CasuallViewer Reviews

The Whale (2022)

Moving performances, a maelstrom of emotions, ultimately culminating into a tragic, yet strangely beautiful, work of art reflecting the human condition

[8/10 · 8 April 2024]

How do you even begin to talk a very troubled person out of something they don't want to get out of in the first place? The dilemma of watching someone you care about fall apart, and there's nothing you can do about it unless they start helping themselves first.

If I had to put The Whale in a nutshell, that's how I would put it.

Three things that make The Whale powerful: the performances, the script, and the score. Brendan Fraser (Charlie) is the person most applauded for his acting, but both Hong Chau (Liz) and Sadie Sink (Ellie) performed amazingly as well and made undeniable contributions that simply elicited strong emotions just as well as Brendan did. The three of them together made magic, and combined with the rest of the supporting cast, created something very memorable under the direction of Darren Aronofsky. Rob Simonsen's score further amplifies the emotions for an already well-written script.

If I had to nitpick on one bit, it is that perhaps I wasn't completely sold on one interaction that Charlie has. It wasn't completely pointless, but it seemed less significant than it was meant to be. A trivial matter however in the film's entirety.

At its core, this was simply supposed to be about a very regretful man stuck with his demons dealing with and attempting to form connections with people in and around his life. I find it confusing how the casting apparently caused controversy amongst some viewers who have voiced opinions on the specific type of person who should have played the role of Charlie, and over how people of this size are depicted. Is the impact of a performance supposed to be fully hinged on what's "appropriate" to some? It is unfortunate that this fixation on appearances and misconstruing of the themes that the Whale uses has led others to conclude that it shames the type of people that Charlie portrays. Understanding, compassion, and love, were central to Charlie's interactions with the people he formed relationships with, just as much as the negative and more turbulent emotions were.

Charlie made my heart feel heavy and Ellie shattered it. The Whale is both beautiful and stunning and deserves every love and praise that it gets. Seeing this on the big screen with only a handful of others watching was an entirely unique experience.

Uncut Gems (2019)

Adam Sandler absolutely carries and sells a rollercoaster thriller with Uncut Gems

[7/10 · 8 April 2024]

I was unfamiliar with Adam Sandler's works before this film, with my only knowledge of him being someone mostly known for his comedy roles. Suffice to say I'm pleased that this was my introduction to him due to his stellar performance.

There's a funny yet miserable feeling that this gave off as I watched Howard Ratner (Adam Sandler) deal with his life and struggle with difficulties, primarily with his debts, which I later came to understand why during its conclusion. The entire premise was built around him and his life, so there really are only a few standouts from the supporting cast, but they do well to build Howard's character and contribute to building the world around which he lives in and how he, as a boss, friend, father, and as a person, paints a person with some sadly troubling demons despite all that he has built for himself.

The one other thing that stood out to me aside from Sandler's performance, is how well it made me feel the intensity of a feeling of something that I'm not much too familiar with; due in part to Sandler, and in part to how well they've mostly been able to build the story up towards the end. Though I do think that Kevin Garnett's characterization felt somewhat silly, especially as he plays himself. He is central to the story, but it feels like how he is portrayed felt off to how it feels who he actually is as a person (the type of mentality that the Kevin Garnett would have) who has achieved what he has achieved, even in a work of fiction that also plays out in a real-life setting.

I think not having seen the trailer beforehand also amplified how I felt about this film. It may not have given away too much, but being in the dark with my only knowledge of it being an A24 film starring Adam Sandler, and the short IMDB description, made for a better viewing experience.

Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001)

Delightful animated piece that suffers from standard writing

[7/10 · 21 March 2024]

Milo Thatch is an individual who carries with him his grandfather's passion for archaeology. Despite being merely regarded as a fool by those who have the means to provide him with the resources to start an expedition, an opportunity comes along that gives Milo the chance to fulfill his desire to see one of his grandfather's life's works come to fruition.

To begin, I find using Atlantis as a setting to be a solid choice not only of the story created surrounding the myth, but also of certain characters that were central to the expedition. Lovely setting and concept. The characters shine enough to complement one another and fulfill their roles only to the extent that they can still have their own moments without being too overbearing.

The writing unfortunately could have used some work, as the Ol Disney Formula is quite apparent here. If you've seen Disney animations a number of times, you should be aware of what it is. I'm referring to how their stories are structured to fit a pattern that can be discernable once you've seen enough of their animated films. And sometimes it's not even a bad thing, but in this case, Atlantis could have been a better version of what it is if it weren't for the story progression and sequences being quite predictable at times.

I might be reading too much into it though. At the end of the day, while I can pick through some of what it could have improved on, I still adored this work overall. It has its flaws, but it still has its own charm in the form of its own grand, fun adventure. Plus they did really well in their character design for the Atlanteans.

Matt Rife: Natural Selection (2023 TV Special)

Just a crowd work guy, right?

[8/10 · 24 January 2024]

A lot probably know him from his clips on social media where he engages with people attending his shows (aka his crowd work). As his humor and his jokes are right up my alley, it was interesting to see him get his own special and see how well he does in this type of set-up. Content-wise, his jokes are laced with dark humor, and anyone entering into this with different expectations otherwise shouldn't have even bothered checking it out. There's really no point arguing whether others found his jokes in here to be funny or not. If they found it unfunny, then they found it unfunny. I encourage people who have enjoyed his clips of his shows on social media but haven't seen this to still give it a shot. If it counts, there's at least one here who found most of his material to land and enjoyed this stand-up special overall.

Berserk (1997–1998)

An epic saga within a larger, richer, world of warriors, otherworldly beings, dreams, and human will over destiny

[9/10 · 12 July 2023]

A pioneering work of the fantasy genre, Kentaro Miura's Berserk has seen its influence spread across different media franchises outside of the realm of manga and anime. As for Berserk itself, those who are in the know are aware of Kentaro Miura's passing in 2021, leaving the status of the manga on hold, until his good friend Kouji Mori, along with Miura's studio, collectively decided to push through in honor of what the man himself would have wanted. While this has been very good news for fans, adaptations are few and far in-between. The very first adaptation of the manga, Berserk 1997, is often regarded as THE Berserk anime that newcomers should see.

The excessive graphic content portrayed in the manga tends to turn off potentially interested individuals from diving into the series, but it is also this very detail that separates people who are more discerning and capable of looking beyond the gore and violence and being able to understand the themes and the overall substance and beauty that Berserk has to offer. The anime is much tamer compared to the manga, but there is still a good deal of it over its 25-episode run. It is integral to the plot and its medieval-esque setting after all. The '97 adaptation is centered around the Golden Age Arc, where Guts began his journey as a mercenary, crossing paths with the Band of the Hawk led by Griffith, and their exploits together with the addition of Guts to their party in a time where two nations are at war with each other.

While the story for the adaptation is only a small portion of the richer world that is Miura's original work, it is still able to provide a powerful viewing experience that remains untouched. Some may think that the animation and quality is dated by today's standards, but I would think otherwise.

The characters central to the story, the dynamics of their relationships, and their individual developments relative to the story at a certain points in time, all cohesively fit together and are excellently narrated.

I only have a very minor issue with consistency in terms of the details, like at one point where Guts was bloody and ragged, then not a single stain was visible on him a few moments later. The style of animation holds up very well, everything fits, and nothing seemed out of proportion, save for some instances where the characters are visible from a distance and their facial features are a bit ugly, but this I believe is a common practice and something I've seen in modern big budget anime series as well to save on budget.

Plotwise, they were able to create a fantastic adaptation from what was available for them to work with back when the source material had not progressed far enough. Plenty of quotables and lessons imparted by Miura applicable to real life. The questions narrated during next episode previews are also a nice touch to the themes that Berserk covers, something for viewers to think on. It is just unfortunate that we don't get to see this title get the full treatment that others do with several seasons and hundreds of episodes, to capture the larger world of Berserk. The 2016 anime adaptation that serves as a direct continuation to the 97's story has not received as much love due to the choice for animation style used that is consensually agreed upon as inferior. Sometime in the future perhaps, if we are lucky.

Finally, the OST. Behelit? Sinister. Gatsu? A myriad of different emotions. Earth? Beautiful, triumphant. Berserk Forces? Glorious. Susumu Hirasawa was on point and only further augmented the fervor of what was already a very convincing and passionate story.

Bless Miura's soul. He left us with a work that is one of one. The beloved dark fantasy lives on, and so does Guts' spirit to struggle against destiny.

American Psycho (2000)

Representation this, social commentary that: I say enjoy it for what it presents upfront instead of constantly searching for deeper meanings

[9/10 · 3 December 2022]

Given that it's been more than two decades since American Psycho was released, the film sleuths over the years have already deduced the message it was trying to convey, the characters' motives, and reflection of a culture from the past, etcetera etcetera. If you're discerning enough and are able to follow the narrative, I think you'd be able to come to what the film is meant to portray without having every other person telling you what it really means. The film's appeal is that it wasn't overtly portraying a certain culture through the eyes of its main character, Patrick Bateman, on top of balancing it with the hilarious ludicrousness of what ensues in its entire runtime.

The mere fact that American Psycho has endured, been celebrated, and revisited through pop culture, especially within the realm of memes, shows how much of a successful creation this project was and the relevancy it has maintained overtime. It truly does have a stronger appeal to humor than horror, while at the same time maintaining a good balance of both. Christian Bale was phenomenal. Under Mary Harron's direction, this one truly turned out to be a bloody unforgettable ride. I am very glad that these two never gave up on getting themselves involved even after all the challenges they faced prior to production and even as other people were already being cast for roles that were already supposedly decided prior.

Really not much to say except that it has held up well and solidly checks out from an entertainment standpoint. And if you're still left confused after watching, I suggest you go see the "American Psycho with Huey Lewis and Weird Al" video skit on Youtube for a quick and much more fun breakdown of the film.

Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (2022)

Live fast and burn out baby: well-made show, but could've had the potential to be even better

[7/10 · 23 November 2022]

"Night City does not reward complacency"

Damn straight.

For Cyberpunk: Edgerunner's entire run, this has been one of the core themes consistent with the story's direction: second guessing leads to incapability to act, which then leads to screw-ups that can change one's life forever.

Edgerunners only had 10 episodes to spin a tale, and they made every second count. From beginning to end, the characters almost always seemed to run on adrenaline. Emotions were ever present: conflict, reluctance, hesitance, uncertainty, bitterness, among others. These colorful personalities always have the fun chaotic energy or visible sadness to show for. I'm very happy to see that amidst all the conflict, violence, and chaos, there are some moments of actual maturity and conflict resolution being displayed, or ones that are a bit more tender. Its easy to get lost in the fast paced action that the show brings, and its great to see some moments that actually focus on the characters themselves to balance it out with all the relentless combat.

Now while I believe that the show delivers for the most part, I think that the 10 episodes that made it up limited the development and progression of the story. It absolutely sucks that Netflix just keeps pumping out content without concrete plans for fleshing it out or expanding its universe. That's been their MO: churn out more content and continue on to create new ones to leave promising ones in the dust instead of possible sequels or continuations. However, with Edgerunners, it was made in such a way that it would start and end within 10 episodes with a definite conclusion. While it was, again, a mostly satisfying run, I strongly believe that it would have benefitted from a few more episodes to explore the dynamics of relationships of the main characters involved. Flesh them out a bit more. David's character development I think also suffers a bit because of this 10-episode contract limit. It's even shorter than your average 12 to 13 episodes for your standard Japanese anime series. I think the extra two or three episodes would have really added more depth to the relationships shown on screen. At the very least, one episode dedicated to another one of the primary characters of the show who had a big hand to contribute in moulding David to be the individual he was to become.

One other gripe that I had may seem petty or insignificant, but I find the word "choom" to be unappealing, rather cringy, and annoying. Sounds lazy as well. I usually go for the source audio of whatever it is I am watching, but for this I decided to give the English dub a shot. While I think the voice acting was decent, it was mostly that word that ruins the moment in whichever way it is meant by the speaker in a certain scenario. It's like they decided to tweak the word chum and change the u to double Os. I don't hear it work as an affectionate term, much less so when it's said with a negative connotation or as an insult. Had they used something with more flare to it, it would've made the dialogues more convincing, especially since its used frequently in their linggo.

I'd sum up Cyberpunk: Edgerunners as "Arcane on cocaine", but it feels like Edgerunners has enough of a distinct identity that it would be unfair to compare it to Arcane, despite some similarities that may be drawn from both shows. Some issues, but definitely well worth the watch.

Doll House (2022)

Bittersweet Simplicity

[6/10 · 10 November 2022]

Found this film out thru a paid ad promotion that I came across online, which I'm glad I did. It is nothing too special but was still quite lovely.

Starting off with the premise and the trailer, I think both are sufficient, except for one scene which I think should've been left for the viewers to find out in the film itself. The plot was pretty simple, and it would've done itself a favor if they kept just that one thing within the film. Doll House is a standard tearjerker Filipino drama film (if not somewhat cliched at times) revolving around broken families and deeply troubled individuals. It isn't unique, but I think some people might have missed the point. It was well received by the audience that it was meant to touch and that's what mostly matters. Besides, it isn't even bad in the landscape of Filipino dramaseryes and films filled with cliches and tropes that have been overused time and time again. The biggest thing that I think ruins the viewing experience is the abruptness of a couple of scenes which may make it predictable or be perceived as lazy (with the writing) at times. There are some other minor flaws that could have been improved upon to make it more realistic in its own setting, but it can be pretty much overlooked.

The best thing that Doll House has going for it is the characters upon which the story is centered, Yumi (Althea Ruedas) and Rustin (Baron Geisler). More specifically, their performances really brought their characters to life and created a cute, fun, and lovable chemistry on screen. Anyone who knows Baron Geisler knows that he was made for this role. His personal life and prior struggles mirrors that of Rustin's. As an actor, he is very well known as a kontrabida (villain) and is darn good at it, likely one of the best ever in the Philippines. These sorts of more sensitive roles are much more seldom, but he has played them as well. I am glad that this was given to him due to his undeniable talents as an actor despite his troubled past (he's made a turnaround in more recent years) and unsurprisingly kills it. Althea on the other hand (who plays as Yumi) I was not too familiar with, but nevertheless was also amazing in her own right. She was very convincing with the personality and character she was meant to portray, which again just might be a reflection of her true self as well.

Groundbreaking? No. But that's not what it set out to achieve in the first place. They did what they set out to achieve and succeeded at it. It's difficult to set an expectation because it's not trying to achieve or to do something that's "out there". It uses a formula that works for people who let their feelings dictate how they feel about the movie more rather than break it down and analyze the elements that make it enjoyable or not. The casting crew did a very good job of filling in the characters with fitting actors and actresses, more so with its lead roles. The value of this movie is not lost in the score I or anyone gave to the audience it was meant to touch. You're not really missing anything by skipping this one, but if you love straightforward tearjerkers, I think Doll House is worth checking out.

Tekken: Bloodline (2022)

Flawed, but there is enough to appreciate for the loyal fans of the series who have never given up on the potential of Tekken's story

[5/10 · 1 November 2022]

This review will mostly be about how it fits in the larger picture of Tekken's lore built from its previous games, though I will attempt to give my brief thoughts on it as its own work.

Tekken has been around for a long time and has made a huge name for itself in the fighting game realm, and maybe even gaming in general. I strongly believe that it was the game that pushed the boundary of 3D fighting games and its potential to create an amazing and competitive experience for pro and casual gamers alike. That being said, while there have been variations of the main title regarding character inclusion and system changes over the years, most fans generally received it positively. Even in Tekken 7, where 2D characters the likes of Akuma (SF) and Geese (KoF) have disgruntled a lot of older fans, it continues to be the most played game amongst fighting games more than half a decade ago later after its initial release.

The story, however, has been inconsistent and those who have been following or tried to follow the storyline know that it has seen a decline in quality since around Tekken 5. It's a mix of good and bad of course, but with Tekken 7, adding Akuma into the mix and making him canon made it more confusing to follow. Not to mention how bare the character "stories" were (snippets seem to be a more apt term) and not enough for players to get a better appreciation of the new additions to the game. The story of the game really felt disjointed as a whole.

Negatives:

Tekken: Bloodline had a lot of glaring flaws, specifically with its visuals. Animation sequences were often reused (crowd cheering or the same crowd throughout with no differences in placements). Too many flashbacks, and awful shading. Perhaps its budget was one constraint that contributed to this type of quality, but I think that character shading could have used more effort as it can be distracting when not much is happening.

Positives:

The Tekken series needs all that it can get to improve its plot, and Bloodline might have helped in pushing it in that direction, even if only by a little. For as low budget as it was, the story itself was actually good. Again, anyone who's been a fan of the series would know that the story isn't one of its stronger suits. It is, after all, a fighting game (first and foremost). So, to have something like this that dives a bit more into the lore is a win for a fan like me. From an objective standpoint, it's subpar and I couldn't help but feel like they half-assed this at times, but the Tekken fan in me thought it was decent enough story-wise (pacing and tropes aside).

"We moved here so I could make sure you experience well before anything else" Seeing Jun Kazama get more love and exposure from this Netflix special was nice. Here's to hoping that she gets her long-awaited return to the main series and becomes more involved with the development of the main storyline.

Final thoughts:

The bar is low enough that something like this could be considered decent. There's still some substance to it, even amidst all of its flaws. At least they tried, and there was some effort put into making this because I'm sure that it could've turned out much worse. Bloodline was still able to tell a story in six episodes, less than what is usually the norm for these types of series. As a standalone without prior knowledge of Tekken lore, it's alright, if not cliched. However, I feel like at the very least, a second season could improve its ending and Bloodline's story overall, regardless of its connection to the game. Tekken has no shortage of amazing characters from its roster that it can use to continue the story. I think that would be a missed opportunity if they are not utilized (if Netflix even considers greenlighting another season since this seems to be one of those instances where the streaming platform uses the appeal of a beloved name or franchise to get more people to use their services).

Chicago (2002)

Bops from front to back and a very engaging story, this musical film has aged like fine wine

[9/10 · 8 October 2022]

Going into Chicago, I was not too familiar with this film, the way you would often come across others in different places and from different people because of its influence, or the status it has acquired overtime. Despite knowing little of musicals or films based off of musicals, this was an absolute treat to watch for its score alone. Giving a musical the silver screen treatment with the production that Chicago got gave it a more eye-appealing arrangement to a wider audience. Not to mention, the way how shots were deliberately made in specific scenes made small details in interactions better and the characters shine more than how it may be presented in a typical musical arrangement. Chicago definitely set a standard for musical films.

Choreography was on point. Nothing was out of place when scenes would transition to musical performances and revert back to interactions and dialogue. Not one moment did it feel awkward. The shift in tone in different points was also executed tastefully. The cast's performance was splendid, especially those of Catherine Zeta-Jones (Velma Kelly), Richard Gere (Billy Flynn), and John Reilly (Amos Hart). Catherine Zeta-Jones won me over with her sly and mature appeal as Velma Kelly, not to mention how smooth she sounds on the tracks that she's on. Her performances are very fluid, energetic, and even infectious to a degree. She was perfect for the role and made that spotlight gleam for all it was worth.

Cheekiness and cunning are the two main descriptions that I would use to describe this film. First time I've seen it only this year and it was an absolute entertainer, perhaps more so because its humor was right up my alley. Holds up very well despite being released almost 20 years ago.

Absolutely loved it!

If Anything Happens I Love You (2020)

Relevant and painful reminder that something has to change

[18 June 2022]

It's a good thing that they kept the animation style simple, and that it doesn't really take long to get to the point its trying to convey, nor do they need to put much effort into it. Real life occurrences that have continued to happen since its release speaks for the work. The length makes its impact much more felt and it really draws power and emotion from real events that have happened to families of victims in these unfortunate tragedies. That this is a reality that they will have to live with for the rest of their lives is just heart-breaking to think of. More so when they have to relive it again with every new school shooting reported on the news.

A painful reminder that not much has changed since then in the wake of much more recent incidents that have taken more lives and left more families grieving.

Ricky Gervais: SuperNature (2022 TV Special)

Dark humor. Made me laugh. Good special.

[7/10 · 26 May 2022]

Had a good laugh a couple of times. He enters, drops all sorts of "offensive" jokes, and leaves. He did his thing and he did it well. Delivery was natural, no forced build-up, maybe a meh joke here and there, but the show rolled smoothly from one part to the next as he seemed to have fun as well. Wish Ricky all the best on his next visit to the doctor.

Gurren Lagann (2007)

Epic mecha fantasy and a true reflection of human nature

[8/10 · 19 May 2022]

The story of a boy who simply wanted to live his life the way it was, and another who dreamed big. Unalike in every way but an undeniable bond and trust shared. The story of Simon and Kamina begin in Giha Village, but it is not long after that they would get blasted off on an adventure that one didn't want and what the other always dreamed of.

I have to say, in the beginning, I found both main protagonists annoying and immature in their own ways. Even still, it works. Contradicting philosophies, and a clash of principles made the show more meaningful which eventually contributes to a rich story and colorful characters. Individually, beliefs of both Kamina and Simon are flawed, but together, work in the best way that helped forged their way to the future: progress is important, but so is cautiousness in one's approach. Despite the mecha-on-mecha duels and warfare being the main attraction of the show, it never strayed from the humanity of everything that started from their journey's very beginning, to its grand finale, and eventual conclusion. The constant slapstick humor and raging duels would give way to some very touching moments when it came on screen.

I also find the opposite happen to some characters: starting off very appealing and strong, but eventually losing some of the shine they started off with later on in the story. Some of the story's elements felt rushed and used what I felt like was an unnatural plot device rather than something that has been developed naturally over the course of the first couple of episodes used to build up the narrative. Again, even if this is the case, it is during some low points and struggles that make moments afterward feel more intense than ever. The passion rubs off on you eventually.

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann was inspiring in many ways. The first few episodes started strong but didn't sit well with me and I thought rode on some clichéd moments here and there. It still was decent overall and very much rewarding later on as the show progressed. It is without a doubt still one of the best to come out of the early 2000s period of Japanese animation. Even if the animation quality does not compare to the kind of production these days, Gurren Lagann's personality and plot development has a lot of more modern looking shows beat. Sometimes, all we need is someone to believe in us UNCONDITIONALLY even if the odds are against our triumph over difficult challenges. Regardless of whether you are a big fan of the mecha genre or not, there's so much more to love and appreciate apart from the giant battles, blazing infernos, and almost nonstop high-octane action.

Asobi Asobase: Workshop of Fun (2018)

Girls Have Fun

[8/10 · 27 November 2021]

A story about three cute and innocent middle school students whose personalities complement each other. Spanning 12 episodes, these girls form a bond and enjoy time with each other in a way that is quite different from what the usual perception is of what girls may have for hobbies or do during their pastime's. You have your karaokes, shopping sprees, café hangouts, etc., but these three have other things in mind and in the process, bond over and have a blast that's uniquely of the Pastimers Club.

What I find very likeable about this anime is that it breaks down stereotypes in a very fun fashion. It is wild and zany, but also genius in a way. Each episode is made up of short stories or narratives that continue on to the next. The story however sort of cuts short after the twelfth episode (when you don't count the OVA), but other than that, Asobi Asobase is a fun watch. The opening and ending tracks are a must watch/listen too as well (at least for the first episode) as it really sets the tone for the rest of the anime.

Trese (2021)

The much anticipated Filipino dark fantasy animation is off to a good start and effectively sets the tone for any potential continuations in the future

[8/10 · 17 June 2021]

Trese delivers a story of mythical creatures, spirits, and one Alexandra Trese, who serves as the human emissary to maintain balance between the worlds of humans and otherworldly creatures.

Starting off with what's good with the show, the direction the creators went with on the design was very suitable and appealing. Along with the animation, the characters fit their spots well and nothing is too out of place or exaggerated to sell anything. Soundtracks for the opening and ending are also a good contrast of starting off every episode with an "ancient" and seemingly ominous chant in "Balluha ad Bayauhen", and ending with a more mellow tone with UDD's "Paagi".

With the show's shortcomings, there have been viewers who have been critical of the casting for the voice actor for Alexandra Trese's Filipino dub, which was given to Liza Soberano, a Filipino-American actress. Some have pointed out how her lack of experience as a voice actor shows and takes away from giving Alexandra Trese a personality of her own (as Liza's mostly well known for being an actress in films and TV drama series). While I somewhat agree, I thought that her performance was decent, nothing that takes away too much from Trese, but could definitely have gone better if she was given more training or someone else more experienced was given the role.

Minor issues aside, Trese's plot impressively executes an interesting story, juggling character history, world building, and events that unfold, in an amount of time shorter than what it usually takes to build and develop a convincing story that leaves little to no questions unanswered and loose ends. Trese has a good amount of momentum to carry with it should it be given another season.

Bunny Drop (2011–2012)

Nothing too grandoise or excessive, Usagi Drop speaks volumes emotionally from the heart to its viewers with its delightful characters and heartwarming story

[8/10 · 4 June 2021]

A lot of anime series manages to catch the attention and interest of its viewers with elements in its setting or twists in its story that keeps them hooked or at least entertained and engaged in the events that unfold. Usagi Drop does the opposite, in that it is stripped back and simple with its setting and development. In its simplicity, it becomes even more captivating because a lot of the scenes that might seem mundane becomes quite relatable and true to life (this is a slice-of-life after all). The premise is of course, unique and unusual, but it is how the journey and relationship of the two characters, Kawachi Daikichi and Kaga Rin, develops, that speaks and relates well to its viewers on family relationships, and the complications and "drama" that comes along with it.

It is able to draw the better parts of childhood and the past filled with dumb things children like us used to do. The smaller things in life that gave us momentary happiness and made us feel bothered. Even some of the sacrifices that parents or adults used to make when their children are sick or otherwise in need, ones that might've been forgotten or dismissed as trivial, was captured really well by how it was told and portrayed by the characters.

Quaint and simple, but brimming with feelings, this show brings back a bit of that youthful joy and innocence that people once had that slowly faded away through time. Families at times can be difficult and complicated, but Usagi Drop also reminds us of how heartwarming it can be.

The Raid 2 (2014)

The Raid 2 is every bit as good, if not better, than the first film, and explodes with energy after every build up, turning the action to another wildly chaotic level

[9/10 · 8 March 2021]

The Raid 2 follows up The Raid: Redemption with masterful action sequences and excellent cinematography, building upon the first film's plot with a much more detailed narrative, thus the lengthy duration.

Relentless with its action sequences, the Raid 2 does not run out of frenzied characters out for blood after every short plot build-up and development of the protagonist's circumstances, providing for intense, no holds barred clashes, all while maintaining a well-executed choreography that keeps the adrenaline running until the next sequence. The story really does well to add more emotion and motive to the characters to keep tensions high, leading to a very thrilling climax.

Gareth Evans played his cards well. Though criminally underrated, the Raids 1 and 2 proves that a talented cast, dedicated production crew, and a creative director with a focused vision, trumps that of any major motion picture from Hollywood with big names and a big budget but has a hollow script and sloppy execution.

As an interesting aside, it's pretty cool to see the inspiration that the John Wick trilogy takes from The Raid and even have some of the actors from the main cast join the third John Wick film as well.

Steins;Gate (2011–2015)

Steins;Gate sets its self as the crème de la crème of the animated sci-fi genre with its excellent story and lovable characters

[10/10 · 19 February 2021]

First things first, props to everyone involved behind this anime series for how well they were able to transform the source material (visual novel) into another media, compressing it to fit a number of episodes and trimming it down to what's absolutely essential, all while maintaining a fantastic quality of its final outcome.

Steins;Gate wastes no time getting into the story in its very first episode. I've seen others mention that the show starts slow, however, I do not think that's the case and believe that the necessary build-up does not have any dull moments and pays-off really well later on when gears start to shift. Each episode really builds the momentum and leaves viewers anticipating towards the end of each episode, making it hard to take a break once the show has started.

One thing that I find this series remarkable for is its blend of other genres aside from its main sci-fi genre, creating a well rounded setting for its characters, their interaction with their surroundings, and their interaction with each other. Almost none of the characters can be counted out as a main character, as they are all unique individuals developed and fitted with an important role to play and a story to tell.

Steins;Gate really takes you for a ride as you feel the roller-coaster of emotions self-proclaimed mad scientist Hououin Kyouma (real name Rintaro Okabe) goes through. Occurring themes open up insights, thoughts, and reflection on human nature, fixation on the past and future, the dangers and threats presented by technological advancement, among others, and really gives the show a lot of depth.

At times vulnerable, or heartwarming, or funny, or thrilling, or bittersweet, but always quirky, Steins;Gate mixes its elements very well and creates a sci-fi fantasy with the right amount of everything to make it one of the best anime series of all time.

Tokyo Ghoul (2014– )

For as a good as it was, Tokyo Ghoul starts and ends very well, but isn't consistent as it slows down in several conflicts during its midportion.

[7/10 · 18 February 2021]

Tokyo Ghoul was one of the most popular anime series to come out during its release, just like Attack on Titan, which premiered the year before. Tokyo Ghoul had some elements that made it a dark yet appealing story of ghouls living in the human world, seen through the eyes of Ken Kaneki, a human turned ghoul after an unfortunate incident.

The series starts off pretty well as Kaneki tries to come to terms with his condition, walking the line between trying to live a normal human life and being a ghoul. As the story goes on, more and more characters get introduced, and is then dragged into this conflict of ghouls and humans, and into Kaneki's life. Some of the characters that appear are certainly interesting and have their own roles to play, but didn't leave a strong impression on me during their appearances, leaving them halfway memorable before another conflict begins.

Towards the end is when it starts to pick up again. By then, a lot of questions raised in season one are already set to be answered in following seasons. The last episodes make up for some lost time and thrill by creating one of the best character developments in anime. However, to see just how good or how bad it gets and if the momentum carries on is left to the next season, Tokyo Ghoul Root A. But judging the first season alone, while Tokyo Ghoul is left with a great start and ends with a dark and gripping conclusion, it is inconsistent as the middle gets muddled with several characters and personalities from both worlds.

While the first season of Tokyo Ghoul is overall decent, has some great ideas, and raises some interesting topics due to its nature (such as morality), it's delivery and how great it did is partly carried by how well season two goes.

If you're planning to watch it, watch the uncensored version if you can. The censored version kills part of what makes Tokyo Ghoul "charming".

The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift (2006)

For all its flaws and bad qualities, Toyo Drift still has its own appeal that makes it stick out from the rest of the FF series

[5/10 · 14 February 2021]

Tokyo Drift has terribly written characters with a halfway decent story. The film feels a bit dumb at times, but still, setting the story in Japan which complimented the vehicles and the nightlife of the characters was a good choice, there are groovy tunes, cool cars, and even cooler street races that makes up for all of the films flaws. The street races in particular are pretty good and is what I would consider to be Tokyo Drift's most redeeming quality. It is also the film from the Fast and Furious franchise that doesn't feel the need for viewers to have seen the other FF films to understand what's going on.

In short, dumb but fun.

Goblin Slayer (2018–2023)

Goblin Slayer starts off strong with a very captivating first episode, but loses the hype and momentum it started off with halfway through the story.

[6/10 · 14 February 2021]

Goblin Slayer is off to a great start with its introductory episode and doesn't spare a moment in getting right to the action. Goblin Slayer's stoicism makes for a great protagonist in a supposedly dark fantasy genre when things get downright gory and unsightly. For the first few episodes, Goblin Slayer and priestess form a duo with an interesting relationship of an unexperienced aspiring adventurer and one who's underestimated due to only accepting one type of quests.

However the appeal and hype of the series dies down towards the mid part when a more generally appealing fantasy adventure feel and atmosphere was mixed into the story, making it almost like a generic fantasy adventure anime instead of the uncompromising style it presented in the first few episodes. Goblin Slayer's character also takes a slow dive after a while. While he is ranked fairly high amongst adventurer ranks, he seems to have been nerfed, or at least does not seem as strong as he was initially made out to be, most likely due to the need for the other characters who accompany him to be of more use and assistance to him in their journeys. Adding other adventurers is not a problem if it adds more character to the story, but in this instance it gets in the way of seeing Goblin Slayer as the skilled adventurer that he should be, combat-wise, seeing as to how he's used to slaying goblins all the time by himself before he met his companions. On the plus side, he is consistently showcased to be a smart tactician, which plays a big role in his battles.

That being said, there was definitely something lost with Goblin Slayer by bringing in more adventurers to his side. While it is interesting to see how his character develops and how he interacts with others with his personality, it also compromises his character by having to introduce others by his side to assist him and gets in the way of making him THE Goblin Slayer.

Violet Evergarden (2018)

Violet Evergarden is simply stunning. It gives a vibrant life to its world and doesn't pull any punches with the feelings conveyed within.

[9/10 · 21 January 2021]

Dazzling colors, clean and crisp animation, and graphics that are just overall pleasing to see. Its elegant design alone makes Violet Evergarden one of the top anime series of the decade, add to it the string and wind instrument embellishments that play in the background also really compliments the mood and tone of the scenes it accompanies. While I would've loved to see more from the story, I'd say it's just a point of personal preference. It would have been great to see more from the supporting characters, but at the end of the day, this is Violet Evergarden's story, and she deserved the spotlight more than anybody else.

Violet Evergarden was able to wrap off its main narrative in the span of 13 episodes, which felt short since I personally believe that the series could've benefited from more character and world building, but at the same time, the plot just fits well with how everything was paced and directed in such a short period of time. It doesn't overstay its welcome and maintains its quality. I suppose that's the purpose of the movies following the series: to give us more to enjoy and appreciate from this lovable protagonist's journey as an Auto Memory Doll. I suggest that the Violet Evergarden Special be watched after episode 4 of the series since it would make much more sense rather than watching it after the series.

Kyoto Animations made a spectacular show with just wonderful sceneries and character designs, and a story that really tugs at one's heartstrings. Violet Evergarden really made me feel like these are the things we live for.

Death to 2020 (2020 TV Special)

Death to 2020 lacks substance and humor and fails at its attempt to give a rundown of the hellish year's biggest events.

[3/10 · 13 January 2021]

Death to 2020 hastily slaps on some of the most disastrous events at the start of the year, has some actors put on a character to sarcastically, sometimes seriously, discuss events and throw in a couple jokes every now and then for good measure. I guess it was pretty much expected since the directors and producers only had less than a year to have this title released so we could all look back at how horrible of a year it was before the new year started.

This probably could've made a good mockumentary, given the materials it could've used for the endless number of events that happened during the year all around the world. but they ultimately decided on centering on American events, especially during the second half, perhaps to be more focused. But with just an hour in runtime, there isn't much they can really fit into each event they mention. Got a few chuckles and one or two laughs at some of its ridiculous sequences and crass jokes, but for the most part, it doesn't do a good job of humorously reflecting on the most significant year of the decade and of the century (so far).

The Midnight Gospel (2020)

The Midnight Gospel is at its best when it interweaves reality with fantasy

[9/10 · 6 January 2021]

It is important to note a few things that I've learned and realized in the first few episodes that interested viewers will eventually realize if they/you decide to watch this series: 1. Actual podcasts are used for the dialogues between the main character, Clancy Gilroy (Duncan Trussell), and the various creatures he meets (as actual guests in Duncan Trussell's podcast) in different universes that he visits to conduct "spacecasts". It is an interesting concept to say the least.

2. There is a narrative to The Midnight Gospel. Although it may seem initially as if it's a repeating cycle of monologuing characters with Clancy occasionally responding in the first few episodes, there is still a story that develops throughout the series. It will not be obvious at first, which in my opinion was deliberate to put emphasis on Clancy's storyline towards the end.

3. If you are watching the show on Netflix, it helps to read the short description before each episode, as well as the guests for each episode, which is especially important towards the end. It helped in immersing myself in the things that the guests were sharing, as you realize that these are actual people who've lived, experienced, and/or truly believe what they are saying, all the while blending it with the characters in the respective universes they belong to with the shows' trippy surrealistic animation.

Watching The Midnight Gospel requires a certain level of interest and appreciation in existentialism, meditation, and other related topics, because the series dives deep into these subject matters. It may sometimes be hard to direct attention to what is going on and what is being said at the same time, but I don't think it's necessarily important to fully digest everything that's being said or being shown, just enough to have an understanding and appreciation for the themes being used and discussed.

The show is just eight 25 minute episodes long (with the exception of the last one which was around 30 minutes), so I definitely believe it is worth seeing, keeping the things mentioned above in mind. It succeeds in interweaving reality and fantasy very well with the chosen medium and format the producers went with, and the conclusion was very powerful and very much worth it if viewers are able to get through and appreciate the first few episodes of the series. Props to Pendleton Ward and Duncan Trussell for producing something weird yet beautiful and real.

Saga of Tanya the Evil (2017– )

The hilariously chaotic Tanya von Degurechaff delivers a nonstop barrage of bullets and action with her strong and unyielding personality to a being who she refuses to bow to.

[8/10 · 31 December 2020]

Saga of Tanya the Evil takes something silly and absurd and makes it work. And though the use of absurd ideas is nothing new in anime, the protagonist Tanya von Degurechaff makes this show much more lovable with her twisted personality, albeit one grounded in logic and reality adapted from her previous life, only amplified this time.

Well-thought-out and creative mixture of some humor and subtle antiwar sentiments in its plot. This makes it all the more interesting with the chosen inspiration for the nation and protagonist from whose POV we see the war unfold. The supporting characters add value and conflict to warfare and combat tactics applied in the series. Seeing different mindsets and ideologies collide enhance the realities of war and the unforgiving physical and psychological toll it causes on civilians and the military personnel in combat. The magical aspect also adds another layer to the conflict, one that does not take time to explain and blends very well with the story.

Saga of Tanya the Evil is definitely worth a watch and is one of the stand-out anime series from the isekai sub-genre that has a lot of energy, personality, and madness to its name.