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Winter Anime 2017 |OT| John Wick cleaning up KyoAni's mess
- Thread starter TUSR
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Jex
Member
[LWA TV] - 6
I have some pretty mixed feelings on this episode. At the end of the day, when looking at the trajectory of the series overall, at least it looks like we've moved Akko to the point where she's going to maybe grow as a person. This is a good thing, but its also long overdue. Oh, the episode also looked pretty okay, I suppose. But I still have some caveats:
- Akko is beyond incompetent. She might be an anti-witch considering how utterly, unimaginably bad she is. Even the most basic of basics seems completely out of her grasp. I understand that she needs to have an arc for this show to work, but making her this awful as a starting point is just ridiculous. Also, wasn't Ursula supposed to be helping her get better? She's not really keeping a close eye on her studies. Then again, Akko's version of studying appears to be trying something a couple of times and then giving up.
- As I said above, this episode eventually reaches a point where Akko has a chance to grow as a character, but structurally the way it does this is completely flawed. The whole idea behind Akko's story arc in this episode is that she has to learn that she must put the effort in with her studies before she can become a real witch. The method through which she is going to achieve this goal is by interacting with a magical fountain that will reveal this to her. To reach this moment of realisation, and interact with the fountain, she needs to overcome some obstacle, in this case, a magic polar bear. But Akko never overcomes this obstacle, and outsmarts, or defeats it in any way, shape, or form. She just stumbles around and eventually Ursula solves Akko's problem and sets everything up for her. This is deeply unsatisfying because it means that Akko can't even come face to face with her own problems on her own because she's so incompetent. Other characters have to help her self-actualize, which is very frustrating.
So what was the point in having Akko run into this obstacle that she would fail to overcome herself? Well, I guess it gave the episode some fun action scenes, but on a structural level it just feels like bad storytelling as it achieves nothing besides putting a fun action scene into the episode. Everything in the story of the episode should serve an actual purpose, not just pad out the running time with filler that that amounts to nothing.
- Diana continues to have a more fleshed out backstory than Akko, what gives? She's also so popular that people on the fringes of the magical world know her name? Jesus Christ, can the show calm down with its extremes? Akko being literally the worst witch to talk the Earth vs Diana being literally the greatest talent of all time is super dumb.
- Diana, Andrew and Andrew's friends scene where they were talking about the past feel incredibly flat. Not only did the script lack the bite that you'd expect from characters who share a history and have such conflicting worldviews, but there was no visual accompaniment either. I was expecting some cute flashback imagery, or even just some snappy cinematography to play up the tension, but instead it was just back-and-forth shots of people walking. Snore.
- The main theme of the series is clearly that magic is dying, or losing its appeal, or something or other, but for whatever reason I don't feel like the show has sold this to me. I mean, what does the rest of the world have that suddenly makes magic not appear totally fascinating? Its not like they have any kind of crazy super cool technology that's identical to magic - they appear to live in a fairly normal world, right? I don't understand how literal superhuman feats of magic are suddenly boring to these people. I mean, its like if you actually saw a real magic show today performed by actual witches and you said "well thats okay, but I have Youtube so whatever". That wouldn't be your response, right? You'd freak the hell out and be like "OMG, MAGIC IS REAL!!". It just doesn't jibe with me as a concept, at least the way the show has sold it to me so far.
I have some pretty mixed feelings on this episode. At the end of the day, when looking at the trajectory of the series overall, at least it looks like we've moved Akko to the point where she's going to maybe grow as a person. This is a good thing, but its also long overdue. Oh, the episode also looked pretty okay, I suppose. But I still have some caveats:
- Akko is beyond incompetent. She might be an anti-witch considering how utterly, unimaginably bad she is. Even the most basic of basics seems completely out of her grasp. I understand that she needs to have an arc for this show to work, but making her this awful as a starting point is just ridiculous. Also, wasn't Ursula supposed to be helping her get better? She's not really keeping a close eye on her studies. Then again, Akko's version of studying appears to be trying something a couple of times and then giving up.
- As I said above, this episode eventually reaches a point where Akko has a chance to grow as a character, but structurally the way it does this is completely flawed. The whole idea behind Akko's story arc in this episode is that she has to learn that she must put the effort in with her studies before she can become a real witch. The method through which she is going to achieve this goal is by interacting with a magical fountain that will reveal this to her. To reach this moment of realisation, and interact with the fountain, she needs to overcome some obstacle, in this case, a magic polar bear. But Akko never overcomes this obstacle, and outsmarts, or defeats it in any way, shape, or form. She just stumbles around and eventually Ursula solves Akko's problem and sets everything up for her. This is deeply unsatisfying because it means that Akko can't even come face to face with her own problems on her own because she's so incompetent. Other characters have to help her self-actualize, which is very frustrating.
So what was the point in having Akko run into this obstacle that she would fail to overcome herself? Well, I guess it gave the episode some fun action scenes, but on a structural level it just feels like bad storytelling as it achieves nothing besides putting a fun action scene into the episode. Everything in the story of the episode should serve an actual purpose, not just pad out the running time with filler that that amounts to nothing.
- Diana continues to have a more fleshed out backstory than Akko, what gives? She's also so popular that people on the fringes of the magical world know her name? Jesus Christ, can the show calm down with its extremes? Akko being literally the worst witch to talk the Earth vs Diana being literally the greatest talent of all time is super dumb.
- Diana, Andrew and Andrew's friends scene where they were talking about the past feel incredibly flat. Not only did the script lack the bite that you'd expect from characters who share a history and have such conflicting worldviews, but there was no visual accompaniment either. I was expecting some cute flashback imagery, or even just some snappy cinematography to play up the tension, but instead it was just back-and-forth shots of people walking. Snore.
- The main theme of the series is clearly that magic is dying, or losing its appeal, or something or other, but for whatever reason I don't feel like the show has sold this to me. I mean, what does the rest of the world have that suddenly makes magic not appear totally fascinating? Its not like they have any kind of crazy super cool technology that's identical to magic - they appear to live in a fairly normal world, right? I don't understand how literal superhuman feats of magic are suddenly boring to these people. I mean, its like if you actually saw a real magic show today performed by actual witches and you said "well thats okay, but I have Youtube so whatever". That wouldn't be your response, right? You'd freak the hell out and be like "OMG, MAGIC IS REAL!!". It just doesn't jibe with me as a concept, at least the way the show has sold it to me so far.
the new ghost in the shell trailer doesn't look horrible.
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1343551
at the very least it feels like at worst it will be as boring of a watch as the original ghost in the shell movie
http://www.neogaf.com/forum/showthread.php?t=1343551
at the very least it feels like at worst it will be as boring of a watch as the original ghost in the shell movie
Joe Molotov
Member
How is kirakira ala mode?
Turns out the friend that recommended the show to me actually had the dvds, but forgot about them .
Nice wrap up to the season. Seems like they dumped all of the remaining animation budget into episode 15 (that Hanekawa crying scene god damn) and I finally get a bit of insight into Shinobu's character. The season as a whole feels like it's setting up a lot, but still (mostly) resolves it's issues and is a complete package. I'm guessing I start Nisemono next?
.Nice wrap up to the season. Seems like they dumped all of the remaining animation budget into episode 15 (that Hanekawa crying scene god damn) and I finally get a bit of insight into Shinobu's character. The season as a whole feels like it's setting up a lot, but still (mostly) resolves it's issues and is a complete package. I'm guessing I start Nisemono next?
Now Crab=Cat
NYAHAHAHAHAA
KirbYuuYuu
Member
Given that I have been out of the country since it aired, I can't really give anything solid so far.
The art style is rather nice, and there was no punching done by Sugar Rabbit. The general side cast seems rather lively, which I hope for since that has been steadily improving over time with each season. Although just seeing the first fight pretty much being a beam--- I mean a cream spam in a sense, I'm left wondering why in the world was this not done with Maho Girls, considering they were witches?
I am rather interested in the fact that Macaron is the 4th one instead of Chocolat.
Wakakozake s1 (drama)
Even though something as basic as 'pretty girl enjoys good food' is rife with Japanese-style garbage direction at times I guess I don't mind because god damn that food is good.
Probably got to rewatch with subs off and noting down more words at some time, though I might scrub through s2 quickly.
I actually watched s2 first by accident because, what with the show having no plot, I didn't realise it was the second season. lmao.
/edit wait i didn't actually watch most of s2! Joy of joys more wakakozake to lazily zone out to
Even though something as basic as 'pretty girl enjoys good food' is rife with Japanese-style garbage direction at times I guess I don't mind because god damn that food is good.
Probably got to rewatch with subs off and noting down more words at some time, though I might scrub through s2 quickly.
I actually watched s2 first by accident because, what with the show having no plot, I didn't realise it was the second season. lmao.
/edit wait i didn't actually watch most of s2! Joy of joys more wakakozake to lazily zone out to
I knew you would like it.
Nise is next (although this is also a good time to watch the Kizu movies), but beware, it's by far the worst part of the series.Turns out the friend that recommended the show to me actually had the dvds, but forgot about them
Nice wrap up to the season. Seems like they dumped all of the remaining animation budget into episode 15 (that Hanekawa crying scene god damn) and I finally get a bit of insight into Shinobu's character. The season as a whole feels like it's setting up a lot, but still (mostly) resolves it's issues and is a complete package. I'm guessing I start Nisemono next?
Now Crab=Cat
NYAHAHAHAHAA
You can't really skip it either, since it introduces a few new characters and you see Shinobu talking for the first time.
KirbYuuYuu
Member
and that's not all you'll be seeing for the first time either.
Little Witch Academia 6
Unfortunately, it seems everything is a build up right now. Chariot's story, Diana's past, the magic crisis, Akko as a character. But this would be okay if the episodes were more interesting, however they feel "more of the same" and the novelty has worn off. Even when they broke the formula and had an episode about Lotte, it was mediocre, so I don't know what's really the best.
Maybe the only redeeming quality of this episode was Rabbit Akko.
Unfortunately, it seems everything is a build up right now. Chariot's story, Diana's past, the magic crisis, Akko as a character. But this would be okay if the episodes were more interesting, however they feel "more of the same" and the novelty has worn off. Even when they broke the formula and had an episode about Lotte, it was mediocre, so I don't know what's really the best.
It's an improvement in a number of ways but it's still kind of early to be singing much praise for it. The first opening for the second season also has its own new set of shortcomings and feels modeled almost entirely after the first. There's not really a good base or visual theme to unify much beyond the repeated rotating cut, and without the building imagery of the band playing on new locations the blueprint feels pretty manic and aimless. Not that I like K-on's original opening, but the bigger improvements come from leaving behind Ishihara's rigid structure that the series does with the second opening for the second season and the movie. Both of those present information in a much more naturalistic way that is a considerably better fit for the series. They also do a better job with aligning audio cues to more complex visual imagery and movement instead of relying on the quick cuts the first two openings seem so in love with.
MakotoYuki
Member
Thank you everyone.
MikeHattsu
Member
Wow. Hating on Yui.
The Eccentric Family 2-3
I was wondering if the father was going to appear anytime soon, but it turned out he had a rather unfortunate ending. Really enjoying the family's strong bonds though, even if they seem shaky between Yasaburo and his older brother.
Benten is certainly the very best kind of manipulative and arrogant woman.
I was wondering if the father was going to appear anytime soon, but it turned out he had a rather unfortunate ending. Really enjoying the family's strong bonds though, even if they seem shaky between Yasaburo and his older brother.
Turin Turambar
Member
Benten is Besten.
what an awful pun
The hardest part of this series is understanding how much it's a mix of 'present real world' and fantasy. It isn't only in the evident part (you have Tengus and magic and shit hidden in the real word, like in so many urban fantasy settings with ghost, or vampires, or monsters or whatever), here the author goes a step further and the inner logic of the world, of the characters is also influenced a bit by the typical fantasy fables which are the source of inspiration here, where tanukis or tengus appear, same as some fables with talking foxes and hares.
Dedication Through Light
Member
Your guess looks about right.
As long as its as fun as Gyrozetter. I wonder of it will have dancing robots.
Though if its not even simulcast, I can't check it out.
MY BOY ENDEAVOR LOOKING GOOOOOOOOD
He looks really weird, maybe the coloring?
I want more Todoroki plots.
Dedication Through Light
Member
IBO has far more interesting characters than Turn A and Gaogaigar combined. Id take Ride any day over Sochie, Khilil, Dianna, Mamoru, Kaido. Takaki over Harry and Gai.
None of the three have good mech design. Ride n Go (ibo) is the only one that approaches decent tier, gaogaigars are all messy and too clunky and modular, and turn a s needs to ditch the moustache, gain some wings and get some funnels/bits and two beam swords.
Admiral Woofington
Member
If it wasn't for darkness being part of the main cast konosuba would be much more forgettable. She elevates a cast that is just OK to something better
She's the least interesting character of the main cast with pretty much no range. The best episodes are never about her, and the good ones this season that headline her are good because of side characters introduced around her.
People that like Megumin: Normal
People that like Aqua: Okay, I guess, I won't judge.
People that like Darkness: 🤔
What about people that like Kazuma?
They're Kazutrash.
Admiral Woofington
Member
That was the fastest I've made enemies on a single show. Maybe it's that I enjoy the masochist gag since it isn't common, but explosion girl is just that (though they introduced the rival storyline) and aquas whole personality of being cocky and then crying and begging when the lead doesn't go along with it doesn't appeal to me all that much. I like aqua when her spirit gets broken though.
Theonik
Member
Kuzuma is endearing.
Please. No one likes nice guys.
Joe Molotov
Member
All the konosubas are special in their own way.
SliceSabre
Banned
Aqua has always been good, you hold your tongue.
Sometimes I see a bit of myself in Aqua.
Admiral Woofington
Member
Did you follow my lead? Or are you responding after also finding it on HBO lol
Friggin' jaded millennials.
Admiral Woofington
Member
When a gag with her is the constant butt shots I was reminded of you and theonik
Burst out laughing every time Gosling talked about Chet.
Theonik
Member
M'lady pls.
Been meaning to watch it for a while now actually.
Good news, friend. Turn A gets better wings than wing zero custom
Admiral Woofington
Member
Same here. I missed it in the theaters. I heard good things of gosling as I was getting tired of his dead silent stare in Drive and Only God Forgives. He did not disappoint.
godisntheradio
Neo Member
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure - 01
Dio is one of the biggest assholes i've seen in any media, maybe that's why it felt good when jojo headbutted his stupid face. Poor erina though, she's gonna suffer as long as she or dio is alive.
Dio is one of the biggest assholes i've seen in any media, maybe that's why it felt good when jojo headbutted his stupid face. Poor erina though, she's gonna suffer as long as she or dio is alive.
SliceSabre
Banned
I'll take that as a compliment.
And Aqua does have a fine butt.
Lies and slander. Wing Zero Custom's wings are legendary and no gundam could ever hope to be so angelic.
GoldCrusader
Member
The turn A easily has the worst looking wings of any gundam. WZC in comparison has the best some of the best ones.
nintendoman58
Member
...
I don't know this thread anymore. I just don't know this thread anymore.
Aaronrules380
Member
I mean, one of the people you're quoting is DTL you know.
Also the moustache is glorious
Looks like you and I are enemies once again!
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