Aka Machigai

Decent characters, a somewhat scattered plot, and the pacing definitely needs work. Other than those flaws, it’s a mediocre movie. This movie had the potential to be much more organized and impactful, but it sadly felt slow and jumbled. However, the animation and music were gorgeous, as it is with all Miyazaki films. While it’s not his best work, The Boy and the Heron is still decent and a worthwhile watch for Ghibli fans.

While it was fun to watch, the movie overall was just ok. The writing was mediocre and the characters simply did their part. The concept was interesting, and in a way, terrifying. The idea that the world may one day become a brutal game for quick cash is alarming. The fact that the rich would do this for entertainment only adds to the dystopian fuel. Though I loved how almost everyone revealed their true colors once money became involved, I was disappointed that the idea was canned towards the end. As far as I’m aware, the games didn’t end and no one, neither the rich or the people who’ve tried to murder the main characters, faced consequences. Other than that, I’m glad new films that attempt a decent plot are finally resurfacing, even if they aren’t what they once were (and will most likely never return to their former glory). Jackpot! is interesting enough for a movie night out with friends or older family looking for something to momentarily enjoy together.

This movie was such a disappointment. The idea and concept was intriguing, especially for fans of the Tarot game, but it failed to string everything together. The characters felt flat and severely underdeveloped, which made the violent and tragic scenes feel empty. The choices the characters made throughout the movie often didn’t make sense; it was clear they just needed a scene to happen, so an excuse was made to push forward an already crumbling plot. While I’m glad a fresh horror concept made its way to the theater, I wish the idea had more time to brew. For those looking for a great new horror movie, Tarot, sadly, is not it.

The Dragon Prince is a precious TV series to me; I’ve been hooked since it first arrived on Netflix and I’ve stayed with it since! Though its animation style took a few seasons to improve, the overall look was pleasant and set the mood for an epic fantasy-adventure drama. And for the first three seasons, it was. More depth was given to each of the hero’s and villains, the plot thickened, and the season three finale paved the way for a new chapter in our hero’s journey. Unfortunately, season four was absolute garbage. Every issue The Dragon Prince had, from the occasional cringey lines, the choppy pacing, and multiple story arcs (all of which were fighting for attention but most didn’t need it), shown brightest in this series fourth season. Season five wasn’t much better, and season six, while it was the best thing since season three, struggled to rebuild its shattered self. Despite its many episodes that have now been released, the problems that come with The Dragon Prince have yet to be resolved. This series at its full potential could be a close second to masterpieces like Avatar: The Last Airbender, but its own writing keeps it from ever reaching that point. Where Avatar managed to tell deep messages while still being kid-friendly, The Dragon Prince cannot do the same. The constant teetering between graphic, older teen-adult content to a silly, goofy kids show is MADDENING and it greatly reduces the fantastical impact of such an original story. I love The Dragon Prince, but it saddens me that it may never reach its full glory.

This is the sweetest show ever. Buddy Daddies has a touching story featuring an adorable trio working together to form a family. If you’re looking for a series that focuses on themes like “found family” with a dash of adventure, Buddy Daddies is the anime for you.

A Case Study of Vanitas is a charming, intriguing, and entertaining series. I loved the cast of chaotic characters that accompanied this shows fascinating take on the Vampire lore. The animation elevates the story; I love the color palette, background designs, and effects! Despite its stunning exterior, this show does run into quite a few problems. The writing has a multitude of issues that leave fans questioning the overall message and, occasionally, the plot of the storyline. Not only that, but the characters are inconsistent with their love interests to the point where it becomes annoying. There are also plenty of scenes consisting of blood drinking and kissing that feel misplaced and wrong. Whenever this series tries to be a romance, it fails, but whenever it continues with its vampire-centered plot, it’s spectacular! A Case Study of Vanitas is far from being a masterpiece, but it is an interesting watch for those wanting to explore new takes on the vampire genre.

I fell in love with the Hazbin Hotel pilot a few years back, so I was thrilled to hear it returning with a full season! Unfortunately, this series wasn’t as great as I anticipated. The writing has plenty of issues, which contributed to a rushed storyline. While I enjoyed some of the characters of the show, others weren’t as developed or as entertaining to watch. Despite its many flaws, I do love the concept of sinners fighting for their chance at redemption. However, this idea was undermined since heaven (the utopia for souls who were good in life) was just as corrupt as hell. Since both sides were evil, the concept I was looking forward to was quickly snatched away. Even so, I will commend Hazbin Hotel for its unique animation style and fresh storytelling. A majority of movies and TV shows today are tired, boring reboots that feature overused characters. I love that this series gives us some amazing musical numbers with original characters in a crazy new world to explore. While Hazbin Hotel is far from perfect, it is an entertaining experience that is sure to hook viewers searching for something different.

If I could give zero stars, I would. This series is a complete disaster. The plot and writing are horrendous; the events are horribly stitched together like the characters! Not only that, the entire story was boring and lifeless. The Acolyte is an abomination that never should have seen the light of day. As a part of the Star Wars franchise, it is an utter disgrace.

This was painful to watch. Not only was the entire plot meaningless, the songs, acting, costume designs, and script were all terrible. I had no idea what message, if any, this movie was trying to send and the extreme lack of character development didn’t help either. As a Descendants movie, Rise of Red is a major disappointment and a complete waste of your time.

While this it started slow, Steins;Gate rapidly became one of my favorite animes after a few episodes. I love the complex story that ties together beautifully at the end. Not kidding. Every single piece connects! It’s glorious! For those looking for an older anime to watch, definitely give this masterpiece a go.