Feb 1, 2025
The second season of The Eminence in Shadow has seen a substantial increase in overall quality. In a way, it feels closer to what one would assume was the original vision of the author, aside from the mediocre filler episode. While the production standard has grown to match the level of the content, the most notable positive differences have been in the writing. The comedy bits are more fun this time around, development seems to be taken a little more “seriously,” and the more fleshed-out world also better serves as the personal playground of the main character. Continue watching if you liked the first season.
Jan 27, 2025
Many fantasy-adjacent stories draw you in through carefully crafted worlds and environments, supported by well-thought-out ideas and concepts. The Eminence in Shadow is not one of these. Unapologetically self-aware, it plays every stereotype, trope, and cliche straight with so little hesitation that the viewer might completely forget this is a parody. It wears them like a badge of honor. Despite being unexceptional in every way except for the on-point music, it has entertaining moments when displaying absolute confidence in the narrative despite how ridiculous the situation is. Intentionally pretentious, woefully edgy, and expectedly predictable, watch this only if you know what you are in for.
Jan 21, 2025
Blue Lock vs. U-20 Japan
(Anime)
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The second season of Blue Lock had big expectations, capitalizing on the hype of the source material, but ultimately falling short because of production complications. Important moments were prioritized, many key-frames looked excellent, and thankfully the remaining two episodes reflected the quality of what should have been. But these aspects were unable to salvage the product completely. The pacing and animation left something to be desired. Static images left the movement, momentum, and impact of character actions feeling underwhelming, and further reduced many new characters to only be identified with their stereotypes. Nonetheless, you might still consider watching if you are invested in the series.
Jan 17, 2025
A celebration of artists everywhere. Look Back conveys the complex feeling of one desperately expressing their very personal emotions through an art form. The minor imperfections and display of raw passion enhance the material. This is real. Appreciation for this experience will grow with reflection, encouraging the viewer to engage in thought-provoking meditation and interpretation. The animation is expressive, and there is beauty in sound both present and removed. The story is told with sincerity. Regret and happiness. Apathy and passion. Endurance and ambition. Everything is laid bare with no hesitation. Please consider taking a short amount of time to engage with this heartfelt story.
Jan 2, 2025
3-gatsu no Lion
(Anime)
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The first season of March Comes In Like a Lion weaves a heartfelt story of interpersonal connection and emotional struggles through the lens of a misplaced Shogi player. Choice language and expressions accompanied by a delightfully crafted production give breath to relatable and thought-provoking concepts, and the themes explored resonate with the audience regardless of their familiarity with the game. This series feels reminiscent of the visualization one creates when reading a novel. It is equal parts disheartening and uplifting, but outright beautiful in the message it conveys: Our life is often turbulent, but moments of calm certainly will come. Everyone has somewhere they belong.
Dec 29, 2024
Loosely based on a classic video game of the same name, Wizardry is a typical Dungeons and Dragons story that, while unexceptional, would garner enjoyment from its target audience. The premise is easy to understand for anyone remotely familiar with your standard fantasy adventure, and the brief runtime allows for low commitment. The production quality and character designs are also decent. However, as one should expect, the short duration and lack of narrative depth make for lukewarm character development, worldbuilding, and stakes. Those who have an interest in the history or genre should give it a chance. Otherwise, it would be best to move on.
Dec 6, 2024
Kanata no Astra
(Anime)
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Boasting an excellent production and solid foundation throughout, Astra Lost in Space excels in creating a compelling character-driven narrative. To begin with the former, both the first and last episodes have doubled the runtime, garnering a better first impression and allowing for a proper and satisfying resolution. Moreover, the opening and ending themes were dynamic, being included, removed, or altered depending on what worked best. The quality never dropped. As for the latter, the writing did have a noticeable by-the-book story arc structure, but the fantastic character chemistry and development, interesting worldbuilding, and engaging mystery nearly completely overshadowed this. Go and watch the first episode!
Nov 30, 2024
While it did come to a reasonable conclusion, Eden of The East the Movie II: Paradise Lost did not capture the same excitement and intrigue as the first season. The production quality remained consistent, but the writing felt as unsubstantial as the first movie. There was little time to produce acceptable resolutions to many of the characters introduced throughout, in addition to giving few answers to the questions presented. All of the same positives are here, but the slow narrative decline led to a realistic but mostly unsatisfying outcome. It is worth experiencing the conclusion, but do not expect the same highs as previously seen.
Nov 26, 2024
Despite not innovating on what came before, Eden of The East the Movie I: The King of Eden managed to follow up the previous entry to an acceptable degree. In exchange for less risk, the plot followed a safe but uninspired narrative, opting to set up for the next iteration. Moreover, the decision to wrap the series up with films did reduce the amount of runtime available and led to an increased amount of exposition. However, there were some genuinely pleasant scenes, character chemistry, and progression in spite of those minor issues. This is a fine watch as long as your expectations are in check.
Nov 24, 2024
Higashi no Eden
(Anime)
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As one of the more intriguing premises in anime to date, Eden of The East, though stumbling periodically, delivers on the initial hook and ultimately lands on its feet. Many great ideas and unique concepts were explored, engaging the viewer by consistently posing questions to develop the narrative. However, there were also many odd writing decisions that, while not ruining the enjoyment, would leave the audience wondering why they were implemented. Nonetheless, the well-executed scenes, character interactions, and chemistry between the main cast gave an overall positive impression. Despite some hindrances, it is worth giving this a chance if you are interested in the synopsis.
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