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If you liked Summer Wars, but wished it was more like Beauty and the Beast, this movie is for you!
The latest film out of Mamoru Hosoda's Studio Chizu. In the lead up to its release, my assumption was that Hosoda was angling for an Academy Award. While that was probably true, as he brought together a wide range of talent from around the world to create a fine film, it didn’t reach the heights he was aiming for. Though a standing ovation at Cannes may beg to differ.
While Belle is not Hosoda's best film, it is well made, with much to celebrate and enjoy.

Story: At ... its core, the film deals with loss and self-acceptance and works to convey those ideas through Suzu's internal conflict, which the plot largely revolves around. Through U, and her activities as Belle, she copes with the loss of her mother and self-confidence issues that arose from it. Meeting the beast and the mystery of his identity works as a catalyst to that end. The plot's major weakness is suspension of disbelief. One must believe Suzu's song would go viral, that she would garner such fame, that Justin would be given such power to go after those he viewed as impure, and so on. U's fuzzy mechanics don't help. The result often feels jumbled and unrealistic, particularly the last act of the film. While it has beautiful moments, its execution is sloppy. It felt as though Hosoda was attempting to replicate the over-the-top suspense of Summer Wars in a film in which it didn't belong. But one can argue the film's execution shouldn't be perfect. Just as Belle isn't quite perfect, both in the old story and in this updated rendition, she is flawed and freckled, but still beautiful.

Characters: Suzu is at the heart of the film, and her internal struggles define the conflict of the film. She comes across as broken by grief, unable to move forward. U allows her to be her ideal self in the virtual world. It allows her to understand her mother and the reason for her death better by sharing her grief with the beast and the world. Her friends in the real world offer some comic relief, while the more serious plot unfolding in U unfolds. As stated above, the characters aren't perfect, but they come across as human. It should also be noted that there are very few depictions of autism in media, making Tomo's depiction praiseworthy, even if his role was relatively small.

Animation/Art: This category the film excels in. An international team helped develop the striking 3D imagery of U. Complex, ever changing, like a futuristic wonderland, the 3D segments are breathtaking. Sequences animated by Irish studio Cartoon Saloon are a special treat from one of my favorite animation teams. The 2D sections taking place in the real world are on par with other Studio Chizu films and offer a clear contrast between the two worlds.

Music: As the film is about a singer, the music is obviously important. It's a matter of taste, but I enjoy Belle's songs, both Japanese and English versions. If anything, more songs could have been made than just the four she sings in the film. The rest of the soundtrack is well-done, though nothing stands out.

Voice Performance: Both Japanese and English casts do fine jobs and I would point to Kylie McNeill's performance as Suzu in the English version as the standout of either cast.

Overall Enjoyment: Despite its flaws, Belle is a fine film that imparts its message well and does so with gorgeous visuals. While it isn't perfect, it is still an enjoyable watch, both story-wise, and as a visual spectacle. Mamoru Hosoda cements himself as a talented filmmaker, adding yet another fine film to his already impressive repertoire.

Explosions, Car chases, a killer soundtrack, and plenty of gunslinging action. It isn't often one finds buried treasure, but that was how it felt to discover this hidden gem of an OVA. Set in my home city of Chicago, Gunsmith Cats stands out for its unique setting for an anime and the high quality it infuses in each of its three episodes. Despite its short length, the series feels full of content and life, leaving the viewer satisfied, if wanting more.

Story: The premise is rather straightforward—bounty hunters Rally Vincent and Minnie May get roped into helping an ATF investigation filled with danger and action at ... every turn. The highlights of the series are its high-octane action sequences, tailor-made for a Western audience accustomed to Hollywood action movies and 70s cop shows. Gun fights, one of the best car chases in anime history, political conspiracy, and a shootout in The Art Institute of Chicago, a building this author has been in countless times. The OVA is a taste-test from the manga, or just a fun ride to enjoy, accessible even to those who know nothing of the series. Therefore, there isn't much more here than a standard action flick might offer, but for a 3-episode OVA, there isn't much need or space for more. Pure, simple fun.

Characters: Rally and Minnie are a lovable duo. One loves guns, the other explosives. It's a treat to watch their teamwork through ever more over-the-top escapades. Other characters, like ATF agent Bill Collins, have their moments, but the short length doesn't leave much time for characterization. This isn't the place to find hard-hitting internal conflict.

Animation/Art: Character designs have that iconic 90s anime quality. Fans of the era will be pleased. Animation and effects elevate the action and spectacle well. It's no Akira, but it is visually appealing, nevertheless.

Music: Fantastic soundtrack perfectly evoking the cop show vibe the show's going for. The opening tune got stuck in my head so many times.

Overall Enjoyment: Even with no experience with the source material, Gunsmith Cats is a wild ride. The larger-than-life action, fun characters, and American setting make the short series an enjoyable experience for anime fans and more Western oriented fans alike. A hidden gem in every respect—give this short series the love it deserves!

After all this time, still number one.
Ten years after the original run of Bleach ended, Ichigo and company come roaring back, accompanied by savage new villains, and a stunning update in animation quality.
For fans of the series, this is what we've waited for—the dazzling return of the Substitute Soul Reaper in all his action-packed glory. Any fears the reboot sequel wouldn't live up to the original have been thoroughly laid to rest.

Story: New fans of the series should watch the original run first, because there is no tiresome exposition or recap.
The story picks up where the original run left off, and everyone’s back ... for this next fight. The conflict between the Soul Society and Quincies erupts into war, leaving the Soul Reapers fighting for survival against their strongest foe yet. Along the way, major events from the past are re-contextualized and the very nature of Ichigo's abilities questioned.

Characters: Plenty of fan-favorite characters get time in the spotlight. Several characters’ backgrounds are explored and long-standing mysteries are explained. The gang of antagonists, the Wandenreich, is chilling in their strength and ruthlessness. Yhwach, the leader of this fearsome army, makes for a menacing new enemy.

Animation: The animation is a major highlight. Every scene is rendered in gorgeous style. From the black, white, and pink stylization of the opening theme and flashbacks to the awe-inspiring action scenes leaving one on the edge of their seat. The artistry of the series goes beyond anything before and evokes excitement and emotion in every frame.

Music: Captures the iconic soundtrack of the original run with welcome additions and remixes, aiding in the action's suspense.

Japanese Voice Cast: Voice work of the highest caliber, the cast reprise their roles as if no time has passed and delivers a worthy performance.

Overall Enjoyment: This continuation will overjoy any long-time fan of the series. As the world waits for more, this writer shall prepare for the battle to begin once more. Perhaps a rewatch is in order?