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Reviews
ATL (2006)
Is it just me, or is this film horribly underrated?
Wow - this is a surprise. Watch it because it's proof that a lot of IMDBers are really full of crap pawns that care more about peoples' opinions of their opinions than they do about whether or not the movie is actually any good. Stupid sheep. This was very emotional, GREAT characterization, awesome photography, and extremely convincing dialogues. I'm from the ATL, trust me this is pretty accurate. This flick really does a fabulous job portraying what some folks struggle with overcoming stereotypes, growing up, and finding their place in their world. If you appreciate an honest review then go see this sucker - otherwise you probably didn't even read this far.
Star Trek: First Contact (1996)
Magical Sci-Fi experience
This is, without a doubt, one of the best Trek films made. Words cannot do it justice - not only is the script very strong and creative, but the supporting cast meshes with their roles perfectly. The classic ideals set forth by the Star Trek franchise are present here, and as hard to ignore as ever. A future as bright and broad as this one is an amazing thing to behold - and the old TNG crew does a great job of presenting it to us. The theme of the movie, man's first substantial ventures into space, is well selected and a very moving step out of the ashes that would be, in the Star Trek world, world war III. In any case, put your prejudices against Star Trek aside and go rent this one, you'll be amazed.
Lost in Translation (2003)
Never thought I'd see
a film about true love ever again. In a culture sadly over-obsessed with sexual preferences and practices, a movie about the purity of raw love is amazing to see indeed. No selfishly motivated acts (save one), depressing distrust, or annoying dependencies getting in the way here. Just the need to feel needed, and the want of someone close to you to understand what you're going through. Bravo Ms. Coppola!
Îhatôbu gensô: KENjI no haru (1996)
Expressive and Thoughtful
I'll make this brief. This was a joy to watch. It may or may not have been more effective if the characters had resembled their real life counterparts, but aside from this minor observation I found the fantasy animal characters to be most enjoyable. The visuals were most stunning except for the second-rate CG scenes, which could have been left out. I dislike computer generated animation anyways, it defeats the purpose of a biopic such as this one. Watch it, you will appreciate it too!
Shin seiki Evangelion Gekijô-ban: Air/Magokoro wo, kimi ni (1997)
Pure emotion.
Hard to describe this film. I would not venture so far as to consider myself an "otaku", but I do enjoy certain anime features. One must understand, however, that the majority of the genre IS crap, much like any other industry. But occasionally, just as you will find talented rap artists that have more to talk about than gold rims and diamond studded teeth, you will find an anime film that transcends the stereotypical "Disney 'G' feature" as well as the constraining belief that all anime is hardcore "hentai" or mindless action rabble. As an art form, I love Japanese animation. It's beautiful, it's surreal, it's superlative to Western animation in every way. But trust me, when you watch "End of Evangelion", you will forget all about the animation. This is a dish best served with a background of knowledge. You will not enjoy it as much if you haven't followed the entire OAV, which is some 26 episodes plus a two part movie in length. Let me explain:<br> The well established characters could never have been developed this thoroughly in a matter of 90 minutes. Impossibility. Once you get to KNOW these characters, understand them, and even care about them - only then will you appreciate this movie. You will see, if you look a little deeper, some parts of Mr. Anno showing up in Shinji's emotionally battered self. A character based on a real life period of depression, and remorse, and worst of all self-hatred - followed through with conviction and epiphany. A wondrously conceived window to the human soul made easier to understand through the use of non-human "animated" characters. A word of warning:<br> I've shown this movie to several people who were less than impressed. As a requirement for watching this movie and getting all you can out of it, you must keep an open mind. If you walk into it with any pre-conceived notions at all, you may be very disappointed or weirded out. Another thing: Consider the TV series and the movie separate entities. While the OAV does a great job of building characters, a world for those characters to live in, and emotional ties between them - it does contain a lot of silliness. An element that pervades ALL of Japanese culture. The bottom line is, just watch it. See what you can make of it, and how you feel when it ends. That's half the fun!