On a side note, I purchased a VIP ticket for BAND-MAID’s November concert in San Francisco.
Highly Recommended
Mission Impossible 6: Fallout (2018) (American Action) – Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) and his IMF team, along with some familiar allies, race against time after a mission gone wrong. This is a surprisingly fantastic action film that is the best of the franchise since the first installment back in 1996. There’s a ton of high quality action with a wide variety of set pieces to enjoy. Pacing is very brisk and it’s nice to see Henry Cavill in a role that actually works. There are a few effective scenes of misdirection and the script does make an effort to infuse some drama and tension to the proceedings. I will be adding this to my personal collection when it becomes available.
BAND-MAID Live: Zepp Tokyo (2018) (Japanese Music Concert Footage) – This two hour concert of 26 live songs was included in the limited edition Blu-ray that accompanied the “Start Over” single release. This hard rock band of hot maids is excelling in musicianship at an exponential rate, and this fantastic concert is compelling evidence. As an added bonus, this concert features an awesome instrumental piece that has yet to be officially released. This is one of those Blu-rays that you could play on a loop and never get sick of it.
Recommended
Zeiram (1991) (Japanese Sci Fi Action) (repeat viewing) – A cute intergalactic bounty hunter fights a vicious shape-changing alien in this surprisingly fun, low-budget action movie by director Keita Amemiya. The highlight of this film is, without question, the physical effects and monster designs. The alien itself changes form on multiple occasions, allowing the filmmakers to explore a variety of weird body structures that are a joy to behold (even some stop motion animation is utilized). The lead actress is hot and has some charisma. The shootouts/fights are fun with their perfect blend of coolness and cheesiness, and the score is also very good.
Zeiram 2 (1994) (Japanese Sci Fi Action) (repeat viewing) – The intergalactic bounty hunter Iria returns to test a military robot, only to discover that it’s actually a new model of the Zeiram. The retractable alien core of the Zeiram does make a few memorable appearances, the action set pieces are frequent and at times innovative, and the scorching hot Yuko Moriyama is great in the lead role. Special effects are neat and the score is unique and catchy. Director Keita Amemiya returns, as do the two clumsy electrician sidekicks. The main reason why this film is a slight step down from its predecessor is the finale, which is not as multi-faceted or satisfying.
A Silent Voice (2016) (Japanese Anime Drama) – A young man is ostracized by his classmates after he bullies a deaf girl to the point where she moves away. Years later, he sets off on a path for redemption. This is a good quality anime film from top to bottom, with a good dramatic foundation and character development. A bit on the long side at 130 minutes though.
Of Unknown Origin (1983) (Canadian/American Horror) – A man who recently completed rebuilding a townhouse becomes obsessed with a rat infestation until it becomes an interspecies duel. This stars Peter Weller (from “Robocop” fame). The tone is deadly serious for the most part, which makes for some hilarious sequences. This also has a pretty good psychological slant and Weller is a convincing lead. But man, the rat in this movie is one tough son of a gun!
Batman Ninja (2018) (Japanese Anime Action) – Batman, along with a number of his allies and adversaries, finds himself transplanted from modern Gotham City to feudal Japan. The animation is fantastic and gawk-worthy, but his is probably a bit too wacky for its own good (it infuses some Japanese anime tropes along the way too). The story feels rushed, the dialogue is cheesy, and the English voice-acting is hit or miss. The constant use of futuristic technology kinda defeats the purpose of the historical setting, but it does provide an interesting visual experience. This is a flawed but moderately enjoyable affair, from a superficial stand-point.
Mary and the Witch’s Flower (2017) (Japanese Anime Drama) – A strange flower grants a girl magic powers. The plot is predictable and very simplistic, but the animation is nice and it’s moderately fun to watch. Based on “The Little Broomstick”, a children’s novel by British writer Mary Stewart. English voice-acting is good and appropriate, given the characters and source material.
Not Recommended
Ocean’s 11 (1960) (American Drama/Comedy) – Danny Ocean gathers a group of his World War II compatriots to pull off the ultimate Las Vegas heist. Together the friends plan to rob five Las Vegas casinos in one night. It’s kinda interesting to see these big names act cool and chill out, but there’s too much filler material, pointless dialogue, and Dean Martin songs. It’s too unfocused and inconsequential.
Foret Debussy (2016) (Taiwanese Drama) – Deep in the barren mountains, a mother and a daughter live an isolated quiet life. Kwai Lunmei is good as usual (and sexy), there are some very nice forest environments from start to finish, and the film is shot well. Unfortunately, there is almost no story or dialogue, meaning that much of the film shows Kwai sitting or sleeping in the forest – doing literally nothing else. This is a sleep-inducing experience.
Elevator to the Gallows (2010) (Japanese Drama/Thriller) – A doctor at a big medical corporation (Hiroshi Abe) has decided to run away with his lover, the wife of the president of his company. But before he is able to leave, he has to kill her husband and make it look like suicide. This movie feels flat and unengaging, almost like the filmmakers were just “going thru the motions” instead of providing impactful moments. It’s not bad, just boring.
Champion (2018) (Korean Drama) – A Korean American arm wrestler goes to South Korea for a competition, finds a sister that he didn't know about, and clashes with a local gangster. This is blandly written, cliched, and predictable fluff. Dong-seok Ma’s character has no personality at all, and the gangster conflict subplot is completely worthless. The acting is good, but this is simply boring to watch. Go watch “Over the Top” instead; at least it’s cheesy.
Stardust (2007) (British/American Fantasy Drama/Comedy) – In a countryside town bordering on a magical land, a young man makes a promise to his beloved that he'll retrieve a fallen star by venturing into the magical realm, but the star turns out to be a beautiful woman. This is a very shallow affair that involves way too many wafer thin characters. The story seems rushed, with scenes feeling abbreviated to the point of not being allowed to breathe at all. Consequently, none of the “endearing” or “dramatic” moments in this film are earned. In fact, all of the alleged “charm” in “Stardust” feels forced and artificial. Some sequences are just stupid, like the pirate ship fight. Claire Danes over-acts in almost every scene she’s in.
Pulse (2006) (American Horror) (repeat viewing) – This is another remake where you know you’re in trouble during the opening 10 minutes. We get a lame jump scare, then we are immediately introduced to a bunch of obnoxious college folks. Scares are incompetent, with CGI effects that show human souls getting sucked into the ghosts. Cheap, amateurish scare tactics are littered throughout, which include a healthy dose of jumps. Dialogue is stilted and the acting is crap. Color schemes and lighting are one-note and boring to look at. The most important character is a dude named Zeigler, and the protagonists say his unintentionally hilarious name over and over again. At one point, near the end of the film, the protagonist girl kicks a ghost square in the face.
