As the first film in Gainax’s “Rebuild of Evangelion” project, Evangelion 1.11 does an excellent job of recreating and updating the original Evangelion TV series for the big screen. Not only the new movie do an admirable job of laying out the shows complex mythology in a fairly coherent manner, but it also manages to make everything feel fresh and new again. This is quite an amazing feat when you think about it, since roughly two thirds of the new movie is a shot for shot recreation of the most iconic scenes from the first six episodes of the original TV series.

Even after fifteen years, the story and, most importantly, the characters of Evangelion still enthrall me in a way no other show ever has. As epic as the action can be a times, the show has always been about far more than simply humanities struggle to overcame a supernatural threat using giant robots. Instead, the show is really a deep and multi-layered exploration of the human condition that uses combat and warfare as way to underline the struggles the deeply flawed and emotionally damaged characters that populate the show.

I’m sure that some of the more hardcore otaku will argue that Evangelion 1.11 is dumbing down the series so that even rubes and hicks will be able to understand it, but based on my viewing session, this is not the case. While I admit that the movie makes many of the more obscure concepts more understandable while simultaneously working to straighten out the tangled web of conspiracies and secrets that woven throughout its story, I don’t feel that the central themes of the series have been diminished any sort of measurable way. EVA is remembered because of its deep mix of self examination and richly detailed characters brought life to what would have otherwise been another stereotypical anime series about giant robots, not because if you didn’t pay attention you might miss a passing comment about the origins of the lillium or the truth behind the creation of the EVA units themselves. Granted, plot points like that are important, but just because these elements are now easier to understand, does not make the lesson the impact of the story and its themes.

With that said, I do have concerns that the Evangelion 1.11 comes very close to being overly dense. In the space of less than two hours, viewers are introduced to the majority of main characters from the series, treated to three separate battle royales between the EVA units and the Angels, fed a steady diet of social, emotional, and psychological theories AND watch the groundwork being laid for next movies mass influx of new characters and conspiracies. With so much going on with so many plot details that need to be absorbed, the whole film can be a bit overwhelming for viewers who haven’t seen the original TV series or done any research in the myriad of theology and theories behind it.

Bottom Line:

Evangelion 1.11 is the exact same EVA long-time fans know and love, except now it’s been all gussied up with fancy high end graphics that are look so razor sharp on Blu-ray that you’ll come away surprised your eyes aren’t bleeding. Combine the extremely nice graphics with the movie’s more coherent plotline and the whole affair becomes fairly newbie friendly. I highly recommend everyone take the time to enjoy this excellent remake of one of the most beloved franchises of the past two decades.

Final Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed By: Laughncat 1

Desciption: Evangelion 1.11 on Blu-ray (also available on DVD)

Some of you may have seen this video by now, but for those you who haven’t, let me just say that it’s a wonderful homage to the games of yesteryear. With the release of 3D Dot Game Heroes this past Tuesday, I felt it was finally time to run this short film about the impending Dotpocalypse. I’m sure some of the Futurama fans out there are going to cry foul, but seriously, doesn’t this look a heck of a lot cooler? :P

“Pixels” is director Patrick Jean’s second short film and, according to his website, was inspired by the games he used to play growing up. His debut film, “Theo,” was produced several years ago is a lower budget production, but shares many of the same themes as “Pixels.” Patrick currently works as a 2D and 3d artist the visual arts company, One More Production, who were instrumental in bringing his vision for “Pixels” to life.

More Info:
Patrick Jean’s website
Motiongrapher interview

Amazon is currently running a half off sale on ten different live action titles from FUNimation.  None of the titles look particularly spectacular, but hey, a deal is a deal.  Sale included such surefire winners as Ichi, Shinobi: Heart Under Blade, and  Ninja Vixens: Complete Collection.   No word on when the sale ends, so I suggest you check it out ASAP if your big into Japanese cinema and/or ninja-related hijinks.

In addition the newly announced sale on live action films from FUNimation, Amazon has also been running a sale on over 300 different anime titles for the past month.  All the titles are marked down 50% and the sale covers both DVD  and Blu-ray titles.   The sale is set to end on the 19th of this month, so if your looking for some cheap anime to fill in your collection, I highly suggest checking it out as there’s some really good titles in there. I’m talking stuff like Spice and Wolf, Fullmetal Alchemist, Claymore, Baccano, Pumpkin Scissors, One Piece, Ouran High Host Club and much, much more.

More Info:

50% Off Anime Sale

FUNimation Live Action Sale

You’ll have to excuse me if I begin to gush like a schoolgirl when I start talking about Fantastic Mr. Fox. This stop-motion film, which is based on a childern’s book by Robert Dahl, is quite simply a delight to watch from start to finish. With its star-studded cast, quirky characters and offbeat plot, the Fantastic Mr. Fox truly is simply fantastic.

At it’s heart, Fantastic Mr. Fox is the story of a man (well, fox actually) who gives up the work he loves to be a responsible husband. Several years later, bored and frustrated with his current life, he decides to pick up where he left off years ago in an effort to revitalize a life that has lost meaning for him. It’s a film about coming to terms with who you are as a person and being accepted as that person by the ones dearest to you. Also, it’s damn funny the whole way through.

Bottom Line:

Do yourself a favor and go pick up this guaranteed to be a classic film today. Despite it’s children’s book roots, this film is very much a movie for adults complete with witty dialogue, deep themes, and charming characters. I really can’t recommend this film highly enough!

Final Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Reviewed by: LC1

Product Description: Fantastic Mr. Fox Blu-ray disc

MSRP:

For many otaku out there, anytime a new Studio Ghibli movie comes out, it’s time for a celebration. Should that film be directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki as well, that celebration tends to turn into a whirlwind of ecstatic dancing that would make a dervish envious. I tell you this so you will understand what I mean when I say that there has been a lot of excitement surrounding the release of Miyazaki’s newest film, Ponyo by the Cliffs (or simply Ponyo here in the U.S.) Although few movies can ever live up to the level of pre-release hype that a film with kind of pedigree can generate when it’s fueled the fevered daydreams of millions of otaku around the world, Ponyo still manages to deliver a memoriable and delightful experiance despite some flaws that hinder the overall experiance.

Much like Miyazaki’s controversal film, Princess Mononoke, Ponyo is a movie ended up being hugely popular while at the same time leaving a lot of people scratching their heads in bewilderment by virtue of not being what they had been expecting. The difference in this case is that that rather than being a surprisingly gory war film about man versus nature, Ponyo is a childish romp that requires viewers to think like a child in order to fully enjoy what it has to offer. The key to this film is accept it as a child accepts things. As adults, we’ve come to expect that everything should explained to us in a way that makes sense. We reject, even if it’s on a subconsious level, stories and films that present us with situations that fail to provide any sort of framework to help back up the illusion that we’re asked to believe, even if it’s only for a short while. It doesn’t matter how implausible that framework might be in real life, as long as it’s there, we can suspend our sense of disbelief.

Ponyo, on the other hand, expects to the viewer to simply accept. It’s magic. It works. That’s all you need to know. I realize this may be hard for some folks to do, but if you can accept Ponyo for what it is and how it presents itself, you’re going to find this movie to be a wonderful experiance that you’ll want to see again and again.

Bottom Line:
Sporting a simple, yet endearing Little Mermaid-esque storyline supported by some of the most beautiful animation sequances in recent memory, Ponyo is a wonderful treat for both adults and children alike. It’s not perfect, but it’s still a wonderfully solid addition to any animation lover’s collection.

Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Reviewed By: LC1

Description: Animated Feature Film on DVD (and Blu-ray)

MSRP:

Yes, it’s true. The newest film from Hayao Miyazaki and Studio Ghibli finally releases today here in the U.S. Known as “Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea” in Japan, the American release has been shorted to just “Ponyo.” The film will be released simultanously on both DVD and Blu-ray, but sadly Disney has chosen to screw Blu-ray fans by denying them the chance at something similiar to the special deluxe DVD edition release that comes complete with a cute Ponyo plushie.

Anyway, the film looks to be awesome and set to be another classic. I suggest you run out and score yourself a copy today…even if it means pushing down that old woman in the video store who was just wanting a copy for her kids to watch tonight. Not that I’m saying I did anything like that. I’m just saying that old biddy was trying to keep me from my Ponyo and she got what was coming to her…

The Canadian born Patrick Boivin describes himself as an autodidactic director, which basically means that he’s completely self taught. While some might consider his lack of a formal education to be a major drawback to his work, one look at his portfolio will quickly change your mind. Whether it’s his bizarre live action shorts or hilariously unique stop-motion animation, all of his film work sports an air of polish that is hard to believe when you discover that he’s practically a one man show. In addition to his role as director, Boivin usually does the scripting, filming, lighting, special effects and editing on all his films. When asked about this, he was once quoted as saying, “Since I didn’t go to film school, nobody told me I wasn’t supposed to do everything.”

To see more of his work, hit the jump.

Michael Jackson vs. Mr. Bean

Black Ox Skateboard

Optimus Prime and the Evolution of Dance

Optimus Prime vs. Bumblebee

Condoms Are Bad? (Jesus vs. The Pope)

Happy Meal

I know it seems like I included a lot of videos here, but to be honest, this is only scratching the surface of what’s available on Boivin’s YouTube channel. In addition to numerous live action and stop-motion films he’s created over the years, Boivin has also dabbled in the art of creating interactive films that function similar to the “choose your own adventure” books from years past. “B-Boy Joker,” which depicts a dance off between Batman and the Joker, is probably hands down the best of the four interactive films he’s produced to date with it’s slick dance animations and groovy music.

B-Boy Joker (Interactive video: choose Batman or Joker at the Character Select screen and follow the instructions when the next video loads.)

To learn more about Patrick Boivin and his work:

Patrick Boivin YouTube Channel
Patrick Boivin Wiki

Got a copy of the FUNimation newsletter the other day. Not suprisingly, they decided to take the time to remind everybody of all the new shows and movies they’ve acquired recently. Overall, there’s a lot of variety to be found among the new releases, which contains everything from re-releases of older fan favorite anime shows like FLCL on Blu-ray to the newest anime series from “Fullmetal Alchemist” creator, Hiromu Arakawa. In addition to all the new anime releases, Funimation hasn’t left fans of live-action martial arts films out in the cold either with titles like Robo-Geisha and Kamui.

For a full breakdown of all the new acquisitions, hit the jump.

Jyushin Enbu Hero Tales

Details:
“Jyushin Enbu Hero Tales” is directed by Osamu Sekita (“Mobile Suit Gundam”). The anime was originally released as a manga written and drawn by Hiromu Arakawa (“Fullmetal Alchemist” TV series) in 2007. The 26 episode series will be released on DVD in half season sets in Fall 2010.

Plot:
Prophesied as the reincarnation of a powerful star, Taitou is unaware of the immense power he welds. After a mysterious man steals a legendary sword, the young man sets out on a journey to recover the weapon. Joined by his two friends, Taitou searches not only for the missing relic, but also for his true destiny.

Official Hero Tales Webpage
Hero Tales Wiki

Master of Martial Hearts

(couldn’t find the opening online and considering how godawful the opening for Master of Martial Hearts was, this fanmade video is a nice palatte cleanser =^_-=)

Details:
Known as “Zettai Shougeki ~Platonic Heart~” in its native Japan, “Master of Martial Hearts” is based on the video game of the same name. The anime is directed by Yoshitaka Fujimoto (“Girl’s High”). FUNimation will release the entire five episode series on one DVD in Spring 2011.

Plot:
Schoolgirl Aya Iseshima is in over her head. Because of unfortunate circumstances, she finds herself as a registered fighter in a royal tournament. It is not all bad news though. The tournament’s grand prize is the sacred Platonic Heart, a jewel that grants one wish for the girl who possesses it. Now Aya must fight her way to the top to win her special wish.

Official Master of Martial Hearts Webpage
Master of Martial Hearts Wiki

Axis Powers Hetalia

Details:
Based on the popular web comic and manga series created by Hidekaz Himayura, the anime is directed by Bob Shirohata (“Gravitation” among others) and is 52 episodes long. FUNimation Entertainment will release the series on DVD in two parts starting in late 2010.

Plot:
The world is on the cusp of war and Italy, a pasta-loving energetic young soldier, is stuck in the middle of it! Join Italy and all of your favorite countries as they re-live the past. Cute, crass, colorful and funny, this series is world history like you’ve never seen it before!

Official Axis Powers Hetalia Webpage
Axis Powers Hetalia Wiki

The Sacred Blacksmith

Details:
Based on the popular Japanese light novel series by Isao Miura, the anime is directed by super star director Masamitsu Hidaka (“Pokemon” series and movies, “Linebarrels of Iron”). The 12 episode series will be released on DVD in the Fall of 2010.

Plot:
Cecily Campbell is making her family proud. She is taking up the family business by becoming the newest Knight Guard of the Independent Trade City of Housman. The only problem is that she is not very good at her new job. Fortunately for her, Luke, the sacred blacksmith, is on her side. Luke has the power to forge powerful swords capable of defeating the demons that plague the land.

Official Sacred Blacksmith Webpage
The Sacred Blacksmith Wiki

FLCL (a.k.a. Fooly Cooly or Furi Kuri)

Details:
“FLCL” is the hugely popular 6 episode OVA series from powerhouse partners Production I.G. (“The Ghosts in the Shell,” “Tsubasa”), Gainax (“Evangelion” series), and Starchild (“The Slayers” movies). It is directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki.FUNimation Entertainment will release all six OVA’S on one DVD and on Blu-ray in late 2010.

Plot:
Bored with his mundane middle school life, Naota longed for a change from his daily grind. However his life completely changes after a pink haired stranger on a Vespa runs him over. Weird things happen when he is around the mysterious girl known as Haruko. Now not only must Naota deal with regular teenage troubles, but also with this new enigmatic woman.

Official FLCL Webpage
FLCL Wiki

Kamui

Details:
Produced by Shochiku Co. Ltd., Japan’s leading studio, “Kamui“ was released as “Kamui Gaiden” in September 2009 in Japan. An adaptation of Sanpei Shirato’s 1965 manga series of the same name, the movie is directed by Japanese Academy Award winner Yoichi Sai (“Chi to Hone”), written by Kankuro Kudo (“Ping Pong”) and stars Kenichi Matsuyama (“Detroit Metal City”, “Death Note”). Kamui is currently slated for release sometime in 2010 according to FUNimation’s website.

Plot:
It is 17th century Japan and Kamui is a Fugitive Ninja on the run. He despises the lethal laws of the Ninja where he must use his skills to kill others, and is in search for true freedom. However, he is now hunted by his fellow ninjas as they must eliminate him for his betrayal. In order to live, he must constantly fight for his life and distrust others. An incident brings him to a fisherman’s family, where he finally starts to open up to other people. Meanwhile, those hunting him are setting their trap.

Offical Kamui Webpage

RoboGeisha

Details:
Produced by RoboGeisha Film Partners (T.O Entertainment, Inc., Pony Canyon, Inc., Movie Gate Co., Ltd., Kadokawa Pictures, Inc.), “RoboGeisha” was released in Japanese theatres in October 2009. Written and directed by Noboru Iguchi (“Machine Girl”), “RoboGeisha” stars Aya Kiguchi, Hitomi Hasegawa, Takumi Saito, Naoto Takenaka, Matsuo Suzuki, Etsuko Ikuta and Asami Kumakiri. Release formats and date have not yet been announced, but expect to see it sometime in 2010.

Plot:
Yoshie is the younger sister and attendant of a geisha . One day, the sisters are invited to a dinner party by a customer, the son of the president of Kageno Iron Corporation. They are kidnapped and then trained to be assassins by the company president. Yoshie, who shows promise as an assassin, then begins to doubt the motives of the group.

Offical RoboGeisha Webpage
RoboGeisha Wiki

The Shaw Brothers Film Collection

Details:
FUNimation as acquired to the rights to 15 different Shaw films that represent a variety of genres, including kung fu, action, social satire, situation comedies, historical epics, horror and suspense, among others.

FUNimation will release “Sword of Swords”, “The Duel”, “The Lady Hermit” , “The 14 Amazons”, “Shaolin Hand Lock”, “Invincible Shaolin”, “Soul of the Sword”, “Life Gamble”, “Shaolin Rescuers”, “Shaolin Prince”, “Bastard Swordsman”, “Opium and The Kung Fu Master”, “The Supreme Swordsman”, “Return of Bastard Swordsman” and “Hong Kong Godfather”. FUNimation Entertainment is bringing these films to DVD in 2010 and 2011.

Shaw Brothers Wiki

Do you hear that? Yeah, it’s the sound of a million of furries masturbating in front your local movie theater screen as they watch James Cameron’s Avatar movie. Don’t worry though, for every furry that’s turned on by the giant blue cat people in the movie, there’s at least five other folks in that same movie theater eye-humping the special effects on the screen so hard you can practically hear a Velcro-like ripping sound every time they have to blink. I realize it sounds crass to say such things out loud, but I swear I’m only doing it to prepare you both mentally and emotionally for what you’ll encounter you when you enter that soggy dungeon down that street to watch one of the most gorgeous action movies of the past year.

I’ll be the first to admit that plot wise, Avatar doesn’t break any new ground. The story of the outsider who is sent to learn about a native people only to end up joining them against an oppressive invading force is nothing new in Hollywood. In fact, this movie is pretty much just Dances with Wolves in space with fancier special effects…and less Kevin Costner. Depending on how you feel about Kevin Costner, this may or may not be a good thing. Of course, on the flip side, it does have that dude from Terminator: Salvation and that chick that played in all the Alien movies. :P

Please don’t get me wrong. I loved the giant cat-like Na’vi with their Native American style tree-hugging culture and their seemingly firm belief that bras and, for the most part, underwear are over-rated. I’m enough of an otaku to admit that I’m going to onboard with anything that might include some catgirl nipple shots, but I’m not to stand around and claim that just because I like the supporting fiction that’s been built up around a story that it means that the main story itself has any depth to it. It’s like a house can that’s just been built. It’s got four walls and a roof, but still completely empty inside.

Despite its drawbacks in the storytelling department, what makes Avatar impressive is that it presents the viewer with a fully realized alien world that is so gorgeous and amazing that it takes the your breath away. The director, James Cameron, effectively uses all the cinematic tools at his disposal to create his grand illusion over the course of three hours. The world of Pandora is teems with titanic monsters and six legged beasts of the field that move among the bio-luminescent jungle flora as the giant blue Na’vi hunt and fight among its treetops or soar through the its skies upon mighty reptile mounts. In contrast, the sci-fi technology used by the humans to fight the Na’vi is both cool looking and highly reminiscent of some of tech designs found in the director’s earlier works.

A lot of fuss has been made about the 3D aspects of the film, and I must say that if you plan on watching the film in the 3D, you may not find it to be quite what you were expect. Most 3d films concentrate on breaking the boundry between the screen and you, so a lot of shots are set up so that it appears that stuff is coming out of the screen towards you. Avatar does just the opposite. Rather then pushing outward, it insteads creates a subtler 3D effect that adds depth to the film, making it seem more like your looking through a window at the action happening on the other side. It’s a neat effect and I’m curious how this will translate to the small screen when it it’s released to retail later in the year.

Bottom Line:
Ultimately, Avatar is a visual tour-de-force that’s both memorable and wondrous despite reusing a plot that’s been around the block more times than a Hollywood hooker. If you decide not to catch in the theater, then I highly suggest checking it on when it comes to DVD or Blu-ray.

Final Score: 4 out of 5 stars
Reviewed by: LC1
Review Format: Movie Theater (3D)

Today’s Monday Music mixes of the sweet electronic rhythms of the band “Orbital” and the mad movie rantings of that awesome man-cobra from the UK, Christopher Eccelston. The quotes in the song come from a 2004 mini-series that Eccelston did, called “The Second Coming,” in which he plays the son of God. As soon as I heard this voice clip from this song, I knew I had to track this movie down. Luckly for me, Netflix has it in stock and I’ve got it in my queue. (Hurray!) If it turns out to be as good as the clip used in the song, I’ll make sure to post a review here (along with a complete count of how many times Eccelston sprays his venomous spittle on people while ranting throughout the film :P)

While we’re on the subject of Orbital, Christopher Eccleston and general nerdiness, I felt it imperitive that I include this remix Dr. Who theme. Much like “You Lot,” I couldn’t find an offiical video, so I’ve included a fan video some nice person made complete with lot’s of pics of Doctors 9 and 10.