Psycho Pass:The Movie (Review)

Four years (2116AD) after the death of Shogo Makishima and the disappearance of Shinya Kōgami, the Japanese government has begun to export the Sibyl System technology to other countries, with plans to ultimately spread it throughout the world.

Psycho Pass: The Movie proves that there is a reason this franchise has been so popular these past five years. It's has great cases, storytelling and cyberpunk atmosphere can be compared to the legendary Ghost in The Shell. As stated in the synopsis above the Sibyl System has begun to reach other countries. This system is charged with keeping the peace. It uses extensive surveillance and biological monitoring to gauge the likelihood that individuals will commit a crime. The police use weapons called "Dominators" that is able to eliminate potential criminals before they act. However when Japan begins to spread the Sibyl System a group of terrorist called Seaun attack. This brings Inspector Akane Tsunemori on the job. Akane travels to Shambhala Float where the terrorists are seem to be hiding. Here she encounters an old ally Shinya Kogami but who side is he on.

Psycho Pass: The Movie is a fun, action packed ride with great set pieces. It also has a few heart warming scenes to make you feel for the people outside of Japan. One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Akane arrives at Shambhala Float. As she is being taken to where she will stay, she sees poverty, military martial law and collars attach to people who are labeled criminals. The Sibyl System has arrived but not fully yet, so the Shambhala Float government uses their own means to deal with people. This naturally raises suspicion for Akane as she begins her investigation on not just the terrorist group but the government itself. Akane is a great protagonist to watch on screen. She is strong, stubborn but at the same time vulnerable in her moments alone. One thing I wish was explored more was that alone feeling she shows a little bit when her friend announces her marriage. She then goes home and you see taken a shower and then just sitting on the couch thinking about life. She thinks about maybe what could've been if she took another path. It's these quiet but brief moments that made me connect with her character. She also has a great chemistry with her former ally Shinya Kogami.

Fans will enjoy the different ideals that go back and forth between the two characters. One character is about order and doing what needs to be done. The other doesn't agree with the system and with the amount screentime both characters get its great to see that element. Overall the story is great but if you never seen the show you might be confused. The movie doesn't spend time to explain much of the already established world. Side characters that have development on the show don't really get much screentime. If you haven't watched the show be prepared to ask who is that person or what is that weapon.

The voice acting is great in both English and Japanese dub. Kate Oxley is wonderful as Akane and Robert McCollum plays a very driven but complex Shinya Kogami. As far as action goes the best scene are with a group of mercenaries. The scenes with then on screen is brutal and had me saying okay he's dead already stop stabbing him. If you want a good cyberpunk time check out Psycho Pass : The Movie which hits theaters for 2 days only on March 14th and 15th.

Final Grade 8.0/10: B-

Tokyo ESP Review

Story- Rinka is a normal Tokyo high-schooler with big dreams and a small income. She works a part-time job to support her and her single dad, but she yearns for the day she’ll get to loosen the strings on her pocketbook. Her ordinary life takes a turn for the extraordinary when she witnesses a penguin and a school of fish flying through the air. After one of the fish seems to pass through her, she wakes up in her apartment building with no clothes on and no memory of the strange phenomenon save for a mysterious ability to pass through solid objects. With her newfound powers, Rinka is about to learn just how transparent the world can be.

If anime had it's very own X-Men style type of show Tokyo ESP will probably be close to it.  Right from the opening sequence Tokyo ESP established a city in chaos. A city where people with unique abilities the Espers are terrorizing the humans. The Espers believe they are evolution and the new race of man and that they should rule over the humans. They are lead by a powerful Esper who simply known as The Professor. He has the power of illusion and he's very driven to see the end of humanity. However not all Espers feel this way. There are a small group of people who believe in peace, balance and harmony. This group is lead by Rinka a student who biggest worry was how she was going to support her family. It's not until Rinka discover she has been chosen as an Esper that her life and perspective changes. Rinka was an enjoyable protagonist to watch. Although I found her less compelling compare to other characters. If you compare her to the other characters Rinka is kind of the one note hero. The hero who is going to do what's right no matter what. She's stubborn and once her mind is made up that's it. While I did enjoy her arc of learning to be a hero I found the supporting cast and the antagonists more enjoyable. The reasons for this feeling is the supporting cast and antagonists have more deeper arcs that I think the audience will connect with more.

Tokyo ESP is a smart action anime. While there are plenty of battles to be seen in the show. The real battles come from within. As stated above the supporting cast and antagonists all have deeper arcs compare to our protagonist. Each character has some inner demon that they need to conquer before the shows conclusion. Characters like Ayumu who has a mother who is a politician that wages war against Espers. She hates Espers and thinks they should be eradicated. The problem with Ayumu situation is that he is an Esper and his mother doesn't know. Our big bad The Professor has a reason for his hatred for humanity. I won't spoil it but I love this overall theme of the importance of family, the effects of broken families and how one moment, one day can change everything. The show doesn't beat you over the head with its message of family and the importance of keeping your humanity. However it does get its point across through various characters and their personal demons. One of the most compelling narrative on the show is between Minami and Kyotaro. Minami is a big focal point because she is conflicted. She wants to support The Professor but she still has love for Kyotaro who has sided with Rinka. It's a conflicted narrative that pays off well in the end. Overall I was surprised by the narrative. I expected a funny, action anime instead I got a smart, compelling narrative with great characters.

Voice Acting: The English dub cast was well put together. Sarah Wiendheft as Rinka was great. She brought this strength to the character that connected with me. When Rinka is angry you feel it, when she's depressed, feeling defeated Sarah definitely let you hear it. Adam Dahlberg plays Kyotaro. Loved his performance in this. Kyotaro is really laid back, optimistic type of guy and I felt Adam really captured this smooth, suave character that also has conflicting values. Mallorie Rodak as Minami was a home run. Mallorie plays confliction very well. Every time she's on screen with Kyotaro you hear this strong stance but just a little crack of vulnerability in her voice which is Minami. My favorite character to watch was definitely The Professor played Jefferey Schmidt. You hear his voice as The Professor and you immediately say okay there's our bad guy. However he plays The Professor so well that I was actually cheering for him. The Professor is very persuasive, cunning and Jeffery voice capture that. It's hard to side with Rinka when you have this guy voice trying to convince you to join him. It's hard to say no to a guy like that. Finally one of my standout performance is Ayumu played by Morgan Berry. It's not easy to play a teenage boy and I thought capture Ayumu well. Deep enough to know it's a guy character and high enough to know he still going through puberty. My favorite scene is with Ayumu and his mother confrontation with the Espers. It's one of the character highlights and a moving scene. Japanese dub purists have no fear the English dub does the show justice and worthy of your watch.

Music & Animation: The soundtrack was good but not memorable. The background themes hit all the proper notes. I just wish there was more sad composition to capture more of the eternal struggle of the characters. Animation was great and enjoy the combination of CG with 2d which is the norm of anime these days. The action sequences were well placed, while other shows gave better action this one has hold his own. Just know that Minami steals the show.

Final Grade 8.5/10/B+: Tokyo ESP is an anime show to check out. Great compelling characters, strong performances. The ending leaves you wanting more and hopefully there will be more. The universe is now created and the team is assembled.

Bonus Note: The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack has some great commentaries on the episode. If you want a more in depth look on the show check that out.

Lenni Reviews: Beauty and the Clockwork Beast by Nancy Campbell Allen

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In this book, we meet the intelligent and strong-willed Lucy Pickett and the brooding, enigmatic Lord Blackwell. As this story is set within the classic framework of Beauty and the Beast, our two main characters fulfill their intended roles. Where the creativity lies in this book is the steampunk and fantasy elements Allen has woven into the narrative; introducing classic steampunk tropes as goggles and airships as well as werewolves and vampires. 

Lucy and Blackwell meet because Lucy's cousin has fallen ill and Lucy refuses to leave her side until she discovers the truth. As she is a researcher and familiar with plant-based remedies, Lucy stays with her cousin at Blackwell's manor. Meanwhile, Lord Blackwell is hiding a secret from the world and someone is  attempting to blackmail him; and rumors surrounding the mysterious deaths of his wife and sister put him in a dangerous position. As the mystery unfolds, the pair predictably fall in love, but as predictable as it is - this is a romance novel, after all - Lucy is an interesting character to read about and Lord Blackwell's reasons for being curt and brash are grounded in reality. He's not angsty for angst's sake and his transformation from 'beast' into a man Lucy can love is believable. 

The steampunk and fantasy elements are a good portion of the story, so while the elements of a historical romance are there if you're not into the paranormal or steampunk, those parts of the story may put you off. They do fit seamlessly into the world building and make a generic romance that much more exciting. Of course, it really helps that none of the women are simpering debutantes and the men aren't empty, emo sacks of angst in frock coats. They are all well rounded with solid motivations despite the fantastical setting. If you like your romances sweet, non-smutty, and with some interesting tech, Allen's book is a treat! Alas, you shall have to wait until August 2nd, 2016 to get your little hands on it.

The Walking Dead Game: Michonne Episode 1 Review

The Walking Dead: Michonne stars the iconic character from the comic book series haunted by her past and coping with unimaginable loss and regret. The story explores her untold journey during the time between issues #126 and #139.

Lenni Reviews: Song of Song by L. J. LaBarthe

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Song of Song is a science fiction romance by L. J. LaBarthe. Set in the far future where humanity has expanded beyond Earth, this book stars Dex (short for Dex742A-GR23), a genetically engineered man called a Boxie, and his AI cat, Manx, fleeing their home in search of freedom. Dex has been created to serve one purpose and if he deviates from that purpose, he will be killed. Once he and his fellow Boxies have been ordered to turn in their AI companions, Dex is too attached to his friend and decides to flee. While in outer space, Chen Lau Song is a fugitive fleeing the oppressive government on a sentient and evolving ship called Fa'a. The government wants to use Fa'a as a weapon but as the genius who created her, Song decided to run with his ship to make sure she couldn't be used as a tool or a template for other warships. Dex and Song meet when Fa'a is damaged and Song commandeers the ship on which Dex is hiding. Their mutual desire for freedom is what brings them together just as the despot seeking control of Fa'a and the entire galaxy; Cory Lewis Atticus Melvile (you can tell he's bad because he's way over named...) plots and schemes - willing to go to any lengths to capture them.

The sci-fi world built in this novel is very well done even if the characters are a bit cliche. You have the eccentric genius in Song, the man who wants out of his slotted life in Dex, and the evil businessman in Cory. It really is the setting and the overarching plot that sets this book apart; making it more a sci-fi with romantic elements than the other way around. If you're looking for the emphasis to be all on the budding relationship between Song and Dex, you may be let down. But the story as a whole is very entertaining. Manx and Fa'a are adorable characters and the rest of the cast and crew are likable characters fleshed out just enough so you care about what happens to them. Except for Cory... He's a twit.

If this story could have been fleshed out some more, it would have been even more fun. The universe created here has so much potential and I hope LaBarthe has more planned for it. I mean, come on. You CANNOT have a character named Shafaquat: Sultana of Agony and Cleverness with no back story! I can see an entire book about just her, easily.

If you like your sci-fi with a sweet little M/M romance, Song of Song will live up to your expectations. While some adult situations are present, they're not overwhelming and I had a great time reading this book.

Lenni Reviews: Because You Despise Me by J. S. Cook

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In this novella, the setting is Morocco in 1941. WWII is in full swing and a German courier winds up dead in a brothel in the city of Mariff. Police chief Nicholas Renard suspects the brothel owner, Jacob Plenty, knows more about the killing than he lets on. However, Renard has been in love with Jacob ever since they served together during the war and is involved with the Free French underground movement; two things that could easily land Renard in a concentration camp. Both Jabob's and Renard's pasts collide with the danger looming in the form of Major Danzing; a fanatical sadist sent to investigate the murder.

This book is short and sweet. It has as much intrigue and sentiment as a WWII spy flick and was enjoyable to read. Every man has believable secrets to keep and pain to hide, making the ending all the more bittersweet. Bear in mind, this is a male/male romance so there's some man lovin' in this book. If you're looking for some historical romance for your pleasure in this romantic month, J.S. Cook has a nice one for you here. A bit short for the price ($6.99 on Kindle) but I can't say I'd regret spending the time or money on this original and satisfying story. 

Lost in Harmony: Kaito's Adventure Review

Dive into a fantastic musical odyssey, brought by an immersive soundtrack imagined by famous composers, including Wyclef Jean.
Go beyond by creating and sharing your own levels on ANY SONG with the included level editor.

■ DISCOVER the musical story from the co-creator of Valiant Hearts
■ Guide Kaito and Aya through their adventures, in total harmony with music
■ Travel trough 30+ painted environments
■ Experience music in a new way with the combination of rhythmic tapping and choreographic runner
■ Customize your character's clothes, headphones, hat and skateboard

Dirty Grandpa Review

Hey O&G fans, Last week we got a chance to see a screening DIRTY GRANDPA starring Robert De Niro and Zac Efron. Now before I get into the review of the movie, here is a quick synopsis of this feature:

Dirty Grandpa

Right before his wedding, an uptight guy is tricked into driving his grandfather, a perverted former Army general, to Florida for spring break. Feat. Robert De Niro (Dick Kelly), Zac Efron (Jason Kelly), Zoey Deutch (Shadia), and Aubrey Plaza (Lenore) film directed by Dan Mazer and written by John Philips.

REVIEW

Ok first let me say I enjoyed this move!! Most people who will watch this, may not like the raunchy behavior or over exaggerated dick and fart jokes, but that's what makes this movie good. Funny one-liners like (“This entire state is licensed as a gun range!” Mantzoukas’ character says of Florida during a memorable introduction). This movie reminds me of the first American Pie (before it got sequel ed to death) You really had no Idea what it was about, but once it started it was fun till the end.

ACTING

The acting was ok. Everyone played their roles well so if you're expecting so Oscar worthy performance from De Niro, this is not the movie for you. That is not to say he didn't play his role well. This movie says it all in the title and that's what Robert De Niro was. Zac Efron was pretty funny in this role, even when he was trying to be serious (but he still can't top the character he played in Neighbors).

Over all the movie is entertaining with decent jokes. This is a good matinee or a night with friends and you just wanna watch a mind-less comedy. If you are easily offended this won't be the movie for you. I give Dirty Grandpa 2 1/2 stars.