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Jan 2, 2025
Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero attempts to revisit the nostalgic charm of the Dragon Ball franchise while exploring new territory. Unfortunately, the result is a disjointed, shallow experience that feels more like a cash grab than a meaningful addition to the series. From a paper-thin plot to disappointing character development, this movie struggles to stand out, even within its own universe.
Plot: 4/10
The plot is undeniably paper-thin and riddled with cheesy tropes that do little to add depth or intrigue. The resurrection of the Red Ribbon Army feels like a recycled idea with no innovation or fresh perspective. Their grand scheme, involving the creation of Gamma
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1 and Gamma 2 as supposed "superheroes," leans heavily into silliness and undermines the stakes. The narrative spends an excessive amount of time rehashing past events, from the Red Ribbon Army's history to Gohan’s latent potential. This reliance on exposition creates an almost insulting feeling for long-time fans, as it assumes viewers need their hands held through decades-old storylines. It’s less a cohesive story and more a collection of loosely connected ideas intended to evoke nostalgia. The movie’s pacing is also inconsistent. Key emotional moments are glossed over, while trivial scenes are dragged out, creating an uneven experience. The climactic battle lacks the tension and emotional gravity of previous Dragon Ball finales, and the resolution feels rushed and unearned.
Characters: 4/10
The characters are where this movie falters most significantly. While Dragon Ball has always relied on archetypal personalities, the characters in Super Hero feel flat, forced, and underdeveloped. Piccolo takes center stage in a mentor and strategist role, which initially feels promising. However, his arc lacks depth, as the movie focuses more on comedic elements—like his attempts to blend in at Pan’s preschool—than meaningful character growth. Gohan, once a fan-favorite for his compelling journey from timid child to powerful warrior, feels like a shadow of his former self. While the story teases his return to greatness, the execution is underwhelming. His transformation feels less like a natural progression and more like fanservice, with little emotional buildup to make it satisfying.
The new characters, including Gamma 1, Gamma 2, Magenta, and Dr. Hedo, fall flat. Gamma 1 and Gamma 2 are intended to be noble but misguided, yet their over-the-top personalities and lack of backstory make them hard to take seriously. Magenta is a cartoonish caricature of a villain with no real menace or complexity. Dr. Hedo is even worse, as his one-dimensional motivations and quirky personality fail to make him a compelling antagonist. Fan-favorite characters like Vegeta, Bulma, and Goten and Trunks are sidelined or reduced to comedic relief, diminishing their impact. The movie’s focus on spectacle over substance prevents any character from truly shining, leaving both new and old faces feeling hollow.
Animation: 5/10
The switch to 3D/CG animation was a bold choice, but it doesn’t pay off. The character models lack the expressiveness and fluidity that defined the franchise’s earlier animation. Movements often appear stiff, and the 3D style fails to capture the dynamic energy of Dragon Ball’s iconic battles. While the fight choreography is a notable improvement compared to some recent entries, the overall visual style feels generic and uninspired. The once-vibrant world of Dragon Ball is reduced to sterile, lifeless environments, further detracting from the experience.
Sound: 7/10
The sound design is serviceable but unremarkable. While the familiar sound effects from Dragon Ball Z are a welcome callback, the soundtrack fails to leave a lasting impression. The OST lacks standout tracks, and the background music often fades into the scenery instead of enhancing the atmosphere. The voice acting is a saving grace, with seasoned cast members delivering solid performances despite a script filled with cringe-worthy dialogue. Unfortunately, even their efforts can’t elevate the lackluster material they’re working with.
Enjoyment: 4/10
The movie’s nostalgic elements and moments of humor might appeal to newer audiences or die-hard fans willing to overlook its flaws. However, for long-time viewers, Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a frustrating experience. The over-reliance on rehashed ideas, the lack of meaningful stakes, and the shallow character development make it difficult to stay engaged. Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero is a disassociating entry in the franchise, one that feels disconnected from the heart and soul of Dragon Ball. The movie’s thin plot, underwhelming characters, and polarizing animation style make it feel like a hollow cash grab, banking on the nostalgia of its fanbase rather than delivering a story worth remembering.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Dec 29, 2024
The Workshop Battle is one of the most iconic arcs in Tower of God and a fan-favorite for many who’ve followed the series. This arc serves as a culmination of everything that’s come before it, bringing together characters and storylines from Season 1 and the Return of the Prince arc while laying the groundwork for the explosive events to follow. However, while the anime adaptation delivers the key moments fans anticipated, its rushed pacing and lackluster animation leave much to be desired.
Plot: 7/10
The Workshop Battle arc is rich with intrigue, high-stakes competition, and significant character development. It successfully weaves together the disparate threads of the
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previous arcs, reuniting characters and heightening tensions as alliances are tested and secrets unveiled. The titular Workshop is a playground for innovation, betrayal, and competition, and the narrative expertly showcases the depth of Tower of God’s world-building. However, the pacing detracts from the experience. Critical moments feel glossed over, leaving newcomers to the series struggling to keep up with the dense story. For those familiar with the original webtoon, it’s evident how much nuance and context were sacrificed in the adaptation. The rushed storytelling undermines the emotional weight of several key moments, making the stakes feel less immediate than they should.
Animation: 6/10
The animation for this arc is serviceable but disappointing, especially considering the dynamic and visually striking battles depicted in the source material. Action sequences that should have been jaw-dropping fell short due to lackluster choreography and inconsistent quality. This is particularly noticeable in climactic moments where the animation should elevate the tension but instead feels flat and uninspired. While character designs remain faithful to the original, the overall visual presentation doesn’t do justice to the vibrant world of Tower of God. Backgrounds lack detail, and the fight scenes—pivotal to this arc—don’t have the impact they deserve. Fans of the series can only hope that future adaptations will receive the budget and attention necessary to bring this stunning world to life.
Characters: 7/10
Tower of God thrives on its diverse and memorable cast, and this arc is no exception. The dynamics between the characters are as engaging as ever, with their personalities and interactions adding depth and humor to the story. The betrayals, alliances, and rivalries that unfold in the Workshop Battle highlight the series' strength in crafting complex relationships. Unfortunately, the rushed pacing strikes again, as the nuanced character development that makes this cast so compelling is often overlooked. With such a large ensemble, it’s crucial for each character to have room to breathe and grow, but the anime doesn’t allow enough time for these relationships to flourish. The bonds and backstories that define these characters and their motivations are condensed, leaving viewers with a surface-level understanding of what makes them special.
Sound: 7/10
The sound design is competent, effectively setting the mood for dramatic confrontations and lighter moments alike. The OST does its job, blending seamlessly with the scenes to enhance the emotional impact. However, the OP and ED are a notable letdown. While Tower of God has had strong opening and ending themes in the past, this season’s offerings fail to capture the spirit of the story or leave a lasting impression. Compared to the memorable tracks that accompanied previous arcs, these feel underwhelming and out of place.
Enjoyment: 8/10
Despite its shortcomings, the Workshop Battle arc remains an enjoyable experience. For long-time fans, there’s an undeniable thrill in seeing such a pivotal arc brought to life, even if the execution isn’t perfect. The high-stakes battles, intricate character dynamics, and the sheer scope of the story make it a worthwhile watch. However, the flaws in animation and pacing may dampen the experience for those new to Tower of God. While the adaptation has its merits, it’s clear that the story deserves more time and care to fully realize its potential.
Final Thoughts
The Workshop Battle arc is a mixed bag. It succeeds in bringing the core elements of the story to the screen but falters in execution. For fans of Tower of God, this arc is a must-watch, if only to see beloved characters and moments in motion. However, the rushed pacing and lackluster animation make it hard to recommend as a standalone experience. There’s hope that future adaptations will learn from these shortcomings, giving this incredible series the treatment it deserves. But for now, the Workshop Battle arc is an enjoyable, if flawed, addition to the Tower of God anime.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Dec 29, 2024
I really wanted this cour to succeed. The promise of new anime-original content gave me some hope that it could fix the flaws of the manga’s poorly received final arc. Unfortunately, this season couldn’t escape the problems of its source material. No amount of nostalgic callbacks, solid animation, or impressive sound design could save it. This feels like one of the most overhyped anime in recent memory. That being said, if you’re a fan of Bleach like I am, I still recommend giving it a watch—but go in with lowered expectations, or you’re bound to be disappointed.
Story/Plot: 4/10
The plot is where this cour falls apart.
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Just like in the manga, the story feels barebones and poorly constructed. Many characters are shoved into the narrative not because they serve a purpose, but because their presence panders to fans. It’s bloated, overcrowded, and detracts from moments that could have been better fleshed out. There’s a severe lack of stakes throughout this cour. Weak characters like Chad and Orihime somehow survive impossible situations because they’re fan favorites, but it’s completely unrealistic given the circumstances. This leads to a lot of plot conveniences and fake-out deaths that kill any tension. By this point, the trope feels tired and predictable. Ichigo, Renji, Lille—so many moments could’ve had lasting emotional impact but instead feel cheap and meaningless.
Animation: 7/10
While the animation started off strong, it quickly revealed its limitations. Initially, I was impressed, but as the cour progressed, I noticed more still panels and an overreliance on DBZ-style explosions rather than meaningful choreography. The battles lack creativity, and the muted color palette throughout the season gave the visuals a dull, lifeless look.There were a few standout shots, but some of the most hyped scenes didn’t even match the quality of the original series. For a series with such high expectations, this season's animation felt overhyped overall.
Characters: 6/10
When I say everyone is back, I mean everyone. The Vizards, the Arrancars, Nel, Grimmjow, Kira—the list goes on. While it’s nice to see so many familiar faces, the sheer number of returning characters completely derails the narrative. Most of them have no meaningful role and are just there to please fans. It’s frustrating to see characters like Nel and Grimmjow brought back only to do almost nothing. Chad and Orihime are present all season but contribute absolutely nothing of substance. Instead of developing key players or focusing on meaningful relationships, we get a “greatest hits” montage of cameos that detracts from the story’s flow. It felt like an old Oprah episode: “You get a cameo! And you get a cameo!”
Sound: 8/10
There is not a lot to say here it's Bleach we know what to expect from the sound design. The opening and ending themes didn’t do much for me, but the OST was solid. The nostalgic tracks from the original series were a highlight, and they did a great job of setting the tone for some scenes. However, even great sound design couldn’t save the season from its narrative shortcomings.
Enjoyment: 5/10
My enjoyment of this cour was heavily weighed down by its overreliance on nostalgia and the fanbase’s overhyping of this arc. The execution felt sloppy, and the pacing was all over the place. Instead of focusing on the important parts of the story, the season jumped between scenes in a frantic attempt to cram too much into too little time. The humor also felt outdated, with gags interrupting serious moments and pulling me out of the immersion. Key characters weren’t given the time they deserved, and others shouldn’t have been included at all. It feels like the staff prioritized quantity over quality, which is a shame considering the potential of this arc.
Final Thoughts
Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War Cour 3 had the potential to elevate one of the series’ weakest arcs, but it fell short in almost every way. While the sound design and occasional moments of animation were enjoyable, the barebones plot, bloated cast, and lack of stakes made it a slog to get through. If you’re a Bleach fan, it’s worth watching for the nostalgia—but keep your expectations low. This cour is a reminder that not everything can be fixed with callbacks and flashy animation. Here’s hoping the next cour delivers on the potential that this one missed.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Dec 17, 2024
Psychopass Providence is a strong addition to the Psychopass universe and serves as a celebration of the series’ 10th anniversary. Known for its deep exploration of politics, ethics, and the complexities of law and order, this movie stays true to the essence of the series while introducing new challenges and dilemmas. While not perfect, it remains a compelling entry in the Psychopass saga, offering plenty for fans of the franchise to enjoy.
Plot: 6/10
The story revolves around a rogue group backed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who aim to create an autonomous nation free from the Sibyl System’s control. Akane Tsunemori, now Chief Inspector of
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the Criminal Investigation Department, leads her team in investigating the mysterious death of a professor whose groundbreaking research threatens to destabilize both Japan’s government and the Sibyl System itself. The plot delves deeply into the ongoing tension between individual autonomy and the collective governance of Sibyl, raising new ethical and philosophical questions along the way. Akane’s steadfast commitment to working within the system while subtly pushing her own agenda is as engaging as ever. However, the story does falter slightly in pacing, and some plot elements feel a bit convenient. Despite these flaws, the overarching narrative is gripping, with enough twists to keep viewers on edge.
Characters: 8/10
Character dynamics have always been a hallmark of the Psychopass series, and this movie continues to deliver in that respect. Akane’s growth is particularly noteworthy, as her shift to the Foreign Affairs Department adds layers to her character. Her internal struggle to balance personal morality with the rigid laws of Sibyl makes her as captivating as ever. However, the return of Kogami feels somewhat forced, serving more as fan service than a necessity for the story. While his presence is always welcome, his involvement doesn’t contribute significantly to the plot’s progression. The supporting cast performs well, though their roles occasionally feel overly convenient to push the story forward. The antagonist group, while somewhat one-dimensional, manages to hold their own and provide a believable threat.
Animation: 9/10
The animation quality remains a high point for the Psychopass franchise. The movie’s visuals capture the sleek, dystopian aesthetic of its technological world with precision, bringing life to the grim and sterile environments. The iconic Dominators are as imposing as ever, and the aerial battle sequences stand out as particularly breathtaking. That said, the fight choreography in some scenes could have been smoother. While the movie benefits from a higher budget than the TV series, certain action sequences lack the fluidity expected from a cinematic release. Despite this, the overall visual experience remains immersive and well-executed.
Sound: 9/10
The Psychopass series has always excelled in its use of sound to enhance storytelling, and this movie is no exception. The OST is a mix of nostalgic tracks from earlier installments and fresh compositions that effectively set the tone for each scene. The opening theme attempts to evoke the same intensity and mood as the original series’ OPs but doesn’t quite hit the same mark. Nonetheless, the music does a stellar job of immersing viewers in the film’s tense and atmospheric world, making the auditory experience one of its strongest aspects.
Enjoyment: 8/10
For fans of Psychopass, Providence delivers an engaging mix of action, philosophy, and psychological intrigue. While Kogami’s inclusion may not have been necessary, his return is still a treat for long-time viewers. The film’s exploration of ethical dilemmas and the ever-present question of whether the Sibyl System is a necessary evil remain as provocative as ever. Though the antagonist group is somewhat one-note, they serve their purpose well, creating tension and stakes that keep the story moving. Overall, this movie offers plenty of food for thought, making it a satisfying watch for fans of the franchise and newcomers who enjoy thought-provoking narratives.
Overall: 7/10
Psychopass Providence is a solid installment that captures much of what makes the series beloved. While it stumbles in places with its pacing and character utilization, it more than makes up for it with its compelling themes, stunning animation, and evocative soundtrack. Whether you’re a dedicated fan or someone seeking a smart and intense psychological thriller, this movie is well worth your time.
Reviewer’s Rating: 7
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Oct 14, 2024
Lady Justice is a manga that ultimately disappoints in nearly every aspect. Even going into it with low expectations, it left much to be desired. As a quick, easy read, it serves its purpose, but beyond that, it doesn’t offer much in terms of substance or engagement.
Plot: 4/10
The story follows a very basic shonen formula but with none of the excitement or creativity that makes this genre fun. The narrative centers around a female superhero defeating a new enemy in each chapter, but it lacks depth or intrigue. The premise could have been interesting, but it’s bogged down by predictable, repetitive battles and a lack
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of real stakes. What’s worse, much of the focus shifts away from the action or the plot to the heroine’s clothes getting blown off in nearly every fight. Rather than being a thoughtful exploration of a strong female lead, the manga reduces itself to superficial fan service moments that detract from any potential the plot had.
Characters: 3/10
The characters in Lady Justice are painfully generic. The protagonist feels like a cookie-cutter hero with no real personality or development throughout the series. The supporting cast is equally forgettable, serving as little more than background noise to the main action. Even the villains, who could have added some tension or depth to the story, are one-note and uninspired. None of the characters have any real depth, and their interactions lack the emotional complexity needed to make you care about them or their goals. They feel like empty shells, moving through the motions of a plot that never truly comes to life.
Art: 5/10
Unfortunately, the art doesn't do much to elevate the story either. The characters are drawn in a generic style that lacks originality, and the backgrounds are plain and uninspired, doing little to enhance the world-building. The one area where the art seems to focus is on fan service, with frequent scenes of the heroine’s clothes being destroyed in battle. If you’re into this kind of content, you might find the art enjoyable, but for me, it felt like a cheap gimmick that overshadowed any real artistic talent. There’s potential in the character designs and action scenes, but it’s buried beneath the focus on over-sexualization, making it hard to appreciate.
Enjoyment: 4/10
I struggled to enjoy Lady Justice because of its heavy reliance on ecchi tropes. The over-sexualization of a teenage protagonist is off-putting and detracts from what could have been a more engaging story. Rather than focusing on character development or creating a compelling plot, the manga seems more interested in lewd imagery and surface-level thrills. There’s little to no emotional or intellectual engagement here. It’s a shallow read that, for me, wasn’t worth the time. Fans of ecchi content might find it more entertaining, but for those looking for something with depth or substance, this manga is lacking.
Overall:
Lady Justice feels like a wasted opportunity. The concept of a female superhero could have been something unique, but it’s dragged down by an over-reliance on fan service and weak storytelling. The characters are bland, the plot is uninspired, and the art, while functional, is far too focused on ecchi elements to be truly appreciated. If you’re looking for a manga with depth, character growth, or a solid narrative, this isn’t it. However, if fan service is your thing, you might find it more enjoyable. For me, though, it was a frustrating and forgettable read.
Reviewer’s Rating: 4
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Oct 11, 2024
Dandadan is a unique mix of supernatural, sci-fi, and comedy that follows two unlikely companions—a girl who believes in ghosts and a boy who believes in aliens. They make a bet to prove each other wrong, only to discover that both spirits and extraterrestrials exist, leading them on a wild adventure. The series presents itself as a blend of influences, borrowing elements from titles like Mob Psycho 100 and Chainsaw Man, but struggles to find its own voice at times.
Plot: 5/10
The story’s premise is engaging, with plenty of potential in its exploration of paranormal and alien phenomena. However, a heavy reliance on humor revolving around
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the male protagonist's genitalia overstays its welcome, detracting from what could have been a more immersive and engaging experience. While the plot offers moments of real insight—such as a clever commentary on gig workers—it’s often undercut by the excessive focus on toilet humor and ecchi themes that feel out of place.
Art: 7/10
The art in Dandadan is solid but lacks a defining visual signature that sets it apart from its contemporaries. Many character designs seem inspired by other popular manga, with one notable example being the male MC’s "turbo granny" form, which feels reminiscent of Toga from My Hero Academia. There’s nothing particularly wrong with the art, but it doesn't stand out as anything extraordinary, with most panels following standard action manga conventions.
Characters: 7/10
Character dynamics are one of the brighter points of the series. The relationship between the two protagonists shows potential for growth, with the male lead's innocent approach to friendship and the female lead’s slow realization of her changing feelings providing depth to their interactions. Unfortunately, other characters, like the female MC’s grandmother, feel underdeveloped and more like plot devices than full-fledged characters. The oversexualization of young characters, combined with ecchi humor, often feels forced and detracts from more meaningful character moments.
Enjoyment: 4/10
While Dandadan has moments of charm and a premise ripe with possibilities, the execution often falls short. The over-the-top humor may appeal to its target demographic, but the repetitive jokes and the unsettling ecchi elements make it difficult to stay fully invested in the story. Still, the series has some fun character interactions and a few intriguing narrative threads that keep the reader curious enough to see what happens next.
Overall: 6/10
Dandadan is a mixed bag. It has a lot of potential, with interesting character relationships and a unique supernatural-meets-sci-fi premise, but it is bogged down by humor that wears thin and uncomfortable ecchi elements. For those who can look past these aspects, there is an entertaining story underneath, but as a whole, it feels like it’s still trying to find its footing. At this point, it lands at a 6/10 and I struggle to think of it going any higher than this without a real change in the approach from the author.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Oct 1, 2024
Tower of God: Season 2 – Return of the Prince brings back the complex world of the Tower with an engaging blend of intrigue, new character dynamics, and a sense of looming danger. This season picks up 6 years after the explosive events of season one, and it continues to build on the intricate world and character dynamics that fans have come to expect. While this season introduces new faces, reveals unexpected alliances, and showcases growing tensions, it also has a few pacing issues, especially for fans familiar with the original Manhwa. Still, it manages to deliver a compelling narrative, leading into what promises to
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be one of the series' most exciting arcs: the Workshop Battle.
Plot (8/10):
The story this season may feel disjointed at times, particularly to fans of the source material, but it remains a strong narrative arc. Return of the Prince serves primarily as a setup for the highly anticipated Workshop Battle, one of the most thrilling arcs in the series. FUG’s manipulation of Baam by holding his former team hostage adds a lot of tension, especially because Baam, still unaware of how much his friends have grown, finds himself at their mercy. Rachel continues to deepen her role as a cunning antagonist, her manipulative journey to the Workshop adding layers of hatred and frustration toward her character.
Characters (8/10):
The introduction of new characters in this season is handled well, with each one bringing distinct and memorable personalities to the table. The diversity of their traits and interactions makes for a lively and engaging cast. The bond between the characters has deepened, reflecting the amount of time they’ve spent together during their ascent of the Tower, even if some interactions are left in the background. Khun’s scheming in the shadows, motivated by his desire to avenge his fallen friends, was a high point of the season, adding emotional depth to his character.
Animation (8/10):
Though the animation quality took a step back compared to Season 1, it remains solid overall. The character designs, while sometimes simpler, still manage to maintain the unique flair that the world of Tower of God requires. The fights are fluid, intense, and visually engaging, though the occasional dip in quality can be noticeable. The backgrounds remain rich, complementing the dark and mysterious atmosphere of the Tower itself.
Sound (10/10):
One of the standout aspects of this season is undoubtedly the sound design. Both the opening and ending themes hit the right notes, providing hype and encapsulating the themes of the story in both music and lyrics. The OST does a fantastic job of setting the tone for key moments, whether it’s during a battle or a quiet, reflective scene. The sound design greatly enhances the viewing experience, leaving a lasting impression long after the credits roll.
Enjoyment (9/10):
Despite its pacing issues and the occasional animation hiccup, I thoroughly enjoyed this season. Return of the Prince sets the stage for an even bigger and more dramatic arc to come, leaving fans hungry for more. While it would have been nice to see certain moments from the source material included, the anime does a good job of keeping the core elements intact and delivering an enjoyable experience on its own merits.
Overall (9.0/10):
Tower of God: Season 2 delivers a compelling narrative with well-crafted characters, impressive sound design, and a solid buildup to future events. Though not perfect, it is a highly enjoyable season that continues to build excitement for what's to come. As an adaptation, it stands strong on its own without being a direct carbon copy of the Manhwa, and that is something worth appreciating.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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Sep 17, 2024
"Terminator 0" is an anime TV series available on Netflix that attempts to bring the iconic franchise into the world of animation.
Story/Plot: 6/10
The plot follows the familiar Terminator formula, which is enjoyable at first but becomes predictable about halfway through. The minimal payoff is disappointing, as key questions are left unanswered for a sequel. Character development feels inorganic, and the plot relies too heavily on creating shock value instead of building a cohesive narrative. One of the biggest issues is the inconsistent portrayal of the Terminator. It feels artificially weak to serve the plot, which ruins any stakes the story tries to create. There’s
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a scene where a human tank blows from the Terminator, even though it had been established as far stronger than humans. This lack of consistency damages the believability of the plot.
Animation/Design: 7/10
Production I.G.’s animation is as good as expected, but the unnatural highlights on characters in situations where there shouldn’t be a light source are distracting. The action scenes are visually solid, but the way the Terminator’s skin deflects bullets without damage takes away from the immersion.
Characters: 5/10
The characters were not likable, and their development was shallow. Many decisions they made felt like plot devices rather than reflections of genuine personality. The relationship dynamics had potential but were underdeveloped. The father and eldest son were particularly disappointing, with the father speaking in riddles and avoiding crucial answers. The world felt empty, as if the main cast were the only characters with any importance, and the Terminator itself was weakened to the point of losing its menacing presence.
Audio/Soundtrack: 6/10
The voice acting in the English dub was good, but the soundtrack didn’t leave an impression. The lack of iconic music or sound from previous Terminator entries was a missed opportunity, which might have helped elevate the experience. Nothing about the audio stood out as memorable or unique.
Enjoyment: 5/10
While some elements were enjoyable, the show ultimately fell flat. Poor character development, a predictable plot, and a Terminator that felt inconsistent and weak made the overall experience lackluster. The stakes never felt real, given how poorly the Terminator was handled in terms of power and danger. The weak portrayal of the Terminator, like being pushed back by a regular human and failing to land a finishing blow, undermined the excitement of the action sequences.
Overall: 6/10
"Terminator 0" introduces some interesting ideas but falls short due to its weak portrayal of the Terminator and an incoherent plot. The Terminator’s inconsistencies significantly hurt the tension, making the human vs. machine dynamic feel unbelievable. While the sequel may resolve some of these issues, it’s not a series that leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment. Rewatching it after the sequel might make for a better experience, but at this point, it’s lacking in too many areas to fully enjoy.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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Jun 26, 2017
Story/Plot 5/10:
So much potential squandered in my opinion. So many interesting things and ideas left unanswered. So much drive to accomplish their goals but no real explanation to what the goals they are trying to accomplish are. This movie left me with more questions than answers. Maybe if I just wanted mindless action, I would have been ok with that, but the story surely wasn't presented in that manner. Kiri had a driving motive and we got little to no understanding of what he's actually looking for, what he is, how he became the way he is, etc. A rich world was presented to the
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viewer, but it leaves us with more questions about it than the answers we were actually given.
Animation/Design 9/10:
I am in no way a huge fan of CGI in anime but if any studio knows how to do it it's Polygon Pictures and they delivered again here in this regard. My one real complaint would be that character designs tend to be very similar and not very unique. Though I can give them a bit of a pass due to the military style ambiguity the suits gave to the characters. Backgrounds were exquisite, character movements never went beyond my suspension of disbelief, explosions looked good, and the color pallet really fit the tone of the world we were thrown into.
Audio/Soundtrack 7/10:
Voice acting, music, and sound effects were all good but nothing memorable or remarkable by any means. I do however think they did well to set the mood and tone that they were going for. The voice acting was well done as I could distinguish characters from one another and sense the tension, but again nothing to write home about.
Characters: 5/10
Outside of Pops and Kiri most of the characters are pretty forgettable. I found it difficult at times to distinguish between the two main female characters based on looks rather than voices. I didn't feel we got to know enough about what motivated each character aside from survival. There were a lot of relationship dynamics left unexplained for a movie of this length.
Enjoyment 7/10:
While I did find this movie to be very enjoyable while watching it, due to the myriad of things I wanted know about going unexplained. So much of what drove the characters was not knowing anything and I feel that the story would have been better had they had been given some answers to the basic questions. I still want to know more so as much as disheartening as it was a lot of these things weren't answered I still enjoyed it and will look to other BLAME! media for the answers I seek.
Overall /Final Thoughts 6.6/10:
This film is my introduction to the BLAME! world, as a stand-alone film it did a great jo of making me want to know more about this world but where I feel it fell short is delivering on any of the meaningful ideas they introduced. Maybe the answers I am looking for are examined in earlier works but as much as I was intrigued by all the things introduced to me the lack of answers to some of the basic world elements left me feeling a lack of satisfaction I was looking for in this experience, but I am very intrigued by this world and plan to check out the manga and other anime movie.
Reviewer’s Rating: 6
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May 20, 2016
What does it mean to live and be alive? Ajin may or may not answer that question but it is a story that focuses on life, death, and human-nature.
Plot/Story 10/10:
The story revolves around Kei Nagai a student who discovers he is an immortal "Ajin". This discovery takes Kei a wild journey from going on the run, to hiding out in a small town, to eventually facing his problems. The episodes do very well to progress the plot, the pacing was well done, and each cliffhanger made me want to immediately watch the next episode. The overall story about the Human-Ajin relations is very well
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done and is somewhat reminiscent of human-robot/cyborg relations in some series.
Animation/Design 7/10:
The animation was decent for CGI, though admittedly I am not a huge fan of CGI anime. It wasn’t horrible though and I felt it actually worked well with the darker tone of the story itself. The character designs were a bit lackluster overall in my opinion, as none of the characters really stand out, that being said it wasn't bad as I have seen worse. The landscapes and backgrounds are gorgeous and I felt the art style did a great job of making the world feel alive.
Audio/Soundtrack 7/10:
I watched the English dubbed version; the voice acting was pretty spot on from what I can tell and I have no real complaints. Sato’s voice actor did a great job of making him feel intimidating, while mostly being calm and cheerful. The soundtrack is nice but nothing revolutionary. I won’t be listening to the OST on YouTube as I read the manga or anything, but I don’t have anything bad to say about the OST either.
Characters 8/10:
The protagonist Kei Nagai is not the most endearing protagonist in anime as he is kind of a “jerk” as his sister called him, but realistically he is just an emotionally detached, logical thinker. This leads him to come across as an anti-hero at times as he strives for self preservation. The antagonist Sato is a very deep and complex character, though not much about him is revealed in the anime at this point. He is military trained, tough, very smart, and calculating individual. Most other characters are pretty deep and well layered, as they all seem to have pretty compelling reasons for doing the things they do.
Enjoyment 10/10:
I really didn’t know what to expect going into this anime and was surprised at how it made me think about what the Ajin go through. I really enjoy anime like this that get to the heart of the dark side of human nature. For me Ajin was a very enjoyable, deep story that made me think about human nature and the human experience in general. While not the best the visuals and sound did a great job of creating a realistic and interesting world. The characters bring a depth and complexity of real world proportions to the anime realm. How do people act when they are faced with the unknown? I think this question represents one of the major themes of the series. I give 8.8/10 rounding up to an 9/10.
Reviewer’s Rating: 9
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