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YuyuShiki ( anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : July 4, 2014
1

Category: Reviews

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YuyshikiTitle: Yuyushiki

Director: Kaori

Author: Narsuko Takahashi

Studio: Kinema Citrus

U. S. Distributor: Sentai Filmworks / Section 23

U. S. Release Date: Aug. 5th, 2014

Format: Blu-ray / 12 Epsisodes / 300 Minutes

Genre: Comedy, Slice of Life

Age Rating: TV 14 (but really should be PG 13)

Overall Personal Rating: A-

Synopsis:

Everyone knows you can learn a lot on the internet, and some of it is even true. But if you want to know what’s REALLY going on and important, then there’s just one place to go: the computer club!

Okay, so maybe it’s not the club itself, but the three girls you’re most likely to find there. And maybe they do spend more time chatting about their social lives and debating things like the virtues of ketchup versus mayonnaise than they do learning about the ins and outs of a keyboard, but whatever they’re up to, it’s sure to put a smile on your face.

So come learn what the mysterious YuiYukari Formula is all about and join serious Yui, hyperactive Yuzuko and lovable but not quite in touch with reality Yukari as they experience life’s ups, downs, surprises, and occasionally, the internet!

Commentary:

In the world of anime there is a classic formula that seem to attract creators to it like moths to a flame. That formal is the girl high school club slice of life. Yuyushiki is one of the moths at manage not to get too close to the flame and burn itself. It follows the simple formula of putting some girls into a club, that really has no purpose, and follow their lives and silliness though their early high school experiences. I’ve seen this formulae work and sometime it crashes and burns, but Yuyushiki manages to stand up to other classics like K-On and Lucky Star.

The one thing that gives me some pause is the style of animation that they depict these young ladies. They do everything possible to make them the older style archetype with big eyes and no nose and their heads are oversized for their bodies. It took me a few episodes to get used to this older comedic image and even though it is light and slightly funny I still find it distracting from the real strength of the series.

Overall Grade: A-

In today’s anime world of killing giant mutants to crazy slasher dramas it is great to get a taste of simple fun that comes from following a group of girls though the somewhat silly early years of their high school lives. I’m not sure why this series was listed at TV 14, I didn’t find anything that I wouldn’t allow a 13 year old to see. Maybe they are trying to attract an older age group, but I see this rather naive humor to be great for so many age groups that I wouldn’t rate over PG 13. The writing is great and the story made me laugh out loud several times and kept a smile on my face throughout the entire series.

The harmless humor that doesn’t have a mean bone in it keeps these girls likable and easy to watch. It reminds me of how great series like Lucky Star, K-On, Tari Tari and even Daily Lives of High School Boys are. I now have another series to recommend when someone is looking for a light hearted series that simply makes you feel good. So, if you want to smile then Yuyushiki is something you will need to get as soon as it comes out.

Aria The Natural Season 2 part 2 (anime review)

Posted by :Patches On : March 23, 2014
0

Category: Reviews

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Aria The Natural part 2Title: Aria The Natural Season 2 part 2

Director: Jun’ichi Sato

Studio: Hal Film Maker

U. S. Distributor: Nozumi / Right Stuf

U. S. Re-Release Date: March 4th, 2014

Format: DVD / 13 Episode / 325 Minutes

Genre: Slice of Life, Sci Fi

Age Rating: 13+

Overall Personal Rating B+

Synopsis:

Akari, Aika and Alice continue to strive toward their goal of becoming Neo-Venezia’s top gondoliers. As their skills improve, they find themselves faced with new challenges. On their journey to become Primas, the girls will have to paint a palina, serve as hostesses at the Festa del Redentore, and even learn how to be brave in the face of a dangerous passenger!

Even with all the drama there is still time for friends and festivities. Will the girls be able to handle the added pressures that come with their trek toward becoming the successors to their teachers who are known as the 3 Fairy Gondoliers of Neo-Venezia?

Commentary:

As we work our way through these 13 episodes it becomes very clear that this series is not just about the friendships that these 3 young ladies have developed, but rather the bigger picture of what it means to become an adult. Of course, the fact that Neo-Venezia provides a very nurturing environment makes a big difference. Even so, there is plenty for them to learn and discover on their own.

For as much as I see the ease and beauty to this series I also see the limitation that it has placed upon itself. With such a soft and easy general appearance tied to a rather gentle grace that flows through all the episodes Aria provides a supportive environment that showcases the coming of age of these characters, but at the same time gloss over some of the confusion and distress that adolescence tend to struggle with. I do appreciate the way the address some of the questions and at the same time became a little less enamored with the way in which they were presented.

I can’t really say that this series is meant for that adolescent audience. The real audience is the pre-adolescent girl who is still somewhat dreamy and living in the world of happy wonderlands. This is not to say that others can’t enjoy this series, I think that most of us would love to live in a world just like Neo-Venezia. A world where all of the problems of just moving through life a simplified by just being in such a peaceful loving place.

Overall Grade: B+

Aria: The Natural part 2 is still a happy easy anime to watch. I can’t really discredit for giving us a picture of life in a world that most of us would enjoy having. I just think that it manages to make light of the coming of age for these young ladies. As a older viewer I like this easy escape form reality and I would guess that many younger viewers under the age to 10 just might find it romantic, but for those who are currently at the same age as the 3 protagonist I think it would be frustrating to watch. Anyway, I still like Aria and see it as a highly idealized world that I would love to live in.

Aria The Natural Season 2 part 1

Posted by :Patches On : February 1, 2014
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Category: Reviews

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Aria The Natural Season 2 part 1Aria The Natural Season 2 part 1

Director: Jun’ichi Sato

Studio: Hal Film Maker

U. S. Distributor: Nozumi / Right Stuf

U. S. Re-Release Date: Jan. 7th, 2014

Format: DVD / 13 Episode / 325 Minutes

Genre: Slice of Life, Sci Fi

Age Rating: 13+

Overall Personal Rating B+

Synopsis:

Akari, Aika and Alice are three girls who share a single dream: to become the most talented gondoliers in all of Neo-Venezia! Every day they train toward their goal, exploring all the wondrous sights that the water-covered planet Aqua has to offer. Whether it’s spending a wild day at Carnevale, sharing a beautiful sunset, or even crossing paths with the mysterious spirits that dwell in Aqua’s shadows, for these three friends, each day is a new adventure!

Commentary:

As season two of Aria begins the magic and wonderful presence of these young women jumps right out at you. Aria The Natural picks  up right the first season left off and  we still see three young ladies taking their jobs seriously and all have the goal of becoming the best gondolier. Even with that goal they still manage to remain young and keep  the thrill of discovery alive. The thing about Aria The Natural is that it stands a  beacon for anyone who has a long term life goal. Aria is not a jump up and scream action series or a leave you crying story, but rather one of those single slice of life / coming to age series that is simple and straight forward. I gives us characters that are easy to connect with and very sweet in nature. They have no crosses to bear or a score to settle, they only have their lives to live and to stay focused in their goal. Of course Aria may come across as being very simple and doesn’t always hold your attention, but for me that is part of the charm. 

The animation may not be overtly slick and for this series it fits well. For Aria The Natural the looks are important and the easy stylings are friendly and inviting. That is very important and also very important to the series as it progresses. The voice acting also plays into the series easy charm and all of the characters are given a chance to be themselves without feeling forced or heavy handed. The production of this series is well balanced and perfect for what it is.

Overall Grade: B+

Aria The Natural part 1 is something that needs to be given a chance. I understand that for many anime fans it is the series that have high impact, action or even hard hitting drama , but i think that Aria is a great example of a quiet series that has plenty to offer. Trust me on this, I believe you will walk away understand the magic that this series has to offer. Don’t be afraid to give this series a chance, I have a feeling that you will find it a great little get away.