All my Lava Buster videos (i.e. reviews), which are mainly dedicated to examining the writing aspects (characters, development, tension, mechanics, etc) of either Japanese anime, or Western animated, installments.
"I Stand Alone." Here's the final entry of my month-long send-up of the versatile (for better and for worse) works of Yoshiaki Kawajiri and company, and wow...what a bang. This recent movie, based off a live-action cult-classic from the late 80s, falls right back into generic, predictable, though watchable, decency. I hope you like revenge, Quickenings, and a character study of one of anime's ultimate jobbers (named Colin MacLeod), because those things (and more) will be 'highlanded' in this '...
"If I Was Your Vampire." Say, who doesn't love two-in-one specials? Not only did I cover the 1985 version of Vampire Hunter D, in minute detail, but of course, I promoted my auto-fellating admiration and respect for quite possibly THE BEST Kawajiri (and company)-crafted installment out there! Think of it like this: you get the appetizer, the dinner, AND the dessert...wait a minute. Anyway, bottom line: watch either version, 'cause they FUCKING OWN! :D
"City to City." Ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, children of all ages...I am pleased to announce that this latest installment in the marathon is several steps forward in quality! Real tight pacing/writing, a trio of eclectic bad-asses, a rich cyberpunk atmosphere, and some hardcore action scenes with psychic-themed bosses. This 3-episode OVA has it all, and is a definite recommendation for anyone looking for a damn good anime installment to watch...no more, no less. :D
"South of Heaven." The second entry of Kawajirathon is a marginal upgrade from the previous load of uber-sexual nutsackery, but still suffers from a painfully generic, formulaic plot, a romance more blatant and forced than YT's layout changes, and characters as easily identifiable as the colors of M&Ms. However, there are flashes of potential and interest here, and it's NOT Wicked City...and that's good enough for me! :P
"The Persecuted Won't Forget." I engage in a month-long journey through select installments created by Yoshiaki Kawajiri; logically, I start with one of the earliest, and most notorious, entries. Now, hentai is fine on its own, and so are stylin', jet-flyin' action titles...however, put them together, and disaster occurs within a wink. It also doesn't help that there's A LOT of misogyny and disgusting bullshit amid a generic, disappointing venture. Bottom line: time now to vomit! DX
"All aboard the Ho-Ho-HOOOO Train!" Here it is...the final review of 2012, and boy, it's quite the failed sensation. Interesting premise, but horrifying execution; more in the review. I recommend watching Olive the Other Reindeer, or hell, Tokyo Godfathers, instead of this! With that said, Happy Holidays, and catch you all in 2013! :D
"What's so civil 'bout war anyway?"
"Have you ever danced with the devil in the pale moonlight?"
"It's all in the mind..."
"Under the Sea..."
