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Reviews
Heavy Traffic (1973)
Brief Review
A very gritty portrayal of city life. Heavy Traffic(not to be confused with the title of the animated film Heavy Metal) is a visual journey that contains plenty of sex and violence. It obviously isn't for all tastes. This is considered by many Ralph Bakshi's(Fritz the Cat) best work. The animation may seem a bit dated,but remember the movie was made in the early 70s, and had a pretty low budget. The only problem I had with the film was that it was too short,but despite this fact there is some good character exploration(but there could have been more with some of the secondary characters). The sound of the VHS copy I viewed seemed a bit off at times, but that's hardly a matter.
Cowboy Bebop: Tengoku no tobira (2001)
It's alright.....
The movie was alright, but I couldn't help feel like this was a more drawn out episode of Bebop. The movie takes place between episodes 22 and 23 and it's basically a lost adventure of the Bebop crew. Not that there's anything wrong with that of course. It just felt like something was missing. Vincent makes a decent villian. I found the character Electra rather dull.
All in all Cowboy Bebop:The Movie is mostly just a fun little action romp.
I suggest to those who never seen Bebop and want to get into it to watch the series first.
I give it a 6.5/10
Les triplettes de Belleville (2003)
Just Splendid
I finally got a look at this little animated gem, and I fell in love with it. The plot is very simple (but not stupid) and easy to follow (there is very little dialogue), the animation is quite unique, and the characters are great. The ending was rather ordinary, but it really doesn't take away from the film. 8/10. I also recommend the soundtrack.
Knight Hunters: Weiß Kreuz (2001)
A Knight Hunter Review
This isn't exactly AMAZING anime,but it's entertaining.Knight Hunters is about four boys who run a flower shop by day and are assasins by night.The plot is somewhat original and the animation is okay.Even though this is often classified in the action genre,girls will probably enjoy this more than boys mostly due to the bishonens(pretty boys).There is better anime out there,but you probably won't be disappointed with this one.I give it a 7/10
Sen to Chihiro no kamikakushi (2001)
Quite Lovely
My choppy,brief Review:This is anime that the whole family can enjoy.Very creative characters and plot.The animation is very nice.Has nice subtle humor.The ending may bring a tear to your eye.I also recommend the soundtrack.I give it an 8/10.
Square Pegs (1982)
Totally different head,totally
Oh Square Pegs....whenever I watch this show I always wish I was a teen during the 80s.The plot is quite simple it's about two unpopular girls(Lauren and Patty)who start highschool and want to become popular.Well actually Patty really doesn't care about popularity,but since Lauren is her best friend she usually goes along with her plans.During the short lived series they befriend aspiring comedian Marshall and dim-witted new waver Johnny Slash.All the characters have their funny moments.Very gnarly 80s show.I give it 9/10.
Tenshi kinryoku (2000)
Eh....
The plot is quite interesting,the characters are good.The only thing I don't like is the animation....it just gets on my nerves.It's look over-computerized(real term?)but besides that I recommend it.The dub ain't the worst.In fact the dub lines are exactly the same as the english subtitles,but the voices are rather annoying.Stick to the sub.
I give it a 6/10
Bowling for Columbine (2002)
A Little Bit One-Sided,but Really Good....
This documentary about America's obsession with violence,fear,and gun control is very well done.It'll make you laugh and sometimes it might also make you cry.Although it's one-sided,about 98% of the facts are true.It can be an eye opener for some people.Bowling for Columbine gets an 8/10.
Akira (1988)
Very interesting anime....
Before I give out the information about dubbings and such,I'll get to my brief review.Akira is based on the manga series which lasted from 1983 to 1993 therefore the ending to the movie is different from the manga ending.I think both endings are good,but the movie does leave a lot of unanswered questions.The story is detailed,but comprehensive,the characters are good,and it's visually awesome.
Now to the subs and dubs.Most likely the people who don't like this movie probably saw it in the original 1988 dub,which isn't very good.The 2001 dub is far more accurate,but if you want to see Akira at it's best you should watch it with subtitles unless you speak Japanese,then there is no need for them.Akira gets 9/10.
Kaubôi bibappu: Cowboy Bebop (1998)
Brief Bebop Review
This is probably the best anime series of all time.It contains action,suspense,drama,comedy,and romance.Each episode has a nice full storyline.You also don't need to watch every episode to know what's going on,and by the end of the series you feel like you really know these characters.I'll admit that I didn't like Ms. Valentine at first,but as the series progressed I found out why she acts the way she does(one of my favorite episodes is "My Funny Valentine").And I must say that Spike is one fine looking anime character ;)
The English dub is really really good,so you don't have to worry about missing any of the details.
The series gets 10/10.
Bishôjo senshi Sêrâ Mûn (1992)
Good Series
Bishôjo senshi Sailor Moon can appeal to many kinds of people-Preteen girls,preteen boys,teen girls,teen boys,adults,perverted men(and women).
Bishôjo senshi Sailor Moon is the Japanese(real) title to the series.In America it's just simply called Sailor Moon.The American version is edited and dubbed so it's "suitable for all ages".While the Japanese version is probably for ages 13 and up.I can't fully disapprove of the American version since that's what got me into the series,but the real version is so much better.I'm not going to list all of the changes in the American version since there are so many,but I'll list a few major changes.Bishôjo senshi Sailor Moon shows death,violence,male and female homosexuality,etc.Sailor Moon basically cuts or gets rid of the death scenes and episodes where the main topic is about death are never really shown.Most violence is edited out completely,and gay characters either get gender changes(this refers to the males) or are labeled cousins(this refers to the two lesbian Sailor Scouts who are a couple).The American voice dubs are sort of annonying.Though despite all these changes in the American version it is still mildly entertaining.
Amazon.com sells both English dubbed(kiddie version) and English subtitled(real version).So everyone can be happy!
Reno 911! (2003)
Funny....
After seeing all of the commercials for Reno 911! I had to check it out.I was so happy that this was really a GOOD show.The whole cast is funny.Of course some of the jokes fall flat,but that should be expected since the show is loosely improvised.
I give it an 8/10
The Pianist (2002)
A Classic
I'm going to make this review quite brief.The Pianist is now one of my favorite movies.It is a very touching and emotional.Adrien Brody is excellent in the lead role.All of the supporting roles(there are many)are good,but Ed Stoppard and Thomas Kretschmann's performances stand out the most.Especially Ed Stoppard.I hope I see him in many other great films.
The camera work is great,acting is top-notch,the visuals are beautiful,it's not overly dramatic(which is good),and it's very real.I give it 10/10.
Summer of Sam (1999)
Interesting Film,but of course it's not for everyone
The main reason I rented this movie was because I heard the very talented Adrien Brody was in it.Was Mr. Brody good in this movie?Absolutely!But,I also felt that Mira Sorvino and John Leguizamo(the two main characters)were good too.Now I have read other comments on this website about John Leguizamo being and lousy actor and that they should have gotten someone else to portray the oversexed Italian-American Vinny.I thought Leguizamo's performance was somewhat moving,and by the end of this film I couldn't help,but feel sorry for the character Vinny.
Summer Of Sam has great camera work to make some parts of the movie look like some sort of creepy documentary/horror film.The acting is good,even though some of the dialogue could use a little work,and of course there is the fowl language(which didn't bother me)violence,and sex scenes,which could make almost anyone feel uncomfortable.
If you want to watch a movie that's a little "off"(for lack of a better word)then I suggest you check Summer Of Sam out.I give it 8/10.
The Breakfast Club (1985)
Fab Movie
I disagree with people who think kids of today would not get this film because I am 14 and I love this movie.I do know there are some kids out there that are very close-minded and won't watch any movie made before the year 1999.What I'm basically trying to say is that even though this movie is a little bit out-dated,it's still very enjoyable and most teens of today would watch it.