The Perks of Being a Wallflower (film)

The Perks of Being a Wallflower had recently become available on Netflix.  A close friend had seen it in theaters and highly enjoyed it.  He had read the book many years ago, regaling how he literally couldn't put the book down and read the whole thing in one sitting.  The movie, he opined, was a very good adaptation, which was to be expected.  The author not only transcribed the screenplay but also directed the film.  This was as close as any project would get to be the original author's intended vision.  With all that on the plate, along with a darling Emma Watson, I decided to give it a go.  It took some time but I ended up quite enjoying this one. 

The Perks of Being a Wallflower follows Charlie.  Charlie has just entered the social hell that is High School.  Still reeling from the suicide of his best friend and his own struggle with depression, he sees high school as another punishment for existence.  He casually befriends Patrick, who in turn leads him to his stepsister Sam.  Charlie learns to navigate the world slowly, finding himself in taxing situations he is emotionally unprepared for.  It's a coming-of-age tale for those who are already broken to begin with.

Good - This was a both heartbreaking and heartwarming film.  We know Charlie is struggling right away. That he hasn't figured things out quite as fast as those around him.  And not because he is slow but because he is able to see the grander picture before most others.  Charlie has been dealt some crushing blows, all relatively close to each other.  Still, you root for him.  He hasn't given up.  He is trying and he puts himself out there.  That's more then I do now.   You come to admire him and the simple triumphs he has.  The movie follows his first year in high school and the plot mirrors that in a realistic way.  He has his first crush and then his first girlfriend later.  He goes to the Sadie Hawkins Dance.  He sees his new friends graduating.  It makes the film more true to life. 

I most enjoyed the end.  I was asking at points "So when does the good stuff start happening?" Maybe I didn't get the movie but that was how I felt.  Still, the movie got me to come around near the end.  Things were wonderfully put together.  The story quickly became very real but yet very hopeful too.

Bad - The movie was a bit slow going into it.  I was multitasking while I was watching to so I thought maybe I was simply being distracted.  Once I had finished up though, I still felt a disconnection.  The characters are quite unique and real but something was missing.  Near the end though, I felt much more into the movie and really enjoyed it.  If nothing else, just be prepared for a slightly slow start. 

The gang enjoying their final school day of the year

Overall - I enjoyed The Perks of Being a Wallflower.  It took a little time for it to build up but it came together quite well in the end.  The placing and foreshadowing were subtle and well placed.  I also enjoyed who the resolutions came about near the end, one after another.  It gave time for each climax to hit and land and settle before going on to the next one.  If you're feeling down or lost, I say this is the film for you.  It's honest and hopeful, insightful and inspiring, all in a delicate and raw voice. 4 out of 5 stars. 

Similar To: The Breakfast Club, Daydream Nation,

Daydream Nation (film)

Look it up on IMDB

Caroline

I decided to watch Daydream Nation because I wanted some light fare.  I wanted a film that fed into my need for nostalgia, as I reminisced of high school.  Also, it helped greatly that Kat Dennings was staring in this film.  She isn't the greatest of actresses but she always plays interesting roles and is very easy on the eyes.  So with all this, I went into Daydream Nation.  What I came out with was nothing to write home about.  Instead, I'll write to the Internet.

Daydream Nation follows Caroline (Kat Dennings) as she is has found herself in a new town and new school.  Having been exposed to so much more culture in her previous life in the city, Caroline feels she was suffocating mentally in her new local.  A moody teen unsure of what she truly wants, she uses her feminine wiles to ensnare her English teacher, Mr. Barry Anderson (Josh Lucas).  Put off and cautious at first, Anderson becomes more and more enveloped in his unspeakable affair, mining excitement and inspiration from it.  Concurrently, Thurston (Reece Thompson), finds himself dealing with more then he ever expected.  A recently deceased friend, stuck living in the quiet sleepy hometown of his and meeting Caroline all bring about a flurry of emotions that Thurston's adolescent mind is incapable of handling.  All this, mixed with a unending tire fire and a serial killer on the loose, make Daydream Nation a film with many conflicts that need to be resolved.

English Teacher Anderson

Good - I wasn't expecting much from this film going in and it was probably for the best.  I enjoyed the dialogue from Caroline best. She seemed like an interesting character with some depth.  Anderson and Thurston just came off is confused little boys, despite the differences in age.  They seemed weak and lost and didn't appeal to me at all.  On the other hand, that may have been the whole point.  Nonetheless, these characters did not resonate with me at all.
There were some amazing shots in the film was well, specifically the surreal moments used to convey flashbacks or distant locations.  It reminded me of Dreamhome.  It was gorgeous stuff.  But not enough to make up for the characters.
The story itself was okay.  There were many plot threads throughout the movie.  All of them were all tied nice and neatly together at the end too.  I felt that some parts dragged on a bit though.  Overall, I felt like Daydream Nation had elements from different stories all crammed into the same hour and a  half.

Thurston

Bad - I really wasn't drawn into this movie.  The story on paper seems like a sure fire it.  There is a great deal of development, both in terms of plot and characters.  I think the movie suffered from just bad acting.  Anderson seemed more lost and douchey then he needed to be.  And Thurston seemed so completely whiny that I was glad whenever something bad happened to him.  The characters made no indelible mark on me and for that the whole movie suffered.

Overall - I wasn't impressed by this movie.  I wasn't expecting much and got exactly that in return.  Kat Dennings did a great job in her role as Caroline and the plot really had some fun, interesting moments.  But the rest of the cast was weak enough that I didn't feel like I was rewarded for sitting through this picture.  I say pass on this film if given the chance to watch it.  2 out of 5 stars.

Similar To - Juno, American Beauty, Donnie Darko

Watch it on Netflix

Guilty Crown (anime)

Check out the Wiki link

Shu gazing off in class

With the holiday approaching, I've found myself with some extra time.  My tv rotation also was lined up for an anime.  So I decided to try a longer anime series since I had plenty of time for it.  Guilty Crown was a title consistently recommended to me on Hulu for a long time. So with that, I went with Guilty Crown for my Christmas break.  Well worth it my friends!

Guilty Crown follows Shu Ouma.  A quiet shy boy who longs to be anyone else.  While hidden away in a run down part of town, he comes across Inori, the lead singer of Egoist.  Inori unexpectedly is part of the terrorist group knonwn as Funeral Parlor.  Funeral Parlor fights the powers that be to get back to a state of order, run by the people of Japan.  Ever since the "Lost Christmas" event 10 years prior, Japan is now under the watchful eye of the world court and is a semi dictatorship.  Shu, through unintentional circumstances, gains access to the Void Genome.  The Void Genome allows it's owner to use "the Power of Kings", the ability to use Voids.  Voids are physical constructs built from the hearts and desires of someone. It seems like Guilty Crown is all over the board but the series explains all of this in it's own time while still showing Shu struggle and grow in a world tittering on the edge of obliteration.

Inori is ready for action

Good - Guilty Crown took some time but in the end, I was really glad I watched it. The whole Void system really is unique.  It made every possible person have some sort of relevance within the show.  The evolution of Voids also allowed for new and more interesting situations to arise.
Guilty Crown did 2 things completely right.  The first of which was a solid plot.  There were times I may have been confused or lost, but the writers took note of every smile and knowing glance.  They explained all of the important stuff by the end of it all, even giving a pretty solid ending.  Something that rarely happens.  It was clear what Gai was fighting for and why Inori was so smitten by Shu.  We learned well enough why Shu called his mother Haruka instead of Mom.  Nothing was forgotten or left out.  More so, everything came together beautifully in the end, cohesively and organically.
The other thing done right was the characterizations.  Without using a heavy hand, you had a good idea what was motivating everyone in the large cast of characters.  You also saw how everyone reacted differently to the world falling into chaos.  Guilty Crown did an amazing job of following multiple paths of people and yet never felt like it was trying hard to do so.  

Funeral Parlor

Bad - I think the series followed Neon Genesis trends a bit too much.  The series seemed repetitive and unoriginal in the first half.  Shy kid gains god-like power and has to handle being in the spotlight suddenly. So the first half of the series was tough to watch.  Still, the series pays off the patient.  The second half totally made up for it.

Worthwhile? - I think this show is totally worthwhile.  I didn't think it was going to pay off but the series really ramps things up near the end.  All the story threads laid out meticulously all come together to a strong end where everything falls in place.  The story never felt forced or too wild, even for bringing the world to an end. 4.5 out of 5 stars.

I hope everyone had a very Merry Christmas.  I totally did at least! 

Gai Tsutsugami, lead of Funeral Parlor

Simliar To - Neon Genesis Evangelion, The Future Diary, Linebarrels of Iron

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (Anime)

Watch it on Hulu like me!

Despite the beginning of the new fall season, I haven't felt inclined to watch anything new.  No Modern Family or Parks & Rec just yet.  Instead, I've had a urge to watch someone more anime.  I didn't want to watch something terribly long, as it would take longer to get into the fall lineup.  After looking on Hulu for much longer then I should have, I settled on this little gem - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia.

Teiichi and Yuko

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia follows Teiichi, Yuko, Momoe, and Kirie, the members of the Paranormal Investigation club. After school, this team follows various rumors in school about ghost sightings and paranormal activity.  What's unique about the group is the Yuko is a ghost herself.  She can only be seen by those who are aware of her, and even then, they only see what they think she should be.  The first person to see Yuko with clarity is Teiichi.  The series follows the group as they investigate rumors, delves into how the group came together, and ultimately solves the mystery behind Yuko's death. 

Good - I wasn't sure exactly what to expect with this series, other then some sort of ghost element.  I ended up having a great time with this one.  It has a lot of cute humor between the surprisingly small cast.  The exchanges between Yuko and Teiichi are sweet, once you get past the creepy point of Yuko being a ghost.  In fact, the series deals with that issue head on, which I appreciate.  For being a shorter series, it was refreshingly succinct.  It didn't waste time with filler episodes and even had it's fair share of twists.  This is by no means an action packed, testosterone drenched series but the character interactions and development made this a great show to watch.

The Wiki Site

Another aspect were the various horror scenes.  For being a light hearted series, there was some brilliant and downright creepy scenes throughout.  Without much effort, this series seemed to be able to do it all.

Bad - Honestly, I found nothing bad with this series.  I liked everything about it. 

Someone is being a bit friendly 

Overall - Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is a solid choice.  I wasn't sure what to expect going into the series.  Thankfully I like anything, so long as the story is strong.  Dusk Maiden had a strong story, fun characters, and even pacing.  If you're looking for something fun, light, and quick, pick Dusk Maiden of Amnesia.  You will not be disappointed.  4.5 out of 5 stars. 

Similar to: Dorm, Toradora, Casper the Friendly Ghost (maybe), Typical ghost movies

Lost At Sea (Graphic Novel)

Buy it from Amazon! I dare you to!

The general idea of Lost At Sea

I am a big fan of Scott Pilgrim.  I really was blown away by the film.  The film led me to the popular graphic novels written by Bryan Lee O'Malley.  The 6 novels were even more astonishing.  The way O'Mally was able to incorporate so many '90s references while creating an epic love story out of mundane settings was so unique and masterful.  So I've been paying attention to O'Malley and any other work he has.  I bought 'Lost at Sea' as a Christmas gift for a friend, knowing I would be able to borrow it eventually.  Well the time came and I made the call.  While sitting in Dallas Fort Worth Airport during a last minute business trip, I was able to read this whole book in one sitting.  This was the highlight during my one day in Dallas.  

'Lost at Sea' follows Raleigh as she is on a road trip from California to Canada.  On board with her are some classmates from her high school days - Stephanie, Dave and Ian.  They were never really close in high school but random chance and a random phone call brought these four together.  The book follows Raleigh as she sits in the back seat, watching the scenery go by while she dissects every minute of her life.  She randomly introduces parts of her life in no particular order, as if Tarantino were cutting the movie about her.  We learn about how she has no soul and how she may have lost it.  Raleigh explains how cats are following her everywhere she goes and that she has no clue way.  All of these snippets are the small parts of the book but help explain the big point.

Good - I really enjoyed this book, though in not the way I expected.  As mentioned above, I read this book with Scott Pilgrim in mind.  With that said, this book is devoid of the over the top jokes and ridiculous situations from Scott Pilgrim.  Instead, we are treated with slice-of-life sincerity from the eyes of an unsure teenager.  Raleigh cracks jokes that get the whole car roaring, but we sit there with her trying to figure out what's so funny.  'Lost At Sea' presents a moment in Raleigh's life, a key moment.  She doesn't necessarily turn into an adult by the end of the novel, but she finds her way.  She finds a way to deal with the insane, mundane nature of life.  She learns things aren't as bad as they are. This book really brings back that time in your life that you weren't sure about anything, even who you were. The emotion that is conveyed is both subtle and palatable.  O'Malley did an amazing job making the reader feel everything Raleigh was going through, from turmoil to triumph. 

Check out Lost At Sea on Wikipedia

Bad - I couldn't find anything wrong with this book.  The art is cute and fun, especially the attention to detail in terms of the fashions of the characters.  The length I felt was appropriate to the subject.  Everything about 'Lost At Sea' was spot on here. 

Overall -  This book is a solid read for anyone and everyone.  For Scott Pilgrim fans, its a nice change of pace from the outlandishness O'Malley infused into his first series.  For readers clueless about Scott, you are still in for a heartfelt journey with Raleigh.  For anyone whose every felt unsure or lost, 'Lost At Sea' is a great reminder that in the end, everything will be okay. 

Review: Another (Anime)

Watch it free on Hulu!

Aloof Mei Misaki

Looking to fix your anime needs? Well you came to the right place! I watch it all so you don't have to!  For today I'll be telling you about a short horror anime - Another.  The haunting images of Mei were enough to get my started on this anime.  The weird premise and interesting developments where what kept me going.

Another follows Koichi Sakakibara as he moves into a new town.  The same town his mother was from.  Koichi never met his mother due to her death at childbirth, a event that plays it's part later on.  As Koichi arrives at his new school, he meets new friends.  Friends who share a shared concern they dare not speak.  As Koichi explores his new surroundings, he runs into a strange girl, Mei Misaki.  It seems she is a ghost haunting him everywhere he goes.  Eventually, truth reveals itself and a whole new strange reality shows through.

Good - Another is a unique ride of chills and suspense.  When watching this anime, you and Koichi are trying to piece together why the residents, namely the students of class 3-3.  The series has a sharp turn in the middle of it that I honestly did not see coming.  So much so, I had to watch that episode a second time to make sure I caught it.  This anime starts off slow and creepy but builds up to an intense stand off, full of madness and blood.

Koichi Sakakibara

Bad - I wish the anime was a bit longer.  Also, the story can be a little to subtle.  Trying to follow it can be difficult at times.  But since it's an online anime, I think that such a trait will ultimately only help you enjoy the anime more.

Overall - I think this is a great anime.  I wasn't expecting it to be as complex and violent as it was.  I was pleasantly surprised with tho one.  It was like When the Cicadas Cry but in a more digestible manner.  For anime and horror fans alike, spend some time with Another.

The Wiki Page

Review: Angel Beats! (anime)

Angel Beats! was another Netflix recommendation.  I wasn't nearly as sure about this one as some of the other suggestion in the past. With only 13 episodes consisting the whole season, it would be worth a shot.  The series turned out to be a nice surprise

Angel Beats! is a unique show in many ways.  For one, all the students at the high school are dead.  Yes, this high school is actually a strange purgatory for those whose lives have been cut short.  In the opening episode, we are introduced to a small faction within the student body rebelling against the school authority.  The face and prime enemy of this rule is Angel, a small, white haired girl capable of taking on a whole team of experienced and heavily armed student soldiers.  As the story progresses, alliances change, motives come to light, and we begin to see things are not at all what you were expecting.

Likes - There were a number of things I liked about this series.  First off, I enjoyed the animation.  If nothing else is was a nice clean and vibrant series.  It was really full of life.  I don't prefer that style but i found it fitting for the overall hopefulness the show was trying to convey.  Secondly,  the music was solid.  Angel Beats! actually had a real band involved and making the music.  So there was a distinct sound and consistency that stamped the series throughout. As a musician, I really enjoyed the music animation.  I could tell instantly that the animators were paying attention to how the music was actually played.  It wasn't some random strumming on the guitar, but in fact everything was in line with the song.  I appreciated that level of detail made.
The one big element of this series I enjoyed were the characters, character development, and overall plot.  There is a very large cast that constantly evolves in the this series.  It's amazing how there is as much development as there is.  The characters are very interesting and are all worth knowing.  As you watch the series, the plot turns into a redemption story for each of the main crew.  This is what really had me enjoying this series.

Dislikes - Nothing in particular stands out that didn't like.  I think the story was executed well and within a reasonable amount of time.  I 'm not totally raving about this series because it's not my usual forte.  It was very good for what it was though.

Overall - I would recommend watching this anime.  If you're looking for something cute, something dense but concise, and/or something uplifting, watch this.  It was nice to watch a story with as much development and earnestness as Angel Beats! did.  With the holiday break beginning for a lot of folks now, I think this would be a great time to watch this series and continue the good cheer of Christmas!