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jdunfee
Reviews
John Carter (2012)
Go see John Carter while it's on the big screen.... now... just go do it....
Go see John Carter. It's one of those movies that is meant for the big screen -- great action, sweeping visuals -- give it a ride and you won't be disappointed.
I wasn't sure what to expect the first time I saw it as the poor box office showing and mediocre reviews had me wondering. I left ready to see it again to pick up all the little bits that I knew I missed. I was completely entertained, and never noticed the time. I was surprised at how often I found myself laughing and chuckling at the bits of humor weaved throughout the story. The actors did a terrific job of bringing the story to life; I found myself really wanting John Carter to win the war and the girl (and the girl to win John Carter). The screenplay was another success. The movie doesn't follow the book(s), but ties multiple elements from the series together in a way that is fluid and is in someways more more approachable than the originals.
One personal preference note: skip the 3-D. As with every other 3D film I've seen, the technology is more a nuisance than a pleasure. I went back to see the film in 2D over lunch and enjoyed it far more. The 3-D effect is again more like multiple layers of 2D, and the glasses just limit your field of view. If this were a film of tight dialog on two people maybe, but with all the stunning visuals, you really limit yourself behind those silly glasses (or you find yourself moving your head around to take it all in).
I'll probably pick up the blu-ray, but even on a large television, the experience won't be the same (well, unless you have a 900" television). I hope this movie picks up, because I'd love to see what they do with a sequel. The last time I went to see a film twice while at the theater was... never. I usually just wait for the disc. This film is different. Go see it and enjoy.
Kôkyô shihen Eureka Sebun (2005)
A perfect fairy tale...
I can't speak highly enough of Eureka Seven. Of the little TV I have time to watch, it's at the top of the list. There's something about the crafting of the characters that draws you in slowly and effortlessly. I started watching the show because of the high quality of the animation; now I'm completely hooked because I care about people in the story. And that's part of what is so beautiful about the series the characters do become people, people you start to care about and want to see again. Like all good anime (Cowboy Bebop, Gunslinger Girls, Ghost in the Shell) and all good stories, the characters grow and define themselves, and that journey sucks you in and leaves you wanting more.
If you look around at reviews, you will see criticisms of the series most of these boil down to "not enough robot battles", or too wishy-washy with adolescent love, or some other pick at one of the many minor themes. These jabs all miss the point though. The story is really about love and family. We are reminded of how difficult love and family can be, how they change and define us, and how very much they are worth all of that effort.
I'll wrap this comment up before I get too sappy. Just watch Eureka Seven. I can honestly say it is my favorite story in years. It's a fairy tale, but sometimes we need fairy tales to help us make sense of the world.