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Spring Anime 2016 |OT| Get a Season So Complicated
- Thread starter BGBW
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Admiral Woofington
Member
So uh did Sakamoto get delayed?
hosannainexcelsis
Member
Hunter X Hunter OVA 8 END
The events themselves were good, but this needed to be at least half as long. The pacing was maddeningly slow at times, with direction techniques that seemed designed to extend scenes as long as possible without creating enough sustained tension and atmosphere to justify their length. On the plus side, I feel better prepared to tackle the Chimera Ant arc now.
The events themselves were good, but this needed to be at least half as long. The pacing was maddeningly slow at times, with direction techniques that seemed designed to extend scenes as long as possible without creating enough sustained tension and atmosphere to justify their length. On the plus side, I feel better prepared to tackle the Chimera Ant arc now.
thehypocrite
Member
Thanks, I won't be bothered by the CG if the themes are interesting.
hosannainexcelsis
Member
It's a real shame. I actually really liked what Akito was presenting at its start, so it's unfortunate that Akane was unable to see that through. Hopefully his next project turns out better.
The Boy and the Beast
I honestly expected really bad things when people kept telling me this is Hosoda's worst movie (it's not), and that it was a huge ball dropping load of garbage (definitely not!). As it turns out, the movie was entertaining, has some solid character development, and says some very honest things about growing up. It is also probably the ugliest film Hosoda has made visually though, which was a disappointment, but I definitely feel it made up for it in other areas.
At the core of it, The Boy and the Beast is a story about growing up. I think that approaching it as a story about parenthood is a bit of a misnomer because the central theme is as much about the absence of parents as it is about the efforts of parents, but seen entire through the lens of the children. So it isn't so much about parenthood but rather about the process of growing up, where parents or the lack thereof play a part. I found Ren to be a character I could relate to, and it was interesting to see how he was portrayed. The story gives us very little reason to pity or feel sorry for him, because much of what happens to him is largely a consequence of his own choices.
Yet even without feeling sorry for him, when he struggles to better himself, it is hard not to root for him. I think what I like most about Hosoda's characters, and this applies to more than just Ren here, is that he gives them ample room to fail, and to make poor choices, but also the chance to pick themselves up. There's an honesty and realism to his characters which can show both the good of humanity and the flaws we all have in us.
I was surprised when the film shifted in tone in the second act, but ended up really liking where it went. Instead of being locked up as a fairy tale story about a boy learning to grow up in a magical land, it went beyond that by addressing the necessity of figuring out what you want with your life and having realistic goals as you grow up. Up until this point, I felt the film was a competent but not exceptional "boys style" take on Spirited Away. But here it exceeds that scope and takes ownership of what it wants to be. By allowing us to see the results of Ren's growth and how it can apply to the real world, there was a true sense of satisfaction and progress.
Much has been made of how Hosoda drops the ball in the final act and the climax of the film. It's true that the conclusion disappoints in terms of where it felt it had to go, and Hosoda has never truly been exceptional at handling big blockbuster moments without it feeling artificial. I would have definitely preferred if the climax was more low key, given the tone of the overall film, but I don't think what ultimately happened ruined the movie. It simply took the story's natural conclusion and hammed it up with heavy handed imagery and completely unneeded large scale action. I can think of far worse crimes in storytelling.
With regards to the visuals, there's something about the art direction and cinematography in the film that makes a lot of it less attractive than it should be. There's heavy use of digital effects throughout, but often in unappealing ways. Hosoda has used digital effects and CG in much better ways previously, so it's hard to give him a free pass here. What I did notice though, was that a lot of the color design and general cinematography reminded me of Hong Kong cinema. The vistas and framing in the Beast world evoked feelings of Wuxia films with both the set design as well as the lighting. The human world on the other hand felt muted and bland in the day, while over-contrasted at night with strong use of orange and sharp lighting. It feels like an attempt there to ape the look of Hong Kong gangster movies and contemporary dramas. I don't think the style ever worked perfectly though, and perhaps whatever was being attempted simply doesn't suit animation. It just gave the entire movie a less attractive look than his previous films which took advantage of styles well suited for animation.
So yeah, despite the visual shortcomings and the underwhelming climax, I really liked the film. The relationship between Ren and Kumatetsu worked really well, the relationship between Ren and Kaede was something I really enjoyed watching
, and I think what the story had to say about how children relate to their parents using different case studies was something worth saying. Hosoda's "worst" movie to this date is still Summer Wars, and that was a pretty enjoyable film too, even though it really had nothing to say. That just shows what a talented director Hosoda is I guess.
tl;dr - Jexhius was WRONG!!!!!!
I honestly expected really bad things when people kept telling me this is Hosoda's worst movie (it's not), and that it was a huge ball dropping load of garbage (definitely not!). As it turns out, the movie was entertaining, has some solid character development, and says some very honest things about growing up. It is also probably the ugliest film Hosoda has made visually though, which was a disappointment, but I definitely feel it made up for it in other areas.
At the core of it, The Boy and the Beast is a story about growing up. I think that approaching it as a story about parenthood is a bit of a misnomer because the central theme is as much about the absence of parents as it is about the efforts of parents, but seen entire through the lens of the children. So it isn't so much about parenthood but rather about the process of growing up, where parents or the lack thereof play a part. I found Ren to be a character I could relate to, and it was interesting to see how he was portrayed. The story gives us very little reason to pity or feel sorry for him, because much of what happens to him is largely a consequence of his own choices.
Yet even without feeling sorry for him, when he struggles to better himself, it is hard not to root for him. I think what I like most about Hosoda's characters, and this applies to more than just Ren here, is that he gives them ample room to fail, and to make poor choices, but also the chance to pick themselves up. There's an honesty and realism to his characters which can show both the good of humanity and the flaws we all have in us.
I was surprised when the film shifted in tone in the second act, but ended up really liking where it went. Instead of being locked up as a fairy tale story about a boy learning to grow up in a magical land, it went beyond that by addressing the necessity of figuring out what you want with your life and having realistic goals as you grow up. Up until this point, I felt the film was a competent but not exceptional "boys style" take on Spirited Away. But here it exceeds that scope and takes ownership of what it wants to be. By allowing us to see the results of Ren's growth and how it can apply to the real world, there was a true sense of satisfaction and progress.
Much has been made of how Hosoda drops the ball in the final act and the climax of the film. It's true that the conclusion disappoints in terms of where it felt it had to go, and Hosoda has never truly been exceptional at handling big blockbuster moments without it feeling artificial. I would have definitely preferred if the climax was more low key, given the tone of the overall film, but I don't think what ultimately happened ruined the movie. It simply took the story's natural conclusion and hammed it up with heavy handed imagery and completely unneeded large scale action. I can think of far worse crimes in storytelling.
With regards to the visuals, there's something about the art direction and cinematography in the film that makes a lot of it less attractive than it should be. There's heavy use of digital effects throughout, but often in unappealing ways. Hosoda has used digital effects and CG in much better ways previously, so it's hard to give him a free pass here. What I did notice though, was that a lot of the color design and general cinematography reminded me of Hong Kong cinema. The vistas and framing in the Beast world evoked feelings of Wuxia films with both the set design as well as the lighting. The human world on the other hand felt muted and bland in the day, while over-contrasted at night with strong use of orange and sharp lighting. It feels like an attempt there to ape the look of Hong Kong gangster movies and contemporary dramas. I don't think the style ever worked perfectly though, and perhaps whatever was being attempted simply doesn't suit animation. It just gave the entire movie a less attractive look than his previous films which took advantage of styles well suited for animation.
So yeah, despite the visual shortcomings and the underwhelming climax, I really liked the film. The relationship between Ren and Kumatetsu worked really well, the relationship between Ren and Kaede was something I really enjoyed watching
until the ending blew it by not even having a kiss
tl;dr - Jexhius was WRONG!!!!!!
Kiznaiver 2
For once hitting your teammates really isn't a good idea. Creative for an anime. The most dramatic self-introductions possible. Okada delivering once more.
Hai-Furi 2
So them being on the run is mostly to find an excuse for big ship battles that you can't make a tournament for. I can dig it. I'm inclined to think the distress call is a trap, but they were late, so we'll see.
For once hitting your teammates really isn't a good idea. Creative for an anime. The most dramatic self-introductions possible. Okada delivering once more.
Hai-Furi 2
So them being on the run is mostly to find an excuse for big ship battles that you can't make a tournament for. I can dig it. I'm inclined to think the distress call is a trap, but they were late, so we'll see.
Ace Attorney 3
It's hilarious seeing Phoenix just whip out evidence from his pockets, saying he got it from point A with no proof, and everyone going along with it, including the Prosecutor. It was also like that in the games, but it's just funny seeing it animated since he's literally just pulling it from his pockets. Phoenix Wright, King of Hiding Evidence.
I actually like this silly theory and hope it's true. Unreliable MCs always add some fun to a mystery series.
It's hilarious seeing Phoenix just whip out evidence from his pockets, saying he got it from point A with no proof, and everyone going along with it, including the Prosecutor. It was also like that in the games, but it's just funny seeing it animated since he's literally just pulling it from his pockets. Phoenix Wright, King of Hiding Evidence.
I actually like this silly theory and hope it's true. Unreliable MCs always add some fun to a mystery series.
lol yeah just realized a bad tsundere will literally kill that team
MetroidPrimeRib
Banned
Saya is great, but god damn Hotaru's red polish is mesmerizing.
nintendoman58
Member
Haven't seen the new Ace Attorney episode yet. Did the Cornered theme play?
Pretty sure it didn't.
She loved him in the past. But not right now. And she was forces to confess her feelings in the second episode already.
That's like, super ground breaking material right there as far as childhood friends go.
nintendoman58
Member
Aw man.
I think at this point for Ace Attorney I'll just leave it on "I'll watch my favourite parts I remember from the games" status or wait for my favourite characters to show up and see their performances.
Much like when Kojima stopped using the Metal Gear Solid theme after being shown it was a copy of another piece of music, Capcom has stopped using the Cornered theme after it was shown to have plagiarised one of gaming's most beloved themes.
No, but the Objection theme did.
ThatChairMan
Member
Ace Attorney 3
All this is doing is making me think better of the live-action adaptation.
All this is doing is making me think better of the live-action adaptation.
DeadRockstar
Member
Glad somebody else agrees. Eccentric Family was the only other show I could think of to match it, since the sakuga in the HanaIro movie wasn't representative of the show. I'm not sure how I forgot P.A. sometimes has Inoue up their sleeve (I have his Eccentric Family books!) but scrubbing back through the episode I think I spotted him. No doubt the booru has it tagged so I can feel smart or dumb when I check if I'm right.
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Kiznaiver 2
Slightly goofier than the first episode, which is most welcome. I don't think the show will ever embrace its silliness to the degree that I'd like, but perhaps the influence of the director and Trigger is going to produce something more likeable in the long run than I expected. There are some nice touches in here like Nico breathing through her hair when everyone else is using their hand as a dust filter. Still feels like the calm before the storm.
Dedication Through Light
Member
Future Card Buddyfight DDD (Triple D) Episode 3
Todays win doesnt count as a victory
Aoi Shouta voicing a happy character for once is wonderful. Im so excited for him and for this season. And his luminize is awesome too (Well not on the same level as Shido who really personalized it).
Noboru getting a win was the best. Finally he gets some love.
Todays win doesnt count as a victory
does that mean Gao still has a pretty good record for this season?
Aoi Shouta voicing a happy character for once is wonderful. Im so excited for him and for this season. And his luminize is awesome too (Well not on the same level as Shido who really personalized it).
Noboru getting a win was the best. Finally he gets some love.
Kiznaivers: 2
What I said about Niko last episode. Never mind that. Chidori is worst character. Holy hell is she obnoxious. She has the combination of childhood friend trope with the aggressive tsundere personality and it's the worst. And her confession to Katsuhira was eyerollingly melodramatic.
With that out of the way, I liked everything else about the episode. It is crazy but in a good way. And despite the whole confession thing being a typical way to go about thing, I had a blast, brought out some really funny moments. And hey, I thought Katsuhira's self-introductions both times during the climax were nice dramatic moments because they restrained some of the melodrama when that happened.
What I said about Niko last episode. Never mind that. Chidori is worst character. Holy hell is she obnoxious. She has the combination of childhood friend trope with the aggressive tsundere personality and it's the worst. And her confession to Katsuhira was eyerollingly melodramatic.
With that out of the way, I liked everything else about the episode. It is crazy but in a good way. And despite the whole confession thing being a typical way to go about thing, I had a blast, brought out some really funny moments. And hey, I thought Katsuhira's self-introductions both times during the climax were nice dramatic moments because they restrained some of the melodrama when that happened.
hosannainexcelsis
Member
Urusei Yatsura 23
This whole episode was just building up to a bad pun at the end. I have to admire the dedication.
This whole episode was just building up to a bad pun at the end. I have to admire the dedication.
;_;
hosannainexcelsis
Member
That's strange. Looks like it aired on NTV as scheduled.
God dammit, I need something to wash the taste of Kiznaiver out of my mouth.
MetroidPrimeRib
Banned
Aikatsu Stars 2
Looks like there's going to be 9 core characters, S4 and 5 from Yume's class. Did not take long for Yozora to start flirting with her juniors. Sakuraba is looking to be my favorite. She's got a sweet special appeal as well. Four Stars seems a lot harsher than Starlight. Teachers don't hold back, Hime is trying to make the others match her iron will (and abs), and the other students aren't afraid of bad talk behind others' backs. And the principal is acting evil. This seems to be shaping up well.
Looks like there's going to be 9 core characters, S4 and 5 from Yume's class. Did not take long for Yozora to start flirting with her juniors. Sakuraba is looking to be my favorite. She's got a sweet special appeal as well. Four Stars seems a lot harsher than Starlight. Teachers don't hold back, Hime is trying to make the others match her iron will (and abs), and the other students aren't afraid of bad talk behind others' backs. And the principal is acting evil. This seems to be shaping up well.
PdotMichael
Banned
Join the navy they said, see the world they said
Kiznaiver episode 2
Kinda pleasantly surprised that this is still really good 2 episodes in.
This episode is definitely way more over the top (though I wouldn't say goofy) than the first episode with things going a little apeshit, but its not done in that Gurren Lagann "anti-probability missile" way which is good, since that would conflict with the tone put in here. Its a crazy episode, but the tone is very much in tact. Plus to trigger for pulling something like that off.
We learn each character's deepest (or rather the one they least want people to know) secret and for the most part, their petty. But they make sense at the same time. The secrets conflicting with the personae that they have created or have had society create for themselves. This has gotten me thinking that this might be like the Persona series if it was just the Social Links, which wouldn't be a bad thing.
I'm interested in seeing how Trigger will do things from here on out. There doesn't seem to be any defined villain, and hopefully it stays that way.
Kinda pleasantly surprised that this is still really good 2 episodes in.
This episode is definitely way more over the top (though I wouldn't say goofy) than the first episode with things going a little apeshit, but its not done in that Gurren Lagann "anti-probability missile" way which is good, since that would conflict with the tone put in here. Its a crazy episode, but the tone is very much in tact. Plus to trigger for pulling something like that off.
We learn each character's deepest (or rather the one they least want people to know) secret and for the most part, their petty. But they make sense at the same time. The secrets conflicting with the personae that they have created or have had society create for themselves. This has gotten me thinking that this might be like the Persona series if it was just the Social Links, which wouldn't be a bad thing.
I'm interested in seeing how Trigger will do things from here on out. There doesn't seem to be any defined villain, and hopefully it stays that way.
MetroidPrimeRib
Banned
Maybe they had difficulties getting the episode
Yeah, it seems like the delay was probably more of a "they couldn't get the streaming material on time" thing than anything else.
I don't expect it to be late by too long tbh. Maybe a day or 2 at worst, I'd guess.
how is our spunky redhead D-VHS delivery girl going to speed down the streets at 35mph in her Suzuki Alto to deliver it if the roads are fucked up, answer me this
Dedication Through Light
Member
Cardfight!! Vanguard G GIRS Crisis Episode 20 (engDUB)
The ending has not only Trinity Dragon pose, but Kamui the Great "dancing" and the scientist guy on the Segway.
For a Great Kamui episode it was the best. He is still the best with the Nova Grapplers and seeing them in action is always exciting. Too bad there was a dark message this time
The ending has not only Trinity Dragon pose, but Kamui the Great "dancing" and the scientist guy on the Segway.
For a Great Kamui episode it was the best. He is still the best with the Nova Grapplers and seeing them in action is always exciting. Too bad there was a dark message this time
dude actually died in the explosion
Don't you mean blonde?
Theonik
Member
Embarking on this show without at least coming to terms with this is foolish at best. The show has things to offer, but only if one gets past these facts.
I look forward to you telling us the kind of show Wixoss is again.
welp
MetroidPrimeRib
Banned
I still dont know what the fuck Wixoss is and after Mayoiga and Kiznaiver I'm not sure I want to know.
Dedication Through Light
Member
Funi is late with Endride
From what I hear, it's more than just a card game. It's Okada's card game.
BWONG!
Big Order 1
Crazy but eh not in an entertaining way most of the time. It was really surreal and trippy at times but jesus the first 10 minutes were a chore. Thankfully Yuno Joestar 2.0 livened things up a bit and i near died when the main guy went full on Lelouch, he even has the paralyzed little sister. How can he ever lose with that power?
Probably won't keep up with it.
Super Lovers 2
I liked the brothers but some of the big emotional scenes were a bit flat for me. Its a weird thing in that individually i like all the characters but not their relationships for some reason. Ill give it another episode though.
Crazy but eh not in an entertaining way most of the time. It was really surreal and trippy at times but jesus the first 10 minutes were a chore. Thankfully Yuno Joestar 2.0 livened things up a bit and i near died when the main guy went full on Lelouch, he even has the paralyzed little sister. How can he ever lose with that power?
Probably won't keep up with it.
Super Lovers 2
I liked the brothers but some of the big emotional scenes were a bit flat for me. Its a weird thing in that individually i like all the characters but not their relationships for some reason. Ill give it another episode though.
Admiral Woofington
Member
Completely forgot to say, but Big Order also had another hilarious moment: the picture of the smiling sister on her knees in the bed he keeps on the desk. Like you asked her to get on her knees and pose for you so you can take a picture you keep with you? lmao
Tanaka-kun is Always Listless Episode 2
I was right. This show is getting better as more characters get introduced.
Its still not great, but better than the first episode. Miyano is fun to have on screen.
There seem to be 2 more main characters that need to be properly introduced, so hopefully this show gets better as they become present.
This isn't gonna reach Nozaki levels, but it should still be a fun series to watch in the end.
I was right. This show is getting better as more characters get introduced.
Its still not great, but better than the first episode. Miyano is fun to have on screen.
There seem to be 2 more main characters that need to be properly introduced, so hopefully this show gets better as they become present.
This isn't gonna reach Nozaki levels, but it should still be a fun series to watch in the end.
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