Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (Anime)

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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

Le Chevalier D'Eon (Anime)

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Hi Everyone! To start off, I know I promised to review the whole Red Riding series but, frankly, I watched it so long ago and I've been itching to move forward.  I did watch all three and I will say if you are looking for something dark and gritty with little hope or light, watch Red Riding.  It was done very real and felt very true to life.  Moving onto the next thing, I invested a lot of my time into Le Chevalier D'eon. At times, it was very interesting, but often I found I had to force myself to sit and watch this anime.  Let me explain way!

Lia's lifeless body

Actually before I explain my feelings, let me explain this anime.  Le Chevalier D'eon follows the very real personage of D'eon de Beaumont, a knight serving under the 18th century king of France, Louis XV.  The series starts with D'eon looking to avenge his twin sister Lia.  She was found floating downriver in a wooden coffin, the word 'Psalms' scrawled across the lid in blood.  Louis allows D'eon his quest so long as he also serves to help the country of France as well, as a spy across France's boarders.  What follows is a long road of treason, betrayal, and magic, that leads as far as Russia, only to come back to the king's doorstep.  D'eon and his fellow spies - Robin, Durand, and Teillagory - find themselves fighting against the undead and the possessed.  The group has a very unlikely aid in their battles though - Lia.  She is able to possess her twin brother and use her unique magic to defeat them effortlessly.  This still isn't enough for the group to overcome all that befalls them throughout their journey.

Good - This anime is unique in many ways.  First is the plot and setting.  I never imagine the Japanese would invest so much into exploring the past of the French.  It was nice to watch something not set in the far off lands of Japan.  Because to that, I feel the cultural aspects of France would be interesting to both countries.  What is new and strange to Japan would hold True of the U.S..  The story overall was pretty interesting too.  I may not have been a fan of the constant new missions, but they proved interesting and developed both the plot and character development.  The animation was good.  Unique compared to the overly cartoony and caricature style you usually see.  It helped add some realness to the series events. 

Maximilian Robespierre

Bad - So I didn't mind this series much but ultimately I felt like I wasted my time.  I never felt very invested in the series.  I was more obliged to watch it since I had started it.  Though I mentioned earlier above, I didn't mind the twists and turns, I felt that weren't helping with the main plot.  I think this anime could have been done more efficiently in 12 episodes and not 24.  Other would disagree the 24 was need to delve in the history and motivations of the players.  I think you could still have a heartfelt series in half the time though.  Another thing that turned me off about the series was the ending.  It was just flat out weird and felt like a let down.  Now, Le Chevalier D'eon has the unique challenge of trying to tie in historical events into his milestones, so I won't fully fault them.  Still 24 episodes, roughly 12 hours of my life, and I feel like that could have done better.

D'eon de Beaumont

Overall - I don't think you should spend time watching this anime.  Maybe if you knew the history for France more, or wanted to watch an anime set within a real historical framework, it might work.  Personally, I was drawn the occult aspects of the show and the political chess game  was interesting.  Ultimately though, none of that drew me in.  Watching any type of TV is meant for entertainment and fun.  I had neither through out the time I watched Le Chevalier D'eon. I give it 2.5 out of 5 stars. You could do worse watching this, but really you can easily do better. 

Red Riding Trilogy: Part 1 1974 (Film)

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Red Riding is a unique trilogy.  The three parts are loosely tied together, primary on catalyst and location.  In many ways, each film is a different aspect and introspection to the Riding districts of Yorkshire.  Each film ties in real life crimes to create it's conspiracy laden fiction.  This film looked very interesting to me for it's unabashed British cast and diction.  Since the first one starred current Amazing Spider-Man, I figured there would be some good things to see.

Check out the Wiki page

Red Riding 1974 is directed by Julian Jarrod and set in Yorkshire 1974.  We follow young reporter Eddie Dunford, played by Andre Garfield.  With the on set of a new story, a young girl is missing, Eddie begins his own investigation.  He quickly finds evidence that this is a unique case.  In fact it may be part of a bigger case.  As he delves more into his search, he meets Paula Garland (Rebecca Hall).  Paula's daughter was one of the missing girls.  Soon, the two find themselves becoming intimately involved with each other.  This is not acceptable to the higher powers of the street.  Namely John Dawson, played by Sean Bean.  Things slowly but surely spiral out of control has Eddie is trying to piece things together, even as he is falling apart. 

Eddie Dunford chatting up Paula Garland

Good - This was a strong yet subtle movie.  It takes some time to figure out what is happening.  And it takes some time to know exactly who it is you want to succeed.   These traits of the film follow well with the movie.  Like real life, we may have all the pieces but it still takes time to get them all together, to make them fit, and see the big picture.  This is a film that demands multiple viewings.  And likewise, who never know who is truly for you and who is for themselves.  So I enjoyed those aspects of Red Riding 1974.  The colors of this film were very dark with low contrast.  It really helped with the atmosphere of the movie, that a stark reality was enfolding you.  All the characters were acted out well, making it a film you could get lost in. 

Bad - The British dialogue is very British, making an American like me a few moment were i didn't know what was being said.  This film series was made for U.K television though and I'm glad they didn't water it down. 

One of the missing daughter

Overall -  I really enjoyed this film.  This is a film that expects the audience to keep up and follow.  And it gives a big pay off for those who stick around.  For fans of conspiracy theories, whodunits, and tragic heroes, check out this great Brit Flick!  4.5 stars out of 5. 

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)

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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: The Future Diary (anime)

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All the players of the game

Hi everyone! Long time no talk! My personal and work life has been kinda crazy the past month and a half, so I haven't been able to write much.  But here I am, at it again!  Lately, I've been needing a new anime series to watch.  Browsing through the Hulu selection, I chanced upon The Future Diary.  I started it, not sure if I was really going to get into it.  After the 1st episode, I realized I came upon a crazy, wild ride of a show.  So let me tell you all about it!

The Future Diary is a complex concept.  We meet Yukki, a young boy who goes out of his way to be unnoticed.  He prefers observing the world, rather then leave any impact on it.  He writes every moment he can into his cell phone diary, chronicling everything he sees.  One day, he meets with his imaginary friend, Deus Ex Machina, who in truth is a god on the brink of death.  Deus brings Yukki into the game of the future diaries. 12 users are chosen.  The last one left alive wins.  The prize - godhood.  Each user has a cell phone diary, now capable of predicting the future in some way.  After being initiated into this deadly game, Yukki quickly meets one of the other users - Yuna.  Yuna is secretly in love with Yukki.  She confesses her feelings soon enough and her devotion to help Yukki become a god.  This is where the story begins.  

The disarmingly cute but disturbed Yuna

Good - So where do I begin?  When I started, Yukki was not the protagonist I would have expected or wanted.  He is very timid and squeamish.  As the series progresses, you see him change into something else.  In many regards, Yukki reminded me of Shinji from Neon Genesis Evangelion.  A young boy thrust into a world and role he wants no part of.  A boy who tries to grow into what he needs to be, despite the contradicting nature of it all.  The schemes played out by Yuna and the other diary users reminded me a lot of Code Geass.  Each episode ended in a cliffhanger and each episode started out with an elegant and wild solution.  It was really fun seeing the different ways Yukki and Yuno devised their escapes and progress.  Lastly, the sheer brutality and blood reminded me of Higurashi no Naku Koro ni.  There was no holding back on the violence on this one.  If you can gather, I've compared this anime to a lot of heavy hitters.  In short, I think The Future Diary is a game changer, a standard maker.  

Bad - Near the end, the story veers off into some really wild stuff.  IF you follow the series, it all makes sense but gives a very different tone the last 5 episodes or so.  But it all ends up fitting.  Also, the ending could have been improved.  I wish they would have ended it the way the manga was ended.  

Click here to watch The Future Diary on Hulu

Worthwhile? - I think this anime is absolutely worth watching.  The story is rich and complex.  The characters are all interesting and engaging. There is so much character development it's hard to keep up.  Frankly, that's just a good reason to enjoy this series a second time.  Whatever is on your watch list, clear it off and put The Future Diary on top.  You won't regret it. 5 out of 5 stars.

Review: Marvels (GN)

After reading Kingdom Come,  I was very eager to read the Marvel equivalent.  Marvels was the answer to that.  I had originally bought this for my friend as a Christmas gift.  He finally let me borrow it and it as worth the wait.
Marvels follows Phil Sheldon, a young man in the beginning his life and career as a photographer.  He is faced with the choice of leaving to cover WWII.  Unexpectedly, he decides to stay in NYC, following a hunch that greater things are to be seen in his home town.  Soon he finds himself witnessing the Torch escaping the cement prison he is entombed in.  Later on, a battle engulfs the city between the Torch and Namor, the Sub-Mariner. Phil begins to see how quickly the public can turn its opinion so quickly.  The books goes on as Phil is there to witness first hand the rise of the mutant menace, the attack of Galactus, and the new era of heroes.
Likes - First off, the art is done by Alex Ross.  If you aren't excited, read more comics!
The story was really fascinating.  For once, we see the world  of Marvel through the eyes of a man, an everyday man, Phil Sheldon.  We see him as we see everyone else at the beginning.  During the unveiling of the Torch, he falls into wonder, awe, and fear.  Later on, the Torch proves himself to be a champion of justice and a creature of virtue.  Soon, mutants begin coming to light.  This was the best part of the story.  Phil plays into the fear of mutants, the normal reaction at the time.  In the same day, events both professional and personal persuade Phil to see things in a different light.  Phil is us, showing us how easy it is to follow the mob and showing us the logic that we all need to follow.  Following Phil is as exciting as seeing Spider-Man foil any caper.  Phil grows so much, you can't help root for him.

Dislikes - I can't really point anything out that I didn't dislike.  This was a solid piece of work.

Overall - This was an amazing introspection into the Marvel Universe. A great read, especially for long time Marvel fans.  You see first hand what life would be like living in a world of "Marvels".  More so, we see Phil grow as a person.  From overcoming his fear of the Marvels, to understanding the reality of mutants, to recognizing that failure even comes to a super hero.  Marvels not only provides a slice of life in an amazing era, it also shows us a man becoming the person he needs to be.  That is the biggest thing you can take away from reading this graphic novel.