The Rolling Girls: First Impression

My winter impressions continue with The Rolling Girls.

The Rolling Girls

From the studio that brought us Attack on Titan comes The Rolling Girls, the winter season's Kill la Kill. Set ten year after "the Great Tokyo War," each prefecture in Japan is split into independent nations where the prefecture's "Best," which are representatives, battle for territory, and the prefecture’s armies are referred to as the "Mob." After the first two episodes set up the world, the series follows Four "Mob" girls from the Saitama clan, Nozomi, Yukina, Ai, and Chiaya, who travel around mediating battles between clans.

Despite the serious sounding plot, The Rolling Girls is anything but serious. Much like Kill la Kill, The Rolling Girls features over-the-top action, art style, and epically colorful battles. Basically, it is Kill la Kill with less fanservice and more color and moe girls. 

My favorite aspect is easily Wit Studio's style and the sense of fun throughout. All of the art is wonderfully colorful and the style is soft and appealing. It a pleasure to the watch from a visuals standpoint, and even if the series takes a turn for the worst in later episodes, it will be worth watching for the art alone. 

However, there is one big problem: the plot is incoherent and lacking in actual plot. The first two episodes provide information about the world and delivered entertaining action. The main plotline of the series starts in episode three, and while I hope more happens in future episodes, there is not a lot of the plot. With that said, I really hope that the series develops at least a competent plot and give the characters some development because it has the potential for being something incredibly fun!

If you enjoy colorful animation and Kill la Kill-esque over-the-top action yet do not mind an incoherent plot, give The Rolling Girls a watch. However, if you find the lack of plot troubling then just skip it or watch the first three episodes to decide for yourself.

Watch if you like: Kill la Kill, Colorful art, Wit Studio, 

*7.7/10*

More Winter Impressions:

Death Parade Episodes 1-3 Review
Winter Anime Impressions: Part 1
Winter Anime Impressions: Part 2

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

Winter Anime Impressions: Part 2

My winter anime impressions roll on with my reviews for Tokyo Ghoul √A, Aldnoah.Zero 2, JoJo's Bizarre Adventure, and Samurai Warriors.

Tokyo Ghoul √A

Tokyo Ghoul, the anime about ghouls, which are human looking beings that can only survive on the flesh of humans (and coffee). Tokyo Ghoul √A picks up after the abrupt cliffhanger of the first season. Tokyo Ghoul's first season started with three excellent opening episodes and then completely fell on its face throughout the rest of the series with dull characters and painfully over-the-top antagonists. It certainly had moments of intrigue, but it ultimately left me with an exciting concept without any finesse or entertainment with its execution. Apparently, the anime strayed from the manga, but as an anime only watcher, Tokyo Ghoul was just nothing special.

However, from the start of Tokyo Ghoul √A, one aspect piqued my interest: the manga writer, Sui Ishida, has taken the helm as story writer to take the anime in a completely different direction than manga. Now that the series is not following the manga, this "What If" type story poses some interesting ideas and it gives me hope that the series will end on a satisfying note. Maybe this idea of the mangaka writing an alternate version of the story could prove to be an exciting idea for future anime with either poor adaptation or not enough content.

With all that said, four episodes in, Tokyo Ghoul √A might not a great anime, but it is at least showing some promise. With the focus now on the "evil" ghouls, Tokyo Ghoul √A is showing another side of its world. For the first time since episode three of the first season, I am actually enjoying Tokyo Ghoul. Of course there are plenty of flaws, but it is a vast improvement over the first season's later half. Hopefully, the series will give more screentime to Kaneki, since his lack of presence is the only odd thing about the new season’s direction. However, the action sequences are actually fun to watch, and it seems that the series' violence is animated in a way to avoid censorship for the most part, which is appreciated. With that said, Studio Pierrot's animation is still dreadfully dull.

Well, so far so good with Tokyo Ghoul's second season. If you liked the first season, you are sure to be eating this one up (see what I did there?).

Watch if you like: The first season,

*7.0/10*

Aldnoah.Zero 2

After last season's shocking cliffhanger, Aldnoah.Zero 2 was one of my most hyped sequels of the winter, and while the outcome of certain things in regards to the finale are questionable, I am remaining open minded since the mind game mecha battles and high production value are making each episode entertaining to watch. With that said, my opinion of the series' first season has dropped slightly compared to my initial review, which you can read by clicking here. Even though the world Gen Urobuchi has created is incredibly fascinating, certain aspects of the plot and characters were not as good as I originally thought them to be. It is still one of the more intriguing sci-fi anime of the last year, and if you are a fan of mecha or Gen Urobuchi's previous work, you should definitely watch the first season. 

Anyway, season two is off to an interesting start. Slaine's actions seem questionable at first, but his character continues to shine for being one of the more complex strategist archetypes. On the other hand, Inaho is the classic stoic genius, although he seems like a little more interesting character in this second season.

As for the rest of the series, A-1 Pictures and TROYCA's animation is as stunning as ever, even if the CGI mechas are a bit jarring. Also, the score by Hiroyuki Sawano (Attack on Titan, Kill la Kill) continues to impress, even if it is not as amazing as the first season's score.

Basically, if you watched the first season, you should be watching season two of Aldnoah.Zero!

Watch if you like: The first season,

*8.0/10*

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3: Stardust Crusaders 2

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure continues with part two of the Stardust Crusaders arc. The JoJo's series is one that I really need to get around to reviewing so that I can fully explain why its over-the-top absurdity works so well. However, since this is really only part two of the third arc in the series, I will focus it quality rather than try to give an oversimplified explanation of the series. However, if you enjoy epically muscle-bound dudes using cool shounen powers with plenty of humor, then give JoJo's Bizarre Adventure a watch, but know that the first arc is terrible compared to the rest of the series.

With that out of the way, part two of Stardust Crusaders continues the JoJo's greatness! Episode three was possibly the funniest of the series yet and the new teammate, Iggy, is hilarious! The series is a blast of weekly shounen awesomeness and I cannot get enough! If you watched the previous seasons, you know that you are going to continue watching this one.

Watch if you like: Retro anime, Shounen, Action, Comedy,

*8.2/10*

Sengoku Musou (Samurai Warriors)

A spinoff of the Dynasty Warriors video games, Sengoku Musou aka Samurai Warriors, is just like every other poorly executed samurai shounen anime that you have ever seen. It takes historical figures, like Nobunaga, and gives them colorful armor, bishounen features, and long flowing hair. The story is apparently set during certain era of Japanese history, and it assumes that you already know the history, which I do not for the most part. Even though I love to see a serious samurai drama like Akira Kurosawa's classic films, Samurai Warriors is, most definitely, not anything special. In fact, it is about as generic as possible. It is not incredibly over-the-top shounen, yet it is not grounded either, which makes for a painfully dull experience. The series is not terrible by any means, just so utterly dull that you lose interest in the story and characters. So, unless you are a fan of the video games, just skip Samurai Warriors. Also, having seen every non-sequel of the winter season, Samurai Warriors is the only one that was boring enough to make me drop it.

Watch if you like: Dynasty Warriors video game,

*4.2/10*

Have you seen any of these anime? What are your favorite winter anime thus far? Please below and let me know, and please check back tomorrow for my impression of The Rolling Girls.

More Winter Impressions:
Death Parade Episodes 1-3 Review

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

The Hobbit: High-Frame-Rate Discussion

After hearing how the 48fps high-frame-rate version of the first Hobbit film nearly ruined it in the eyes of most critics, 48fps (frames-per-second) has almost become a tainted word among the film reviewing community. In fact, high-frame-rate distribution of the Desolation of Smaug and Battle of the Five Armies was limited compared to the first film. However, when presented with the opportunity to watch the most recent and final entry in the Hobbit trilogy in 48fps, I decided to take it, and, to my surprise, the HFR (high-frame-rate) was actually impressive. 

While the first 15-20 minutes were jittery and noticeably faster, after my eyes adjusted to the higher frame rate, it actually improved the 3D's quality a great deal. Compared to the previous two Hobbit films, which I watched in IMAX 3D, the 3D combined with the HFR made the 3D, action sequences, and special effects far more realistic and clear. My prior experience with 3D was fine, but any scenes with a lot of fast movement became blurry to a degree. The HFR seemed to eliminate this issue almost entirely. The 3D popped and the action sequences were as detailed as I have ever seen, which made for a far more immersive experience (after the initial adjustment). However, the most noticeable difference is that the special effects and computer graphics are far more realistic and immersive. At many points the effects were so convincing that I did not know what was real and what was computer generated, and this brings me to the main point of controversy: Most critics say that the film uses too much CGI, and it compromises the experience. While I agree that more practical effects like the ones in the Lord of the Rings trilogy would have been much better, what we got in the film was exceptional and convincing CGI, at least if you are watching it in HFR. My opinion of the film differs so much from others, it as if I was watching a different film, and maybe the HFR made a difference in some respects. Regardless, I stand behind my review of The Hobbit: Battle of the Five Armies being an exceptional film with many thrills and emotionally impactful moments. Also, if more 3D movies look this good in HFR, maybe there is a chance it will become more popular, although it is still not a biggest enough difference to the change the industry like 3D has. Did you watch the film in HFR? What is your opinion of HFR? And what do you think of the most recent Hobbit film? Please comment below and let me know, and do not forget to check out my review for the film by clicking here. 

Here is a video explaining the difference between 24 and 48 frames-per-second. 

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Review

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, the final entry in the legendary Middle Earth saga, or at least for the time being. Seeing my second most favorite franchise finally come to an end is saddening, and with a film with so much riding on it, does it disappoint?

As for the plot, by now, you all know the story, and if not, you really need to go watch the first two Hobbit films after watching the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Due to several factors, including the vast changes to the source material, being split into three movies, and An Unexpected Journey not being the same as the Lord of the Rings trilogy, The Hobbit films have received a lot of undue negativity. The first film certainly had its problems, but the Desolation of Smaug was an exceptional fantasy adventure that not enough people give credit to, especially how the Extended Edition improved upon an already strong film. Honestly, aside from those who are angry about the source material changes, I do not understand why so many people dislike the films, and this is especially true for The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies. In fact, it reminded me of critically acclaimed Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows: Part 2 in that it is the epic climax to an epic saga. However, it differs in how it raises the stakes, and, despite being a prequel actually had unexpected twists (if you did not read the book). Both are great movies, but the biggest difference is that almost everyone loves Deathly Hallows yet Battle of the Five Armies received a generally mixed to negative reception.

Having not read the novel, please remember that this is a review for the film as a cinematic experience, not an adaptation. 

Directed by: Peter Jackson

Genre: Fantasy, Action, Epic,

Release Date: 17 December 2014

Running Time: 144 minutes

MMPA rating: PG-13

The Good: Thorin's descent into madness, Most impressive battle sequences since the LOTR, Bilbo and Thorin's friendship, Shockingly emotional moments, Rarely noticeable CGI, Romance almost kinda works, Suspenseful and intense action, Strong performances across the board, 

The Bad: Alfrid receives a bit too much screentime, 

Plot: 9.7/10- Having already been set in motion by the previous film, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies fulfils on the epic conclusion that we all deserved and expected. The film's themes of the corruption by power and greed provide continue throughout, which is portrayed by the struggles of the characters.

Battle of the Five Armies’ pacing is perfect. The film never dragged, and there were enough plot developments during and between the action sequences to prevent the film from being pure spectacle. The only minor issue with the plot is that the film could have used at least ten more minutes to wrap everything with a little more finesse. However, what we got was satisfying enough to leave me fulfill leaving the theater. 

Characterization: 10/10- Thorin's descent into madness provides compelling conflict to drive the plot forward, and his character arc is one of the best and most compelling aspects of the film. Bilbo is such a likable character, and he receives many opportunities to shine throughout the film with a character arc that is well executed and satisfying. Bilbo’s friendship with Thorin is another highlight of the film because it makes you even more invested in the plot and characters of the film. 

For me at least, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies has the hardest hitting emotional moments that I have seen in a movie live-action film in a very long time. Throughout the film I was shocked by how much I cared for these characters, and it makes the action sequences all the more suspenseful and intense.

Gandalf is not featured in the film as much as the previous two, but his absence is not much of a negative to the film, although Bard the Bowman receives more screentime than expected, which turned out great.

Everyone’s most talked about part of the movie is the romance between Kili and Tauriel that was set up in the previous film, and the payoff is surprisingly effective. It is not necessary, but it works, and I am fine with it being in the movie.

As before, aside from Kili, Balin, and Dwalin, the rest of the dwarves are almost one big character without much individuality. Considering their lack of involvement in the previous films, this is not a detriment to the film by any mean.

My only issue with the characterization, and one of my only issue with the film in general, is that Alfrid, the Master of Laketown's advisor, receives far too much screentime than his character deserves, and some of his scenes somewhat clash with the more serious nature of the battle sequences. 

Action: 10/10- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ action sequences features the best large scale battles since the LOTR. Almost every scene is filmed with skill, and despite the abundance of nearly nonstop action, it never becomes stale or redundant. Also, we finally get to see three of Middle Earth's resident bad*sses do battle, with a certain wizard's scenes being the most impressive of the trio.   

Acting: 9.9/10- Martin Freeman and Richard Armatage are the standouts among the expansive cast, and their performances are a large part of the reason why the characters’ drama is so compelling. Ian McKellon, Luke Evens, and the rest of the supporting cast all give top notch performances, which is expected from a Middle Earth film.

Special effects: 10/10- The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies’ special effects are a vast improvement over the previous two films. Many times, you cannot even tell whether what you are seeing is computer generated or real sets and people in makeup. Of course, certain scenes are obviously CGI, but it blends well with the rest of the film. 

After reading other opinions, it seems that others felt that the effects and CGI blatant, and maybe watching the film in 48fps and 3D made the effects less noticeable, because I am very critical when it comes to anything animated and the film is near the top of my list of best CGI ever put to film. If you did not see it in 48fps, maybe that is why your experience was different, so be sure to check back tomorrow for my discuss about the high-frame-rate version.

Soundtrack: 9.7/10- Howard Shore's score is not as noticeable as his previous work in the franchise; however, it is still fittingly epic and makes the battle sequences more exciting. 

Humor: N/A- Aside from one scene with Alfrid, the film is nearly humorless, and the lack of humor works out for the best.

Entertainment Value: 10/10- As a Middle Earth fanatic, the film is pure entertainment for me. Not even for a second did the film lose my attention.

Overall: 9.9/10- Even with two incredibly inconsequential flaws, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies is an emotional and thrilling ride that more than satisfies as, presumably, the final entry in the Middle Earth saga making it the strongest entry in the trilogy.

Closing comments: Even though I have liked other films more than most fellow critics, like The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and Thor, I know and admit that there are a few notable flaws in said films. However, The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies' flaws are so minor that I do not understand in the slightest why anyone, aside from those predisposed to dislike the film, would find it anything less than a high quality film. 

Recommended for: Anyone that watched the previous films, 

Click here to check out more of my movie reviews.

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If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.

The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies: First Reaction

As is the trend now for me, I am the last person on planet earth not to see The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies, but waiting to go see the film in High-frame-rate and 3D was more than worth it! Unlike the previous Hobbit films I generally avoided all reviews and opinions of the film prior to seeing, so as to prevent my opinion from being influenced by others. Having now seen the film, I will go read and comment on everyone's reviews and Best of 2014 posts, after finishing my review, so if you have reviewed the movie, please leave a link in the comment below.

I will say that the one advantage of seeing a movie extremely late is that there are almost always very few people in theater and therefore not many annoying distractions, which was, for the most part, the case. Aside from one guy crunching on some nachos, the theater was quite! In addition to my review tomorrow, on Thursday, I will be discussing the 48fps version of the film and how much of a difference the higher frame rate makes.

If you want to contact us or have any questions please send an e-mail to johnstarslayer@gmail.com.