The Tale of the Princess Kaguya was such a beautiful movie made by Studio Ghibli and directed by Isao Takahata (of Grave of the Fireflies fame) based upon the famous Japanese folktale The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter. This is a movie that should truly be considered a "work of art". The classical Japanese art style, which left in sketch lines and seemed to be painted on, took a little getting used to but ended up being spectacular especially with the concluding moon parade sequence. Along with the music and singing, these elements were incredibly immersive and really helped to transport me back to 10th century Japan. The portrayal of all the characters' emotions really stood out to me from the combination of the superb voice acting/singing and vibrant and dynamic art (definitely go with the original Japanese VAs). I could really feel all the pain, suffering and emotions that Kaguya was experiencing throughout the movie. It was just all around top notch work.
The story itself was heart-wrenching (for me at least) and fueled by the emotions of Kaguya. Takahata definitely went with a more somber and emotionally distraught interpretation of this famous tale. As the viewer, you could really feel the love between Kaguya and her parents, but empathize with how they struggled to understand each other at times. At times, I felt so frustrated by Kaguya's father that I just wanted to slap the shit out of him even though he meant the best. I'm also a sucker for happy endings and I definitely got hit by the feels train at the end. That beautifully animated flying sequence when Kaguya and Sutemaru were finally reunited really had me going but then BOOM. And then came "the ending" (I don't want to spoil any of it so you'll just have to watch). I did feel that the story was a little hard to follow and unclear towards the end but this was when we were entering "artistic license" and "rampant symbolism" territory. It was pretty clear that Takahata wanted to leave some things open to the audience's own interpretation.
All in all, an excellent watch and definitely Takahata's best work since Grave of the Fireflies. I recommend watching this with the original Japanese voice actors but the English dub didn't do a bad job either. I hope that Ghibli will continue to take on more eccentric projects like this in the future. I would have definitely loved this movie even more if it had ended on a happier note, but this is how The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter goes. You don't mess with a 1000+ year old classic. Anyway, get out and watch this because you don't come across a piece of "art" like this too often.
Sword of the Stranger was definitely an unexpectedly great movie in my opinion. The relationship between Kotaro and Nanashi is developed very well (for a movie) and helps to drive the film forward. I loved the fluid animation and exciting choreography of the action sequences and the music always seemed to fit the mood. The climatic fight/battle-royal at the end was absolutely epic. While the plot was not too original, it served its purpose in getting Nanashi to kick ass and shut many mouths. And I actually liked how the ending was kept open showing how wounded Nanashi was after the battle and that there was no nearby town. I just hope that Nanashi didn't die (although all the hints show that he probably did with this being his last sacrifice).
I have been wanting to watch A Ghost Story for the past month, so when my local theater started showing it a week ago as part of its Indie lineup, I couldn't wait. And I get why it has a 91% on RottenTomatoes and lots of positive reviews and all that but... man, is it a boring movie.
I get that it is a well-made with great editing, direction and some amazing long single-shot scenes. I get the poetic message that it is trying to send, and it does a good job with that. However, I just can't get over the fact that the entire movie is incredibly boring. I honestly could not wait for this movie to finish (which is tough to do with a movie that is less than 90 minutes long).
Imo don't watch this in theaters. Wait for it to come out on home video. At least you can fast-forward at home...
"El Psy Kongroo" has finally returned for one last finale (this is the official end to the series) and boy was it worth the wait. As an absolute lover of Steins;Gate (I'm possibly biased), this was a very fulfilling and emotional conclusion to the series and really did a good job of tying up loose ends and plot holes that still existed. As the original Steins;Gate was a story about the journey, struggles and decisions of Okabe through time, this movie gives Makise (one of my favorite tsunderes) a turn to shine and really emphasizes the feelings and conflicts of love that the current Steins;Gate world-line Makise was facing that were only touched upon in the OVA.
The continued development of the romance and the true revealing of feelings between the two time-crossed lovers were a treat, and the creators were able to give a more in-depth explanation of the reading Steiner ability and deja vu effect. I and, more importantly, Makise could also finally understand the pain that the current Okabe was still going through even though he had "saved" everyone which was a critical development in my eyes. I also really liked the difficult struggle between the "scientist" Kurisu and the "woman" Kurisu on the decision of whether to risk saving Okabe against his "wishes". The movie could have maybe touched a bit more on the other characters, but in 90 minutes, the resolution of the story between Makise and Okabe is the most important thing to nail down (and they definitely accomplished that).
It starts a bit slow (as do all Steins;Gate related things) but the emotional pay-off is well worth it in the end. You definitely have to have seen the series and OVA in order to get any of this. I loved the movie and it's a must watch for anyone who has seen Steins;Gate. This is the end that we have all been waiting for so don't delay and watch this immediately. Here's to one final goodbye and "tuturuuuu".
I went to go see Unsane tonight. Daaaaaaaamn. Soderbergh did a great job here. I can't believe the entire movie was shot on an iPhone. Crazy psychological thriller, and I really didn't know what was real or not for a good portion of the movie.
Definitely do NOT take a girl who is afraid of stalkers to see this movie. She will have nightmares for days after seeing this. Guaranteed. I even got freaked out as a guy.
Damn, Redline was one epic movie. I can't believe it took me so long to check this out. The animation is out of this world (those 7 years of production did not go to waste) and the whole movie just oozes style. I'm not even a fan of racing but this had me at the edge of my seat the whole time. Also, that OST was just bumpin'. I'm still listening to REDLINE DAY (feat. Rob Laufer) from the credits as we speak (click below). Madhouse can do no wrong.
Just watched Mamoru Hosoda's new film Mirai and enjoyed it a decent amount. Beautifully made film with a lot of heart-warming themes, a very cool future/past interweaving dynamic and good development. Unfortunately, the biggest problem with this film is that it was kind of boring. No matter the amount of other great elements in a movie, if it is not entertaining, it's going to struggle a bit in my mind. I prefer Hosoda's other works to this where there is a bit of a more over-arching plot and driving story arch. Still, this is a nice movie to watch especially with your family.
Saw Black Panther last night and I definitely enjoyed it. It wasn't earth shatteringly good, but it was a very nice change-of-pace from the usual superhero movies, especially those coming from Marvel. The entire setting of Wakanda was just amazingly done and is honestly the real star of the film. Black Panther has got its whole own mythos, culture, and set of vibes/themes that really sets it apart from the rest of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. I really dug the entire look and feel of the movie.
The story was pretty solid as well. Very-Shakespearean as others have described with family, betrayal, royalty, etc. I liked what they did in terms of the villain with Michael B. Jordan and how things progressed, but I feel like just a little something was missing in the last third of the movie or so. Perhaps the conflict could have allowed to develop a bit more intensely, and then we could have gotten a story that was truly special. Instead, we get a solid redemption story type thing at the end. I don't really know what could have been added or changed to the story (that's why I'm not directing a multimillion dollar movie), but I feel like something truly epic could have materialized (albeit time restraints are a real thing as well).
Anyway, Black Panther was still a great movie, and very much part of its own universe. I actually liked this path that Marvel took for Black Panther by limiting the Marvel cameos and trailers/lead-ins to other movies as much as possible, and rather focusing on the characters and people of THIS movie. It's kind of like the opposite of what happened with Spider-man: Homecoming. Definitely go and try to check this movie out. if you can get a ticket... :P
I just saw this in theaters on a XD screen (basically IMAX) and this was one intense and wild f'n movie. Heavy emphasis on intense. I'm actually someone who loves 3D movies, rollercoasters, VR, etc. but even I was starting to feel a little queasy during some of the hectic parts of Hardcore Henry (albeit I just ate a ton of Chipotle right before watching it...). While the plot is nonexistent and the characters are just sometimes (batshit) crazy, the action is what sets this apart from any other movie that I've seen and is basically all the movie is. If you thought Mad Max: Fury Road was all action, you haven't seen nothing yet. And once the (dope) action starts, it literally does not stop for the entire 90 mins that the movie is running. You will not get any sort of break whatsoever. So be prepared. I actually wished there were a few more periods of non-action just so I could rest myself (aka not feel sick).
This is a unique viewing experience to say the least and takes the "shaky cam" style to a whole new level. The first person view was even "shakier" than I expected going in but it helps to emphasize and capture the frenetic action/destruction that occurs to all in Henry's path. HH will probably be the closest mainstream "VR-esque" experience that most people will have until later this year with the PSVR or they're lucky enough to have experienced the Occulus Rift or Vive, so it is definitely worth checking out if you are interested in that tech at all. Now if you are a person that gets sick by anything with too much movement, DO NOT WATCH this movie. You will get sick. I can guarantee that.
For those who love action movies and want to see one of the most unique cinematic presentations in a while, you're going to be in for a treat. Just don't eat any Chipotle right before seeing this :P
I came. I saw. I feels'ed.
Goodbye Mushishi. Please come back to my life again at some point.
I watched Maquia: When the Promised Flowers Bloom last night and it was definitely a great and powerful movie. Well worth the trip and wait to watch it. It is an absolutely beautiful looking movie with some amazing characters, pretty interesting setting/world-building, and fantastically developed emotions and themes throughout. It was definitely a real tearjerker at times, especially towards the end.
There were a couple plot holes and things that were left unclear as to how and why they were happening/happened, but they were more minor concerns and quips on my end (don't really want to spoil them). They don't really hold you back from enjoying the movie. The ending was definitely an emotional whirlwind (I just didn't like one little part with Leilia), but well worth the journey and very well done overall. If your theater is still showing screenings this week (like in NYC) definitely check it out while you can. If not, pray for the BD release to come ASAP.
A Gentleman and a Scholar. Nothing more needs to be said of this Legend among Legends.
Just watched the first movie/ova and this sequel today. I enjoyed this little adventure a lot more than I thought. I'd shouldn't have expected anything less from Trigger. The cast is fantastic and just so lovable. I actually thought this sequel was a bit more fun than the original just due to it having some more substance to it. So Trigger... give me moar!!
Just watched Beirut in theaters staring Jon Hamm. Fun movie. It was basically 2 hours of Don Draper in the Middle East brokering a hostage deal (and drinking a shit ton of alcohol). You can't go wrong with that formula.
Just skimmed through most of the movie but, wow, I felt that was even rushed for a recap. I did enjoy the TV series when it first aired so I'm still looking forward to seeing what KyoAni will do with the whole Kuriyama amnesia bit.
I finished watching the second movie and just... wow. I honestly have no other words.
I love this series. Both movies are bringing back so many awesome memories and overflowing with so much nostalgia. Makes me want to play the game all over again (minus the insane grinding). The story for P3 was definitely than P4 and sooooooooo much darker and it is really showing with this adaptation and in the second movie. I'm getting the feels all over again just watching the movies. Can't forget about the music as well. Goosebumps. Also, Mitsuru (and Yukari for me as well) is just... perfection.
The second movie definitely improved on the first but that may be mostly due to the story getting to the good stuff. The animation quality has been superb and you honestly don't really get the feeling that your watching something replicating a "game" like P4A (other than some of the "big" shadow fights). Events and interactions just seem to flow a lot better and seem "real".
Anyway, I love 'em all. Two more to go. Can't. Wait. And #TeamYukari.
I actually really enjoyed this sequel. I saw the earlier preview of it last Saturday, and loved the musical numbers in this one even more. I enjoyed all the little arcs each of the characters got and how it was a bit of a different journey than the original. Each of the final musical sets is a great auditory and visual feast especially the final duet. The one thing that I would recommend most of you to do is NOT watch the trailers if you can. They honestly do spoil like 95% of the movie (no joking). Just trust my review instead ;)
This movie encapsulates my favorite saying of "I don't know what it is. But I want it". I have little to no idea what in the world was happening during the movie but I loved it. I'm gonna have to watch this at least 3 more times (and with subtitles) to even figure out what the hell exactly happened.
"Mission Accomplished." ヾ(⌐■_■)ノ♪
- George W Bush & Sony Pictures
I'm watching this... For FREEDOM!! 'MURICA!!
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