Sailor Moon R: The Movie: The Promise of the Rose (1993) Review:

Throughout the history of TV, production companies have always tried to appeal to both males and females. This not only goes for animated and live-action, but also anime. What’s surprising is that fans of anime are much more accepting of the different kinds of properties Japan has come out with. Sailor Moon which is mainly focused on younger aged girls has won over young boys as well. Sailor Moon as a series was interesting as it involved mainly girls taking on evil demons along with the help from one slightly older guy wooing them over. As it turned out though, these people taking on these super power personas were reincarnations of beings from another world. It wasn’t childish nor was it deep in maturity. But like most popular anime, the show was able to make a movie.

Coming out after the second season but chronologically sitting somewhere near the end of that specific season is about the Sailor Guardians led by Usagi (Stephanie Sheh) finding out that Mamoru (Robbie Daymond) had an old friend as kid named Fiore (Steven Bednarski). Fiore, an alien came to earth alone only to leave shortly after. The reason for Fiore’s return was to come for Mamoru take him with him. Initially perceiving Fiore’s connection with Mamoru as a past relationship (which feels out of place now, considering the movie came out in the early 90s), turns out to be a threat as Fiore learns of Mamoru and Usagi’s love for one another. Written by Sukehiro Tomita and directed by Kunihiko Ikuhara who also worked on the show had control over this production.

From a continuity perspective it doesn’t make sense why a movie would be made after the second season but take place sometime in the second season. The reason this can be determined is due to the character of Chibiusa (Sandy Fox). This character was introduced in the second season and then left at the end of the second season. It’s also a little confusing as in the second season there was a similar looking alien by the name of Ail. It’s almost like the character was slightly modified and changed names for the film. The story itself though is fine as it demonstrates how caring of person Sailor Moon is and the connection she has with Tuxedo Mask and how that carries over to Fiore. The theme throughout the Sailor Moon show has been about love and that remains consistent here as well.

Again though, anyone watching this movie not having watched the show will be likely lost in what’s happening. Voice acting is competent and consistent as well with what’s put on screen. Stephanie Sheh as Sailor Moon is excellent in her role. The same could be said for Robbie Damond as Tuxedo Mask, Bennett Abara as Sailor Jupiter, Kate Higgins as Sailor Mercury, Cherami Leigh as Sailor Venus and Cristina Valenzuela as Sailor Mars. All of which have participated in numerous anime projects for decades before and after. Visually speaking the animation has the classic 90s anime look that can only be defined by that decade. The animation director was Kazuko Tadano who also worked on the Sailor Moon series. Much of it is much more polished up looks vibrant in color.

Again though like other anime productions, a cinematographer was involved. For this, a credit is given to Motoi Takahashi who worked mainly as a camera operator but has worked on other anime productions. Again as to what 2D requires from a cinematographer isn’t that clear. As for music though, the score was composed by Takanori Arisawa. Although the music as popular as other scores it is still very memorable and somewhat relaxing for a strange reason. The music consists of main orchestra, softer themes for the tender moments and even what feels like jazz interludes that keep the listening experience interesting. Most would probably not expect to hear harmonica in an anime movie. There’s plent of music to listen to. Arisawa was also the composer to the Digimon franchise.

For the first Sailor Moon film debuting after two seasons, the narrative very much sticks to what makes the tv show so interesting to watch. The overall message, music and acting are all on point. Animation was kicked up a notch to look better since it’s a movie. Just the continuity of where it sits in the timeline is a little out of place.

Points Earned --> 7:10

Dragon Ball: Curse of the Blood Rubies (1986) Review:

If there’s an anime that were to come to anyone’s mind right off the bat without a thought, it would be Akira Toriyama’s Dragon Ball franchise. There’s no shade being thrown at animes before it that paved the way for one’s like this to exist like Gigantor (Tetsujin 28) or Astro Boy. They deserve their own acknowledgement. However, there’s something about Toriyama’s endearing story that has completely captivated its fans while creating new ones to this day. There’s just something about the characters, the martial arts, the comedy and heart behind everything. With that said, it is no surprise that Japan would begin making films during the TV show run as well. After three seasons, Toei Animation released their first Dragon Ball film. Since the origins were from Japan, US audiences would get their own version but not a more proper one until much later, which is what’s being reviewed here.
 
The story is very much a similar summation of some of the past seasons in the show. Introducing audiences to Goku (Colleen Clinkenbeard) and his innocent life being transformed into a chase for magical spheres that could grant any one wish. All this is kicked off when he meets Bulma (Monica Rial). One the way, they meet Yamcha (Chris Sabat), his pal Puar (Brina Palencia), Oolong (Bryan Massey) and the one and only Master Roshi (Mike McFarland). Together this crew of characters end up coming across a heavily frustrated community where a little girl named Pansy (Cherami Leigh) asks for help as the ruler, King Gurumes (Jeremy Inman) wants nothing but blood rubies. Written by Toshiki Inoue who worked with Akira Toriyama before and directed by Daisuke Nishio in his first credit put together a feature film that’s alright for shear initial curiosity.
 
Readapted by Sean Teague who mainly does voice acting, made the English dub as good as it can get. Unlike other animes later like Pokémon or Sailor Moon which attempted to connect the movies to each season to make a flowing story, it seems like making truncated versions was the method here. This doesn’t make a whole lot of sense as it just tells the story already seen through the show with different alterations. For one, when the third season ended Goku had only defeated muscle tower of the Red Ribbon Army. If the movie was supposed to recap parts of this, it did not. Just to the end of season one for the most part. To some, perhaps that’s okay. Some scenes from the show are redone with minor changes as not every single character that appeared in the show appeared here like Chi-Chi (Goku’s future wife).
 
The voice acting to this feature is a mixed bag even for the latest English redub. The plus side is some of the well-known North American cast have redone their lines. Actors like Chris Sabat and Mike McFarland make the film feel that much closer to the show. However, for whatever reason Stephanie Nadolny was not available to do kid Goku and Clinkenbeard filled in who is not exactly the best. Yet she’s voiced kid Goku and Gohan versions in dragon ball before. Other actors like Monica Rial is sort of close to Tiffany Vollmer but doesn’t quite get there. Similarly, Bryan Massey sounds sort of like Brad Jackson’s way of speaking but not completely. It’s disappointing that the complete cast from the show could not completely return, as consistency is what keeps fans coming back.
 
The visuals to the film are what one would expect from the show level of quality. It is a feature film but like many others, an extended episode or special of sorts. Minoru Maeda as animation director keep things looking decent except for one obvious scene in the beginning where a scene change happened right over an existing shot which was surprising. Cinematography was also in play from Motoaki Ikegami which for animation films doesn’t make a whole lot of sense since there was no digital 3D modeling of any sorts yet. Lastly, the other good aspect to the film was the score provided by Shunsuke Kikuchi. There is absolutely nothing that beats classic dragon ball film score and Kikuchi’s themes nail it.
 
As a first feature, it recaps some of the events of the show but mainly up to the first season even though by the time it was released, the show finished its third. Animation and music are spot on. And some of the voice acting is appreciated because it is the most widely known voices, while the others are less desirable but not bad.

Points Earned --> 5:10

Yu-Gi-Oh: The Movie (1999) Review:

While some may consider Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Movie – Pyramid of Light (2004) to be the very first film of the anime. Technically there was one before it, however there’s a reason some may not consider it. That’s because it was only watched in Japan with no North American release. It’s unfortunate when this happens because there then becomes a rift between fans of the franchise based on geography. Maybe not a large one but it’s always disappointing when a certain region receives something and the other doesn’t get anything. It’s basically like being left out of a party and only finding out much later about it. There’s also the other side of the coin, where maybe it was okay to be missed. For this particular case, it seems that it hits middle of the road here.

The story to this thirty minute feature follows the same familiar characters fans know from the manga and after season zero. Seto Kaiba (Hikaru Midorikawa) is at it again, looking to obtain every single rare and most powerful card known in the game. Among Yugi Moto (Megumi Ogata), Joey Wheeler (Toshiyuki Morikawa), Tea Gardner (Yumi Kakazu) and Tristan Taylor (Ryôtarô Okiayu), another character takes the spotlight. Shogo (Eiko Yamada) is a shy boy looking to get in on the game too, when he happens to buy small card pack and it turns out being the Red Eyes Black Dragon. Unfortunately, Shogo is too timid and just holds onto the card. It is up to Yugi and his millennium puzzle to help him get past this. The script was written by Yasuko Kobayashi who also help pen for season zero.

Directing was Junji Shimizu who a year later would direct One Piece: The Movie (2000). For what is on screen, it serves sort of like a lost episode that belongs in its own timeline. For one, Miho Nosaka, the extra character that appears in season zero with Yugi and friends is featured but also is not included in the later seasons. In another way, this feature is very similar as to how season one begins where Shogo is Yugi and obtains a special rare card that Kaiba wants. Shogo as the character needing moral support is irrelevant too as he too doesn’t appear in season zero or the later ones. If anything, the movie qualifies more as a long nostalgic spectacle advertising for the now popular game. And there’s nothing wrong with that because of its short run time.

The story itself is very short and not that in depth. This movie may also turn off English viewers as they may not want to watch subtitles and listen to the Japanese dub. Although, the likelihood of that is low as most who enjoy anime, enjoy various dubs. The Japanese voice actors do a fine job though as expected since this is the origin of the anime, manga, game and all around concept. All voice actors partaking in this project were all a part of the original season zero so there’s no questioning their capabilities there either. Not to mention all of them have taken on hundreds of other roles in popular animes people are fans of. It would be cool if there was a redub of this in English but that wouldn’t happen.

The other aspect this feature has in its favor is the charm of its animation. The look of anime during the 1990s was all its own. Seeing the iconic monster cards and hologram counterparts in a form other than what people remember from the North American release is refreshing. That also includes the main characters as well. Hiroya Iijima as the assistant animation director did a nice job giving it that look. There was apparently cinematography as well from Jun'ichi Takeda but the reason for it is unclear. Lastly the film score was composed by an artist who goes by B.m.F. For whatever reason, there was no release of the music nor can it be found anywhere online. The music itself seems fine, but again nothing can be heard isolated from the film itself.

Music and animation are its best parts. The same could be said for the Japanese cast if one can get past that part. As for story, it is very quick and similar to how season one begins. Also the character of focus never existed before or after this so it’s a bit weird the story would focus on them.

Points Earned  --> 5:10

Maleficent (2014) Review:

There’s a saying that a protagonist is only as good as their antagonist. This in some cases remains true, while other times it depends. The original Disney Sleeping Beauty (1959) was a beautifully animated film but was very much seen as recycled material from Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs (1937) involving a young heroin put into a deep sleep by a jealous witch. To be awakened, only love’s true kiss could unlock the spell. Since then, many fans were impressed with how intriguing the villain of Maleficent was. The design of the character and the color palette used. Naturally, with Disney deciding to relaunch their classic properties in live-action form, they chose to flip the expectations for many by focusing on Maleficent this time instead of Aurora (the sleeping beauty). Did it turn out okay? Sort of.

The story is a soft reboot prequel of the franchise. It tells the story about who Maleficent was before she became the character everyone remembers her for from Sleeping Beauty (1959) and then some. Originally, Maleficent (Angelina Jolie) was a kind hearted fairy who enjoyed a magical realm known as the moors. The moors contained other magic creatures that lived in harmony. Unfortunately, they coexisted with humans where King Henry (Kenneth Cranham) wanted to conquer that area, which lead to some bad blood. But time waits for no one as the King was beginning to die. Along comes Stefan (Sharlto Copley), an ambitious man who befriends Maleficent and ends up getting lost in his overall goals and leaves Maleficent in the process. Linda Woolverton, a veteran from Disney’s renaissance era including Beauty and the Beast (1991) and The Lion King (1994) wrote the script for this film.

What does work in favor of this feature is giving Maleficent her background for context purposes. Conceptually speaking this would be fine if this story led up to the events of Sleeping Beauty (1959), but it does not and goes beyond that changing other things along the way. It’s different yes but what ends up happening is something to be expected in today’s day and age of this kind of relaunch and it’s predictable. It’s a bit disappointing too considering who wrote the script and the history of films they’ve worked on. Acting wise is commendable though. As expected Angelina Jolie as Maleficent certainly fits the role and acts close to the animated version too. Elle Fanning who plays Aurora does a good job too. Sharlto Copley is another good actor who has seen his fair share of films like District 9 (2009) and The A-Team (2010).

There’s also Lesley Manville, Imelda Staunton and Juno Temple who play the three fairy god mothers to Aurora. Sam Riley plays Maleficent’s bird companion which is a more interesting character than from the original. Lastly Brenton Thwaites plays Prince Phillip who has been in other movies like Oculus (2013) and later Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales (2017). From a visual perspective, the film is a mixed bag. The physical set designs look good when shown on screen. The interior of the castle and Stefan’s storage room look very interesting in their setups. The physical props and makeup effects used by the various actors are also good looking such as Maleficent’s horns and the king’s royal garb. But that’s about it when it comes to the good aspects. The CGI used throughout the film though is mostly bland and contains little charm to it.

The wooden guardians and troll like creatures living in the moors are just ugly fake spectacles. The battles between these beings and humans is also fairly uninspired in several ways. Hence why it’s disappointing to say the cinematographer behind this production was Dean Semler. This is the same guy behind The Three Musketeers (1993), Eye See You (2002), We Were Soldiers (2002) and Bruce Almighty (2003). Somehow, Semler couldn’t blend the physical and digital together for a nice look. Director Robert Stromberg should know better too as he started his career in matte paintings! Lastly the music was a decent effort provided by James Newton Howard. Being that Howard has worked on Disney projects before like Atlantis: The Lost Empire (2001), Treasure Planet (2002) and even The Dark Knight (2008), it is no surprise he composed a fairly hefty score to this feature too.

Those looking for only a prequel film to Sleeping Beauty (1959) may not be pleased to see that the story does not end there, but moves forward in its own direction. Visuals are middling at best and overall direction is a bit obvious even though it does provide an interesting background for Maleficent. The acting and music are fine though.

Points Earned -->6:10