david.animeunfair reviews of new animeSamurai Champloo 21- February 14, 2005 Just as pointed out in Momotato's superb review, this episode represents the archetype of this genre. In terms of style, content, and polish, this story arc delivers one of the best samurai tales ever concocted. In retrospect, it's amazing to see just how skillfully this arc is orchestrated -- even though the critical plot events stretch between two episodes, one only starts to get an grip on the overarching schema at the very end, and as the seconds tick down, it's incredible to see the truth.http://www.davidslife.com/anime/reviews/samurai_champloo_21.php Naruto 121- February 11, 2005 In an incredibly fast-paced episode, this chapter shows our three protagonists suffering massive trauma from their overbearing opponents. Although the simultaneous focus on all three battles tends to fragment the storyline, the sheer magnitude of the action makes for a remarkably enthralling experience. In one sense, it's impossible to watch this arc without feeling despair at the devastating odds faced by our heroes -- whether one looks at Kiba, Naruto, or Shikamaru, it's difficult to imagine.http://www.davidslife.com/anime/reviews/naruto_121.php Samurai Champloo 20- February 9, 2005 Just as pointed out by the excellent commentary by Momotato and Athena, this episode provides a remarkably smooth blend of character development, plot machinations, and group dynamics. In one way, it seems that this episode doesn't ooze style, as characteristic of its predecessors -- rap has been replaced by the shamisen, the characters act more natural, and the pace of the story is slower than before. However, this shift in focus does wonders to the overall cohesion of the storyline, and in...http://www.davidslife.com/anime/reviews/samurai_champloo_20.php Gankutsuou 15- February 7, 2005 Just as pointed out in BluWacky's excellent review, all semblance of human goodness has been stripped from this title. Without a doubt, we are now wholly in the realm of unadulterated madness. Given the intricate societal machinations of the first half of this series, it's horrifically thrilling to see all the niceties ripped apart and the Count's evil tactics unleashed in full force. To be sure, the sheer power of the Count turns any suspenseful conflict into a farcical rout, but as a...http://www.davidslife.com/anime/reviews/gankutsuou_15.php Naruto 120- February 4, 2005 In a rather mediocre follow-up to the excellent prior arcs, this episode shows Kiba and Akamaru fighting toe-to-toe against the strongest member of Orochimaru's original strike team. However, despite the huge powers & summons involved, the battle seems devoid of strategy, honor, or vitality. In one sense, it's possible to say that Kiba and Akamaru were outmaneuvered from the start -- even before Sakon engaged his curse seal, Kiba seemed unable to leave a scratch on his opponent. Although Kiba..http://www.davidslife.com/anime/reviews/naruto_120.php Samurai 7 20- February 2, 2005 Just as pointed out in Ten's excellent review, this episode provides a segue from depths of court intrigue and places us in the center of a heroic rescue attempt. However, despite the mind-bending odds faced by our protagonists, the story is ridiculously . . . spineless. At the center of this hitch is the weak-willed Ukyou -- although his actions are indeed nefarious, there isn't any cohesive focus to his schemes, and it's rather pathetic to watch him suddenly vacillate from one evil plan to...http://www.davidslife.com/anime/reviews/samurai_7_20.php |