shoes to fill by anyone's standards. Director Shinichiro Watanabe, screenwriter Keiko Nobumoto and composer Yoko Kanno assemble once again to turn in another stellar effort. The crew of Bebop has never looked better.
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-This greatly conceived space opera, which is produced in the spirit of vintage Leiji Matsumoto sci-fi epics is both engaging and surprisingly intellectual. The technical side is crisp and vibrant, utilizing traditional cel with short bursts of computer-aided animation. The result is a sweeping 13-episode ride with great characterizations.
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-The painfully obvious influences of this 13-episode OAV are apparent, and the characters about as original as a slab of lead; but they're also endearing and likable. The tone and pacing are pleasant, emphazising a slow but engaging love story; which is a much needed departure from post-El-Hazzard/EVA animé permutations.
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-This bizarre and offbeat anime sci-fi/comedy, while about as incoherant and strange as they come; is one of the most technically original and entertaining series seen in years. Gainax once again creates a both stirring and peculiarly engaging story, about a 12-year old boy who's encountered by a seemingly female alien. A fantastic soundtrack serves as a highlight.
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-In this considerably flawed but fun ninja fantasy, a young middle school girl is handed down the secrets of an ancient martial arts prophesy; which is fixated into an object called: "the lovely eye patch". The action sequences are funny and fast paced, with your occassionally priceless anime inside-jokes.
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-This often gritty, dead-serious Oshii endeavor is one of the most elegant and profoundly crafted love stories seen in years; animated or not. Masterfully subdued animation style and moving music supply the potential for cult status. Only on occasions when Oshii's screenplay trades the engaging human emotion for his usual obtuse political anecdotes does Jin-Roh loose it's edge. Directed by "Hiroyuki Okiura".
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-This technically overwhelming and visually brilliant Miyazaki classic has long been delayed it's much deserved American release. Unforgettable characters and music highlight this 1986 production which is Miyazaki magic through & through; and filmed with a dignified sense of passion. "Pazu" is a boy who one day dreams of flying & "Sheeta" is the beautiful and elusive young girl who's lost her way.
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-There's quite a bit to love about this bright & quirky comedy, which is non-stop comic fun with a worthy love story to boot. Keitaro is your typical college student trying to make it into "Tokyo University"; the only difference is it's for the girl he loves (Or thinks he loves). A surprisingly engaging cast of characters keep Keitaro on his feet at every single turn.
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-This better-than-average series centering around a bumbling and womanizing vampire is a barrel of laughs for fans appreciating a campy ride. Some randomly detailed backdrops keep the environment interesting. While the contrived but appealing characters keeps things considerably afloat.
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-In this widely-received, latest Otomo & Rintaro endeavor, the Japanese animators employ the latest animation techniques and stunning effects in order to bring the late Osamu Tezuka's 1960s comic to life; which borrows it's name from the 1921 Fritz Lang silent classic. The look of the film is both ambitious and stunning, but the result is a recycled post-apocalyptic plot unworthy of a place in history as the much renowned & similar "Akira".
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-This classic childrens' animated film by "Tale Of Genji" director "Gisaburo Sugii", is based upon the Japanese literary classic by "Kenji Miyazawa". The abstract and artistic nature of the animation and direction is both superb and moving, but this film is just too uneven and slow paced to be regarded as seriously structured film making. Often it's inherant messages are a bit overstated.
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-As a stylistically over-blown, epic plot of good vs. evil, set to a cliché-ridden post-apocalyptic narrative, it's perhaps difficult to criticize an action movie which is so insanely well made and directed. A rousing, hyper-kinetic musical score by "Kunaihi Haishima" stays with the action every step of the way.
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-This re-make of the 1985 "Toyoo Ashida" classic is what VHD fans have been eagarly awaiting. "Wicked City" & "Ninja Scroll" directer "Yoshiaki Kawajiri" creates a both stylistic and uniquely dark comic style, and the surprisingly thoughtful screenplay is able to fill some of the voids & mysteries of "D's" character; which has attained cult-status.
