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SemicomatoseStudios's Anime

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Seen all Rating
5 Centimeters Per Second (movie) Good
Appleseed (movie) Very good
This movie sports stunning animation and CG work and an intriguing plot and would have received a higher ranking except for the handful of key moments when dialogue emotion simply didn't match facial expressions. A character can't scream and have his or her face barely move, and that flaw weaked a few key scenes in the movie. Other than that small complaint, however, this movie is spectacular. The opening scene is really something to see!
Avenger (TV) Decent
The setting for this series is at first very intriguing. The concept of dolls, stray dolls, hunters, and the Original Dozen were at first very exciting. Soon, when character development began to fall flat and the plot slowed to a crawl, this changed. Avenger would probably be better as a shorter series. The pace is slow, most of the characters are forgettable, and the climax isn't at all gripping. It was still neat to see - I definately see the resemblance to .hack//SIGN - but beyond the initial concept of the setting, Avenger doesn't exactly knock you over in awe.
Azumanga Daioh (TV) Very good
This touching series comes close to Fruits Basket in terms of purity and tranquility. There is no genuine anger or conflict throughout the whole show. Oh, I was so glad to see Sakaki (who is likely my favorite character in the show) finally have a cat of her own at the end of the show! The balance of personalities between the six girls is comical and always intriguing. In the end, this show certainly met my expectations and would certainly be one to recommend to others.
Azumanga Daioh - The Very Short Movie Good
I was so glad to find this subtitled and be able to watch it! The animation style is slightly altered from the original series, but I like seeing this new style. I would prefer if they didn't call it a movie because it's extremely short and seems more like a show promotional video than any kind of movie. Still, all true Azumanga Daioh fans should see it.
Azumanga Web Daioh (ONA) Good
I was so glad to find this subtitled and be able to watch it too! Like "The Very Short Movie", the animation style is considerably different from in the TV series. Although very short, no real Azumanga Daioh fan should ever pass up a chance to check this out!
BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad (TV) Good
Although the show boasts a couple neat characters, the plot isn't exactly riveting. Koyuki, Maho, Ryuusuke, and Taira are neat to watch, but other characters are less than memorable. The plot is similar. There are some amazing guitar shots, but the performances are rehashed and the "live" music is the same each time. The conclusion is neat and very moving, but it didn't erase the earlier issues I had already built up with the series. I enjoy animes with heavy music themes, so BECK was certainly no loss for me to watch, but it's not something lots of people would easily pick up and come to treasure. It's just a simple tale about a young boy, an underground band, and their lives as they try to move their band forward toward fame.
Black Lagoon (TV) Very good
Blame! (ONA) Good
This is truly the kind of anime you can't make strong comparisons to. Yes, Blame! does make me think of Texhnolyze, but the two are only slightly alike. Blame! is something original, something experimental, and something that you either are drawn in by or quickly bored of. There is minimal dialog, no English dubbing, and little explanation within the quick show of what is truly going on. Make the most of Blame! by giving it a fair shot when you sit down to watch and also by doing some research online before viewing it.
Blue Submarine No.6 (OAV) Decent
Blue Submarine No. 6 is a cool show/movie as long as you don't mind the ending being a little sketchy. I'm not a huge fan of the mutant creatures and the ending was decent I guess, but the animation was done very well and the main characters are really cool. I always like coming across an inventive show like this, and this one has scored a place in my personal anime collection. If you haven't seen any of it and you're looking for a quick watch, the four episodes of BS6, or the movie, is a good quick view you most likely will get some enjoyment out of.
(Le) Chevalier D'Eon (TV) Very good
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (TV) Excellent
Cowboy Bebop (TV) Excellent
I've seen Cowboy Bebop twice through and am still struck by it every time I watch an episode. This anime is truly a landmark series. The characters are intriguing beyond explanation. In short, honestly, the word "chill" is the easiest way to describe it. Ed, Faye, Jet, Ein, and Spike really make an awesome crew for their ship, the Bebop. You've heard the hype and seen the promos, so if you haven't watched the show you'd better move this up your list and sit down for an awesome ride through this anime smash!
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Very good
D.N.Angel (TV) Very good
Aside from three straight poor episodes from #6-#8, D.N.Angel is a solid show that surpassed my expectations. I took to the plot quickly, really enjoyed the characters and their development (Daisuke matures A LOT as the series progresses), and I was utimately satisfied with the final conclusion. D.N.Angel is definitely a series I would recommend.
Death Note (live-action movie)
Death Note (TV)
Elfen Lied (TV) Very good
Ergo Proxy (TV) Very good
éX-Driver (OAV) Decent
This short series gave me exactly what I had expected but honestly not much more than that. The car chase scenes are really amazing! Sadly, however, the "enemies" for most of the show are simply malfunctioning AI cars. That fact makes it somewhat anticlimactic. Also, the rivals who appear in episode five are not nearly developed earlier in the show like I would have liked them to be. I didn't support the good guys all that much because I didn't comprehend the depth of the rivalry between the two sides. The characters are interesting but not phenomenal. Lorna was kind and respectable, but Lisa got under my skin a bit. All in all, this was worth seeing because it was such a quick series to watch. Racing fans will certainly enjoy the street stunts and high speed pursuits, but character interaction off the streets feels rather static.
Fafner (TV) Excellent
Fafner in the Azure - Right of Left (special) Very good
FLCL (OAV) Very good
This series is known for leaving viewers wondering what they had just watched upon completion of the six episodes it is made up of. FLCL is about...ok, so no one is truly sure. One thing is certain, however, and that is that this show is fun! Much of the music for the show is by the Pillows and the soundtrack sports such great songs as "Ride on Shooting Star" and "Little Busters" to name just two. The characters are lively and funny and the animation style fits the plot chaos well. Somehow everything winds up being humorous in the end, mainly because of the wild actions of the livewire Haruko. Poor Naota; all he wanted was to set his life straight too...
Fruits Basket (TV 1/2001) Masterpiece
This show really brought strong emotions out of me. It succeeded in being very funny and easy to watch while also warming me and leaving me simply feeling happy after each and every episode. On top of that, the character designs are amazing and the personalities are top notch. Few animes sport the variety of character types that Fruits Basket has. From composed Yuki to Kisa and Momiji, all the way to quick-tempered Kyo and every Sohma in between, the cast of this series really pack a punch. The ending really left me in extreme surprise, but it capped off the show with just as much creativity and beauty as all the rest of the episodes before it. Ultimately, Fruits Basket was a smash success that moved me from gleeful happiness to bouts of crying, and I regard it with the admiration reserved only for those series which in my opinion stand elite.
Full Metal Panic! (TV) Very good
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (TV) Excellent
This is truly an amazing series. I only wish it was longer. The animation quality is top-notch, the pace is gripping, and the finale is touching. The new characters in the series are intriguing and certainly enhance the story. Now, after finishing the series, I'm left wondering if Leonard Testarossa will become the next main figure in a new Full Metal Panic series yet to be unveiled...
Full Metal Panic! The Second Raid (OAV) Good
Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu (TV) Very good
Fullmetal Alchemist (TV) Masterpiece
Fullmetal Alchemist: Chibi Party (OAV) Good
Fullmetal Alchemist: Kids (OAV) Decent
Fullmetal Alchemist: Premium Collection (OAV) Good
Fullmetal Alchemist: Seven Homunculi VS State Alchemists (OAV) Very good
Gasaraki (TV) So-so
Geneshaft (TV) Good
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (TV) Very good
Gravitation (TV) Very good
I LOVE RYUICHI SAKUMA!!!
Gravitation: Lyrics of Love (OAV) Very good
Gundam Seed Character Theater (special) Very good
Gunparade March (TV) So-so
.hack//Intermezzo (OAV) Good
.hack//Legend of the Twilight (TV) So-so
Despite having a couple cool characters and some intriguing moments, the juvenile aspects of this series really kept me from getting drawn in. It's just far too cute in a childish way, I think.
.hack//SIGN (TV) Very good
Even though it is so conversational, something about .hack//SIGN kept me watching. In fact, the first time I watched this series I watched the final eleven episodes straight! There is a lot of dialogue between characters and not a lot of fast-paced action, but the music (although sometimes too repetitive) is beautiful, the setting is fascinating, and the plot questions that keep popping up as the series rolls onward keep you stuck to it until the very end. I recommend also watching .hack//Unison after finishing this series - it's a great celebration to cap off this enjoyable show! Also, I never have played the .hack video games and I still enjoyed the series, so don't let that part of it keep you from watching it. Sit down, turn it on, and log in!
.hack//Unison (OAV) Very good
This is a short conclusion in the eyes of many .hack fans. The most memorable characters from the games and anime series .hack//SIGN gather for a rave in Net Slum. Their isn't a lot of a plot here, but if you like .hack and feel like you need a little bit more closure on it then this is probably a good choice for you. Also, if you felt for Sora than you probably want to see this as well!
Hametsu No Mars (OAV) Decent
Some time after a space mission to Mars ends in destruction, strange monsters called "Ancients" begin appearing around Tokyo. A group of specialists consisting of three girls and one troubled young boy must fight the Ancients until they can come to understand exactly what it is they are fighting. When one of the Ancients tells them that they are the true invaders of Earth, they must search within themselves to grasp what truly is reality.
Here Is Greenwood (OAV) Good
Infinite Ryvius (TV) Excellent
This series exceeded my expectations. The animation style looks similar to Gundam Seed and Fafner - that's because those shows and Infinite Ryvius share an animation link in Hisashi Hirai and Shigemi Ikeda! The series itself really is a dramatic piece that many viewers have compared to the famous novel The Lord of the Flies. Basically, hundreds of children are left stranded on an advanced ship called the Ryvius. They don't have an easy way to get home, especially seeing as how strange ships keep attacking them! The characters are developed well and, when they do conflict, their struggles feel real and meaningful rather than cheap and typical. Multiple groups, including the gang led by Aires Blue, struggle for power over the others. Can one peaceful boy (with the same English voice actor as Quatre in Gundam Wing!) bring tranquility to a lost ship busting with social upheaval?
Initial D (TV) Good
Initial D: Battle Stage (OAV) So-so
What is there to say? Slick cars move at high speeds. That sums up this one.
Jinki:Extend (TV) Decent
Kino's Journey (TV) Decent
Perhaps I would have enjoyed this series more if I had watched it dubbed, but I chose subbed and never really got into it even though I did watch the entire show. The whole idea behind the show is simple: Kino travels around and witnesses bizarre lands with populations that live lifestyles that make no sense to us. There are definitely creative moments and also one hilarious episode in which Kino meets three separate men working along a railroad track, but overall Kino's Journey is far from riveting.
Knight Hunters (TV) Good
This show makes Angst its own genre. The characters are plagued with personal losses that stack up to just about any other anime I've ever seen. The animation, however, is something to see. What was the budget for this show?! For example, character movement is limited even to the point of the infamous Weiss Kreuz "foot slide" - where the screen turns sparkling colors and stills of characters glide by as if on ice. Although it can be comical to watch, at certain points (episode 19 especially) the animation is just plain bad. Still, I personally enjoyed the show thanks to Ken and Omi. Some fans of this anime see Ken as boring and Omi as weak, but I really liked them. Omi suffers immensely and Ken hasn't quite found his place - I liked how that worked into the show. Plus, when the other two assassins are the growling Aya and the womanizing Yoji, who else is there to bond to? In the end, Weiss Kreuz Knight Hunters is a fun show overloaded with angst and loss. If you don't mind the lackluster animation, then this is probably a show worth checking out for those who haven't seen it but are interested.
Knight Hunters Eternity (TV) Very good
Kurogane Communication (TV) Good
I can't say what it is about this show that made me enjoy watching it as much as I did, but I certainly did. First of all, Kanato is an amazing character. Not only is he cool-looking but he's got an intriguing personality and, unlike Haruka, an interesting flashback story to his youth. Beyond him alone however, the show really is just different. The episodes are short at fifteen minutes max each, but when I sat down to watch long marathons of episodes it felt good to power through the series at a good pace. The plot pacing itself is also worth investigating; Kanato doesn't even enter the show until the middle third or so after Haruka and her robot family escape the threat of a tsunami on their debris-filled city home setting. Leaving all that behind, the band sets off to hopefully find more humans for Haruka. They will find Kanato, for sure, but a lot more too along the way. The plot moves at it's own pace (somewhat inconsistent, but oddly beneficial in that what's important to the show gets extra focus time), the animation quality is satisfactory, the dubbing wasn't a problem (heads up to those who are hard-pressed sub fans though), and the overall feeling upon finishing the series is simply content and thoughtful. For fans of obscure anime, this is definitely worth looking into.
Last Exile (TV) Excellent
This show was an amazing surprise for me. I had expected it to be enjoyable and worth watching, but I found as I watched it that it offered me so much more than that. Last Exile gave me one of my favorite anime characters of all time in Dio Eracles. This show also sports the anime villain I hate most of any show in the character Mistro Delphine, Dio's older sister. The animation quality is excellent, the setting of the show is new and creative (such as traditional Naval battles fought in the skies rather than the seas), and the characters and plot really complete the package. Last Exile definately offers more than it shows on the surface.
Loveless (TV) Good
(The) Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (TV) Masterpiece
Mobile Suit Gundam (TV) Decent
Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket (OAV) Good
Mobile Suit Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory (OAV) So-so
Mobile Suit Gundam F91 (movie) Good
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed (TV) Masterpiece
After hearing from many viewers that Kira was a total crybaby and a weak hero, I began watching this series fearful that they might be correct. Wow, was I wrong! Since I finished watching it, I have gone against other Gundam Seed fans who dislike Kira. Kira does not cry and complain nearly as much as other characters in Gundam sagas have before him! What about Quatre, Relena, or even Cagalli?! No, Gundam Seed does not feature a weak main character. It does, however, boast a number of awesome characters such as Kira, Athrun, Yzak, Dearka, Cagalli, and notably Rau. The English voice actor of Rau Le Creuset, Mark Oliver, is especially strong in his role. Like other Gundam sagas, the plot is dramatic, intense, and without sufficient military struggling, although Gundam battle scene fans should turn to Victory Gundam for heaping doses of that aspect. Regardless of what happens to the Cosmic Era in the future, Gundam Seed began the timeline strong and without disappointment.
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny (TV) Excellent
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed Destiny Final Plus: The Chosen Future (OAV) Very good
Seeing this subtitled after only watching a dozen or so episodes fansubbed from the full-length Gundam Seed Destiny series made understanding all the alliances a bit challenging, but I caught on pretty quickly. As always for Seed and Seed Destiny, the color scheme and animation styles are dazzling and the characters certainly impress. The special footage at the end wasn't as interesting as I had hoped it would be, but it still offered a peaceful finale to the series and was in no way a letdown. Seeing this subtitled only a month after it aired in Japan really makes me want to watch the coming dubbed version a lot! Hopefully this OAV will be dubbed too, likely on the final DVD when it is released.
Mobile Suit Gundam Seed MSV Astray (OAV Promo) Decent
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (TV) Masterpiece
Gundam Wing is truly a fantastic show. It is no surprise that it had as much success as it did. The five Gundam pilots (Heero, Duo, Trowa, Quatre, and Wufei) are fantastic and well-developed characters. Within them is something for any type of fan, from the sweetness and care of Quatre to the determination and strength of Heero and Wufei. The supporting cast is excellent as well and buffers the show even further. It is amazing how much this series accomplishes in just 49 episodes. The plot is deep, thick, and certainly not rambling. The political overtone is certainly present but not the only focus of the show. Also, it is hard to argue that Gundam Wing doesn't sport many of the finest Gundams ever seen in a Gundam series. The show hosts the timeless Wing Zero, Deathscythe, and Epyon Gundams (and many more). Ultimately, for any fan with any interest in Gundam to let Gundam Wing go unwatched is a poor choice because this series is amazing, complex, and a real joy to watch and explore.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz (OAV) Masterpiece
Mobile Suit Gundam: Char's Counterattack (movie) Good
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (OAV) Very good
Mobile Suit Victory Gundam (TV) Very good
Before I watched Victory Gundam, I was excited to see Uso (the hero of the show) in action. The show is 51 episodes long and jammed to the maximum with military battles. I like Gundam sagas for many reasons, but the Gundam battles themselves are not one of the top reasons. Yes, they're very cool to see, but I'm a character-based type of viewer and I get bored with drawn-out battles that lack a direction. Victory Gundam has some military dispute in almost every episode. More allied lives are lost in this series than in any other Gundam saga I've seen. Essentially, this is the perfect show for Gundam fans who adore mobile suit battles and don't mind missing out on learning in depth about the characters involved.
Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam (TV) Very good
This Gundam saga is the sequel to the original MSG 0079. It was an immense improvement over the first, especially in the final ten episodes or so. The war theme is much more real, the plot is complex and adds a lot more than simply the good guy vs. bad guy concept. It's slightly disappointing how quickly the series ends; the conclusion happens in essentially a matter of seconds! Also, the viewer is left unsure of the state of their hero, Kamille Bidan (the Amuro Ray figure of Zeta). Lastly, it's also noteworthy how Amuro Ray enters Zeta early on and then will disappear from the show strangely without a trace. All in all, Zeta is a worthy show indeed.
Mt. Head (movie) Bad
I downloaded this just to give it a fair chance. It may be a retelling of a Japanese folk tale or something, but I didn't take anything from it except that it was freaking bizarre.
NANA (live-action movie) Very good
Neon Genesis Evangelion (TV) Masterpiece
At first I was skeptical because I had heard that Evangelion was some sort of draining emotional saga full of controversy. Well that isn't entirely the case. Neon Genesis Evangelion is an absolute smash hit, from the characters to the animation to the soundtrack to the plot. The show's spotlight characters are Shinji, Rei, Asuka, Misato, and obviously Misato's pet penguin Pen Pen. They all face their own challenges and obstacles even though their physical goal - defeating the onslaught of the Angels - is the same. Some fans say Shinji Ikari is a tough character to bond to, and that may be true if you enjoy action-crazy animes that lack emotion. Evangelion busts with emotion, and no character adds more drama than Shinji. He is young and vulnerable and yet still a good genuine soul. For him, piloting the Eva is a terror he comes to realize that he must face against his will for the good of those around him, those same people who have often mistreated or misjudged him. Rei Ayanami is a mysterious and sketchy character. She sports the fashionable blue hair and soft voice, although she rarely speaks at all. She is very determined and loyal; she willingly agrees to pilot Unit 01 in the first episode even when her body is injured and healing. Thankfully Shinji smartens up and she doesn't have to. All in all, Rei is the composed and gentle one who puts work before emotion...if she even feels emotion at all. And then there is the third major Eva pilot, Asuka Langley. She is wild and moody, very different from Rei. She strives to put Rei down and sees both of the other pilots as her competition. She refuses to warm up to Shinji as well, even though she winds up moving in with him and Misato. Asuka can be tough to like or connect with, but she provides a much-needed balance from the intensity of Shinji and Rei. As the pilots struggle through their adventures with each other, with their Evas, with the Angels, and ultimately with themselves, all three hit hurdles which they must triumph over. Fans of character-based animes will adore the character development and the conflicts between the contrasting personalities. Ultimately, Neon Genesis Evangelion is possibly the best example of an anime that curbs the competiton and reigns supreme in utilizing finely-crafted characters, a unique or abnormal plot line, and commendable animation and music to mold a simply fantastic series.
Neon Genesis Evangelion: The End of Evangelion (movie) Masterpiece
Noein - to your other self (TV) Very good
Now and Then, Here and There (TV) Good
Although not a sweet or shallow series, it often didn't quite grasp the peril that its characters were in. I guess it just felt flat at times. Still, it was very enjoyable to watch. I particularly liked Nabuca, Sara, and honestly Abelia. The plot is certainly creative and refreshing. Also, the concept of Lala-Ru and her powers over water put an intriguing twist on things too. Ultimately, this show didn't reach its full potential but it was still far from being a waste of time.
Origin ~Spirits of the Past~ (movie) Good
Ouran High School Host Club (TV) Excellent
Outlaw Star (TV) Very good
Outlaw Star is truly a great show. Is it really serious like Evangelion? Oh definately not. Is the animation really superb like Blue Submarine No. 6 or Texhnolyze? Not likely. So then why is it good? Simple. Outlaw Star boasts fun and entertaining characters, creative ideas in each episode not seen earlier in the show (it kind of keeps evolving, so-to-speak), and might I add that it also boasts awesome opening and closing songs. The show begins with Gene, the main character, and his partner Jim. Through an odd set of coincidences over the first handful of episodes, they end up stuck with a prized human/android named Melfina and the ship she can connect to, which Gene titles obviously as the Outlaw Star. Gene, Jim, and Melfina are joined by two other social outcasts as the show carries onward. The first is Aisha Clanclan, a CtarlCtarl commander exiled from her empire due to her... irrationality? Ya that's about right. Then there is "Twilight" Suzuka, a superb fighter rivaling even Gene. The five come together and travel through thick and thin, from deep under sea with an odd old man to deep in space in the Haiphong Space Race. The ending gets a little bizarre as the characters near the sought-after Galactic Leyline, but even those episodes are fun and very enjoyable. Ultimately, the show is a smash success.
Paprika (movie) Good
Paranoia Agent (TV) Very good
Peacemaker (TV) Decent
Phantom - The Animation (OAV) Good
(The) Place Promised in Our Early Days (movie) Very good
This movie did not let me down when I finally saw it after months of waiting for the English dubbed version to be released. The animation is simply beautiful, obviously. The characters are intriguing in a strange peaceful way that I haven't seen very often in anime series that I have watched. This is definately not an action movie in the least. I'm not sure how I would classify this movie into a genre. I can only describe it as tranquil, thoughtful, original, and breathtaking because it is so successful in being all of those. I would rate this Excellent instead of Very Good, but I held back from doing so only because I feel the ending came to quickly. The movie is only around ninety minutes long, so it certainly was possible to push the length a bit longer and round out the movie with a fitting conclusion rather than an abrupt end. Still, this isn't a major concern in my eyes and I would still place it at the high end of Very Good, if there was such a thing. To anyone looking for something refreshing and relaxing, this movie is definately a good pick.
Princess Mononoke (movie) Excellent
I rarely give out "Excellent" or "Masterpiece" ratings in order to give the best of the best special attention. Honestly, when a friend let me borrow her DVD of this movie I was somewhat hesitant. I made poor predictions that it would be too deep in the fantasy genre for me. It has a fantasy side without doubt, but what balanced that out more than enough for me was the passion and emotion I felt in it. As deep and odd as that may sound when talking about a movie, I really felt for Ashitaka and San and was overjoyed with the ultimate conclusion. In short, this movie covered all the bases in leaving me thoroughly impressed.
RahXephon (TV) Good
This is an interesting show and a hard one to explain. Essentially, this poor soul (I pity the kid; his life is so bizarre) Ayato is sucked out of his old life, slapped into waking up to the reality of the world, and set to warring against this odd species with blue blood all while coming to understand the truth about his weapon, the Xephon (or RahXephon, depending on what part in the show it's spoke of). The music is beautiful, especially the opening song, but that comes as expected from an artistic show which preaches of "tuning the world" to music. RahXephon is tranquil in ways and volatile in others. The plot follows an odd path; on multiple occasions the action sequences actually take place between episodes rather than during them. This anime certainly is character-based. The ending gets a little bit far-out but it's nothing that a Neon Genesis Evangelion fan can't handle. In the end, RahXephon is worth watching and sports compassionate characters and overall good animation, but the obscure plot style is both a strength and weakness for the show.
RahXephon (OAV) So-so
This intrigued me at first so I searched until I found a subtitled version of it to watch. Honestly, I was let down a bit by it. It is very short, which I knew even before watching it, but it doesn't really do anything. Quon rambles with a "fragment" of herself about realities and denying this and that, but none of it is very important. RahXephon maniacs might want to search for this one, but everyone else can pass it by.
RahXephon: Pluralitas Concentio (movie) Decent
I rated this one notch below the TV series, which I watched all of three months before seeing this movie, because a movie form of RahXephon just cannot contain all that the show explored. Being a love story, it deeply covers Haruka and Ayato. Other events, especially the action sequences and struggle scenes, flash quickly and without explanation. Ultimately, this movie is worth watching only as a refresher for fans who have already seen the entire series and can keep up with the movie's roaring pace.
She, The Ultimate Weapon (TV) Good
Aside from a number of awkward lines, the repetition of the word "dummy", and a slow start, the last five episodes of SaiKano lift it up to a satisfying conclusion. The show never deeply moved me even though it is a very sad and gloomy series. The death of Akemi was a neat and intriguing scene, though. Ultimately, SaiKano was worth a casual viewing but I don't think it achieved the depressing effect it was searching for.
Sky Blue (Korean movie)
Spiral (TV) Very good
The last third of the show is definately disappointing after the earlier episodes. Spiral has excellent characters, a compelling and intelligent plot, and yet an incomplete resolution. A sequel for this series almost feels like a necessity. Either that or a movie.
Sukisho (TV) So-so
Tales from Earthsea (movie) Good
Texhnolyze (TV) Good
The first half of this show is certainly different from the second half. Texhnolyze starts out as an action anime with chilling animation and intriguing lead characters. The plot is dark yet it pulls you in. As the show moves into the second half of its 22 episodes, however, things change. The pace is slow to the point of being boring for the last five or six episodes especially. Texhnolyze wants to be deep, moving, and memorable but it isn't quite as powerful as it had aimed to be. Even with a conclusion that doesn't feel like it reaches an agreeable resolution (aside from loads of people dying and shots of tranquil landscapes), Texhnolyze is a somewhat obscure anime that is still enjoyable and definately worth watching.
Tide-Line Blue (TV) Good
Although Tide-Line Blue is a simple series with a plot that boasts few surprises and with characters that are fun but far from legendary, it is a short fun series worth watching. For humor, there's an ostrich. For drama, there are two bickering brothers. For eye candy, there's...child birth in the first episode? Right. In any case, for a quick enjoyable view Tide-Line Blue is worthwhile.
Trigun (TV) Good
Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE the Movie: The Princess in the Birdcage Kingdom So-so
Turn A Gundam (TV) Very good
If I could break the show up into two sections, the two would certainly get very different reviews. From the first episode until around episode 35, Turn A Gundam is enjoyable but somehow passive. The conflicts that take place are small and usually don't last very long. The characters are introduced and explained in considerable depth. The Moonrace and Earthrace armed forces struggle against each other and surprisingly the Earthrace militia is able to hold its own thanks to mobile suits dug out of mountains and underground caverns. This first section of the show feels almost endless and I was glad to reach the real turning point of the plot around episode 35, when a band of Earthrace gather together aboard a ship they've unearthed and head into space to confront the Moonrace. From that point on, Turn A Gundam really heats up. The space conflicts are intriguing and unique in that our heroes must sneak around and use their wits rather than just plow through their enemies. The Moonrace government is torn between followers of the Queen and her opposition, which adds another piece to the ordeal similarly to how White Fang affected the closing episodes in Gundam Wing. Ultimately, with the dramatic struggle between the Turn X and Turn A, this show stands worthy of the hours it takes to watch it. Although it may not be ready for the North American market, true Gundam fans who can enjoy it subtitled will not be let down.
Voices of a Distant Star (OAV) Good
Weiss Kreuz Verbrechen & Strafe (OAV) Good
Even though it's only two episodes long, watching this was a blast! The ending was awesome to watch. Sadly, however, I've decided to rank this title as "Good" instead of "Very Good" for one large reason. SPOILERS AHEAD: Although you clearly see Aya, Ken, Yoji, and Omi stabbing, slicing, choking, and punching each other, and although blood spills all over the place, when Weiss laters comes through to save the day they claim that their struggle against each other was only an "act." I understand that this fooled their actual target, which was not in fact one another, but how was this "act" planned out? One extra episode could have clarified this and possibly even made it my favorite of the three Weiss Kreuz anime series. Aside from that one fault of not explaining how the "act" was pulled off, this quick show is amazing and is definately worth hunting for to watch, even subtitled. The animation is slightly different from the original Weiss Kreuz; I personally like this style better. Ultimately, true Weiss Kreuz fans will cling to this title from the moment they first watch it.
Wolf's Rain (TV) Excellent
Wolf's Rain (OAV) Excellent
xxxHOLiC the Movie: A Midsummer Night's Dream Good