Movie Review: Yo-Kai Watch Movie (2014)

Film Title: Yo-Kai Watch Movie

Length:  1h 37min
Released: 2014
Genre:   Animation, Action, Comedy 
Rating: Unrated (I would say a PG)
Where I Got It: Netflix

SUMMARY:
When the evil Yo-Kai Kin, Gin and Bronzlow makes the Yo-Kai Watch disappear from time so they can help Dame Dedtime prevent humans and Yo-Kai from being friends, Nate Adams finds help in the Yo-Kai Hovernyan, who takes Nate, Whisper and Jibanyan 60 years to the past, when the Yo-Kai Watch was first invented by Nate's grandfather, Nathaniel Adams, while he was a boy. Together, the 2 boys fight Dame Dedtime and her evil Wicked Yo-Kai minions to save the world from her evil plans

TRAILER:

REVIEW:

OH MY SWIRLS! Okay - sorry - I had to start this review with my favorite character's catch-phrase. He is adorkable.

This is such a cute show and I actually adore watching it with my friend's little girl. It's hilarious and heart-warming. Such a good show and I was excited when we saw that it was a movie too. 

The movie follows Nate who is a boy who owns a special watch that can see yōkais running around. They are essentially ghosts, but not always the ghosts we think of. They have powers to influence us humans and the earth. Sometimes they are people or animals who die and get powers. Sometimes they just are. Before you scratch your head and wonder why this is a kid show. This is not dark but very light-hearted. Nate helps these creatures and they become friends. When he calls one to help they jump to it.

In this film, Nate's watch disappears. For some reason the past is changed and his grandfather who made the watch decides not to. The only way to get it back is to go into the past and convince his grandfather to make the watch. 

Such an adorable movie! I like Nate and his pals. I'm bummed my favorite yōkai didn't really pop up til near the end for a few seconds, but I did adore it. 

I do encourage watching the show first. Lots of references to the show, but even if you just watched one episode you'd be able to really get what is going on. 

OOOOO THAT ENDING MELTED MY LITTLE COLD HEART! Awww. 

This is funny, but it is also meaningful. It is a lesson about friendships and forgiveness. Love it. 

Overall, a great movie even though it is a "kid movie". Great lessons. Lots of laughs. I'll stamp it with 5 stars. 

Movie Review: Fist of the North Star (1986)

Film Title: Fist of the North Star (English dub)

Length:  1h 50min 
Released: 1986
Genre:   Animation, Action, Drama 
Rating: "not rated" (I would say PG-13 or R)
Where I Got It: Amazon Prime

SUMMARY:
A practitioner of the deadly martial art "Hokuto Shinken" allies with two children and an expert in "Nanto Suicho-Ken" to fight against the rivals who kidnapped his lover and threaten the prosperity of mankind.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:
This is based on the TV show. Differences of course, but pretty much a slimmed down version. Since I adored the original show, why not check out the movie? 

The story follows Ken who's love is stolen from him and is left for dead in the middle of nowhere. He lives of course. He wants to get revenge and get his girl back. He comes across some unlikely allies. 

Oh my. The English dub was horrendously funny. I should've just tracked down the Japanese version with English subtitles. Bleh...but what can you do when that is all you got? 

Looking past the bad dub version...I enjoyed the story. There were somethings and some characters I wished made the cut. Like Mamyia. BUT it is a very slimmed down version and it did work. 

Ooooh Ken. I always feel for him. He just wants to start trying to grow things to help humanity with his boo, but gah, people are selfish jerks. Power speaks louder than hope. 

The ending left me with some hope and I am curious about the 2nd movie. Maybe my favorite character will make even a cameo? We shall see. I will for sure want the Japanese version though with an English subtitle. 

Overall, such a classic story and I love it. It made me want to rewatch the original show or even play the game. Fun with a deeper meaning. The dub was terrible...so I recommend the other one. I'll give this 3. It would be 2, but it is still a good story overall. 

Movie Review: Dragon Ball Super - Broly (2018)

Film Title: Dragon Ball Super - Broly 

Length: 1h 40 min 
Released: 2018
Genre:  Animation, Action, Fantasy 
Rating: PG
Where I Got It: Theater

SUMMARY:
Goku and Vegeta encounter Broly, a Saiyan warrior unlike any fighter they've faced before.

TRAILER:

REVIEW:
I've always been a fan of DB and DBZ, but mainly just the show. The movies are usually not canon to the story, so I really never cared much. However, this version of Broly is now canon which made me excited to see the movie. 

The story follows mainly Goku, Vegeta, and Broly. All three are connected because of their planet being destroyed. They were babies and were sent away before the destruction of the planet. Things happen. Goku and Vegeta become "friends" of sorts. They went through a lot. Loads of baddies. They feel like they have reached their limits of power. Well...here comes Broly (and his dad) who was sent away to a remote planet because the king was terrified that a mere baby could radiate that much power. Things happen and Broly is now ready to destroy Vegeta and Goku. 

I loved the beginning intro. It really does help those who are dragged along to watch this movie and never seen any of the show. It gives a nice intro to the world and the characters. Even though the last movies are not canon, they do give small nods to previous origin movies. I do feel like they could've snipped a few minutes off. It did drag a little bit. 

The rest of the story was good. I especially loved the little-added humor especially from characters who are not normally funny. The little jokes were good. Honestly? I was surprised I liked the added side characters. They were not just fillers. They actually added to the story instead of hindering it. 

I felt soooo bad for Broly. He really got pooed on. That dad of his. Grr! *shakes fist*

The art was amazing. The effects blew my mind. They really spent a lot of money on this film and you can tell. It was awesome. The fight scenes kicked ass. The blasts dazzled. Beautiful and awesome. 

I really loved the ending. It was good. I hope they expand upon this. There is so much potential. 

Overall, I enjoyed this film and I want to watch it again. The beginning was a little slow for my liking, but I get why they added as much as they did. I'll give this 4 stars. 

Time for TV Tuesday: Death Note (2006)

Recently Finished:

Death Note

This show was never really on my radar. It never seemed like something I would like. Yes, I do like Anime, but I was never really drawn in. I have heard countless good things about this show. My friend decided to watch it and I watched the first few episodes with him and I got attached. I had to watch the rest. 

The story seems simple enough. A guy named Light finds a book that if you write a name it and visualize their face then that person will die. However, it is much more complex. The world begins to freak out because all these criminals are dying suddenly and without reason. Some people are okay with this because bad people need to be removed. Others are not okay because murder is murder. Let the justice system take care of the baddies. Things get a little bit more twisted when L, a super genius, figures out there is someone behind these murders and will do whatever he can to find this killer and bring them to justice. Light, of course, does not want to be found since he is building a new world of Justice. He kills an innocent person thinking it is this mysterious L. This sets off the most epic cat-mouse game the world has ever seen. 

Such a good story with complex and interesting characters. There is no black and white in this world. Everything is grey. My opinions changed continuously throughout the story. At first I was on Light/Kira’s side because there is no fear in this world for committing crime. Bad and evil people need to be punished. BUT Light showed that he really was no better. Sure, he wanted a better world, but who made him God? He was just as power-hunger and dark as those he claimed were bad. This show can really bring a debate to your household! Such a good conversation and show to talk about even when the END happens. 

It is long, but it does tend to fly by. So much going on. I was dreading the end simply for the fact I knew (a tiny bit) what was going to happen (the show came out 10+ years ago – I was bound to hear some spoilers). I would’ve written the ending differently if it had been me. It wasn’t BAD, but it wasn’t what I wanted to happen. I feel like it didn’t fit. Others disagree and say it was the perfect way to end this show, but I disagree for sure.

I think what has a lot to do with it is with N and Mello. I liked them…but at the same time they are not L so I was not really happy with it or them. 

Now…this isn’t all doom and gloom. There is a humor there that does lighten things up. I found myself laughing. Thank goodness there was the comic relief because this can be pretty dark. Even the more serious characters like Light had their moments. At first I didn’t like Misha…she seemed like a blooming fool. YES, she was an idiot, but she is a lovable idiot that you can’t help but want to be friends with. I’ll never fully understand her obsession with Light and how blind she was to how cruel and manipulative he was to her. BUT there is that symbolism there. Even when Gods are cruel their loyal followers still love them no matter what. 

WHICH brings me to my favorite of the show. The symbolism around every single corner. It was great. I loved just pointing them out. If a student ever has to write a paper about symbolism and metaphors THIS is the show to write about. Darn Young Carole…I wish I had been a fan of this show back in my High School and College days. So much material in this show alone! 

This for sure is a show to rewatch. I do want to rewatch it someday but I binged so much of it that I cannot watch it for a bit.

What else to say that doesn’t give away spoilers?? Mmmm

In the end, even if you don’t like anime this is still a good show to watch. There is so much storyline and characters to enjoy. This will for sure make you question your morality and your philosophy on so many things. I’ll give this 4 stars. The ending lowered this a touch. 

I will end with the main question every fan of the show must ask themselves:

Would you write in the Death Note? 

So tough, so tough. I have gone back and forth on this. I would like to say that IF I did I would be pure and only write the names of evil people. However….would I be tempted by the power? This is a lot of power to give a single person and no matter how pure the intentions are they will be playing with fire. However, there is SO much evil in this world that it makes me sick to my stomach. I wish I could rid the world of evil and this is a source that could be used if it existed. 

However, IF I used the book even once my soul would be bound to purgatory…stuck between heaven and hell for eternity. Sighs. Choices, choices. 

In the end, I do not think I could I write in the Death Note. I would not be able to get myself to do it. I would have a list I would want and whenever I lifted the pen, I would hesitate and put the book back. Yes, I would keep the book but I don’t think I could write in it unless something terrible happens that changes my mind and heart. 

Movie Review: Cowboy Bebop (2001)

Film Title: Cowboy Bebop The Movie
Length: 115 mins
Released: 2001
Genre: SciFi and Anime
Rating: R
Where I Got It: 


SUMMARY:
A terrorist explosion releases a deadly virus on the masses, and it's up the bounty-hunting Bebop crew to catch the cold-blooded culprit.

TRAILER:

Review:
It has been ages since I watched the movie or the show so I was eager to give this a watch when I came home and it was being put on the TV. I've enjoyed the show in my youth. I should really go back and re-watch because I can't remember much of anything. 

It was fun revisiting the characters. However, I had a hard time remembering some of the old references to the show and past events. Good thing my friend was there to remind me of the past events. 

The music is awesome and I love the art. It is classic but modern all at the same time. 

One of my favorite things about the characters, especially the main, is that they are badass but they are human and they have flaws, Sure they can kick butt but they are not crazy strong and they do get their butts handed to them once in a while. It is refreshing to see a cast of characters who are not your atypical heroes especially with the anime world. 

I also love the baddie. He is scary, but they make you feel for him just a tiny bit. Again...there are no blacks and whites in this world just grey...lots and lots of grey. 

The opening credits were weird. I get that they were zooming around the city showing the world, but it was weird. I liked the music a lot though, so it made it bearable. 

THAT ENDING! I had forgotten how crazy things got. SOOOOO GOOOOOOODDDDD!

Other then the weird beginning, I really enjoyed this movie. I forgot how good it was! If you like anime I for sure recommend this. I'll give this 5 stars. 

Wordless Wednesday

A Super Late Friday Flash Fiction

I know this FFF is rather late....but oh well. ^.^ At least I wrote one. Its been a while, I know. 

The Prince Warrior

by: Carole Rae

Once upon a time ago I was a prince who was a nobody. I was a sap. I was weak. That all changed when the bandits stole my precious jewel. My light. My love...my dear future wife. I was not able to save her, because I was not a man. Yes, I knew the basic ways on how to use a weapons, but I was so spoiled and I stuck my nose up at such tasks. “Who needs to bother with this, when one has bodyguards?” I would say. None would argue for me, because I was the Golden Son.

Though I was the younger son and my chances of sitting in the throne was slim for there was three brothers ahead of me. My parents loved my brothers, but they loved me more. I was their Golden Son. I took after my mother and was slim while my brothers had my father's stately and broad stature. I was beloved, but when my mother died, my father Emperor sat me upon a Golden pedestal and trimmed me to the weak man I was for I reminded him of my mother.

It was a nice life and I loved being treated like a fragile vase for I drank, ate, gambled, slept til the Sun was high in the sky, and slept with the whores at court. A grand and carefree life.

She then happened.

My jewel came into my life...the bride my father chose for me to marry. Our betrothal was made when we could barely hold our heads up. Her father was my Emperor Father's top General and since we were born on the same night, it was deemed “fate” and I agreed once I laid my eyes on her. My heart fluttered and pounded like the waves upon the beach. Her dark black eyes attached to my soul and I gave up my carefree life. Her sweet smile opened my heart to love. However...she is gone, now because I was no man and could not save her.

I will find her.

I will kill the men who dared take her from me that frightful evening.

I am now a man.

I realized I was meant to wield this sword.

This sword will taste blood.

~*~

“What a lovely jewel.” The man crackled and dragged a finger down her pale cheek, “She will look even lovelier in my Boss' bed. Right lads?” The bandits laughed.

I pulled and tried to remove myself from the strong hands of the smelly bandits, “Let her go! I will give you any amount of money you want.”

The top bandit, I assume, tsked at me, “You really don't know the worth of whores of late, do you? It will take many beds but she will earn more then you can give us. However, the Boss wants to taste this...pearl first before he lets her go and make us money. Maybe if she's good enough, she'll be the Boss' new toy for a while.”

Her eyes shone pure fear. She tried to pull away, but every time she attempted the bandit squeezed his grip and pulled her closer to his body. The rage inside me grew.

“LET...HER GO!” I yelled.

The bandit studied me for a while and said not a word for what seemed an eon. Finally he replied, “No....let's go lads. You know what to do.” He began dragging Hōseki toward the horses.

I struggled and kicked and screamed her name.

“Suizei!” Hoskei's bright voice cried.

“Hoskei!” I somehow managed to pull away from the bandits. I ran towards my jewel, but one of the bandits tackled me to the ground. He straddled my back grabbed my knot. He slammed my face into the mud over and over. With every slam Hoseki cried out for me to save her.....

~*~

I awake with a start and as naturally as breathing my sword had slipped into my hand.

Breathing hard, I tried to get my mind to realize it was just a memory and dream. Finally, I managed to calm my breathing and my eyes adjusted to the present. The rain was pouring down heavy. I stepped out of my tent and stood in the pouring rain. I swung my sword and sliced the raindrops, still trying to slow my heart rate and bubble down my anger that the memory arose.

I will save her....I will.

Wordless Wednesday

Randomness Makes the World Go Around (2)

As many may know...I love randomness. It's part of my nature. ^.^ So of course I'm going to want to share some of my random thought patterns and etc. Enjoy. 

For the next Renaissance Festival I want to go as Anne Boleyn or whatever. I think that would be freakin' awesome! I've been surfing the web looking for dresses and her famous necklace. I know what dress I would love, but I don't think they'll ever make it. Boo! I girl can dream, eh? So...if this was a perfect world, this would be my dream outfit (I have a couple dream dresses, which one do you like best?):

Dress 1

Dress 2

The Necklace

Alright, don't laugh, but this is the first anime I've drawn in a LONG time. This was free-hand during my algebra class. I'm a bad kid, but bleh, algebra is so boring. hahaha. I'm not sure who she is, but I named her Lady of the Butterflies. I wonder why. 

 (full picture)

 (the butterflies I quickly drew)

 (a close up on her face)

(close up on the bottom of her dress and my initials)

And now, I'll share you some of the things that happened today in history (December 16th):

~The Boston Tea Party, 1773

~OPEC states raise oil prices, 1979

~American Civil War: Johnston named commander of Army of Tennesee, 1863

~A terrorist bomber begins his rampage, 1989

~Two airplanes collide over New York City, 1960

~Earthquake devastates Gansu province of China, 1920

~WWII: Battle of the Bulge begins, 1944

~Pakistani forces defeated in Bangladesh, 1971

~Jane Austen's Birthday! 1775! Happy bday Ms. Austen

~Antonin Dvorak's "New World Symphony" receives its world premiere in New York City, 1893

~President Clinton orders air attack on Iraq, 1998

~WWI: Germans bombard Englishports of Hartlepool and Scarborough, 1914

I hope you enjoyed my random spurt of, well, randomness. Haha. I hope you have a great day today!

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<3CR

Randomness Makes the World Go Round

I'm bored today, so I decided to be random and post a post that's filled with...well...randomness. ^.^ Like the title says "randomness makes the World Go Round". You can debate me all you want science people, but I will always think that RANDOMNESS makes the world go round and round. So Ha!

First I would like to post a little list of things that happened in History today (because I'm a history nerd).

July 30th 0579    Benedict I ends his reign as Catholic Pope July 30th 0657    St Vitalian begins his reign as Catholic Pope succeeding Eugene I July 30th 1178    Frederick I (Barbarossa), Holy Roman Emperor, crowned King of Burgundy July 30th 1419    Anti-Catholic Hussites, followers of executed reformer Jan Hus, stormtown hall in Prague & throw Catholic councillors out the windows July 30th 1537    Resistant of Bomy: French/Dutch cease fire July 30th 1601    Spanish garrison of Rhine birch surrenders to Earl Mauritius July 30th 1618    Prince Maurits' troops pull into Utrecht July 30th 1619    House of Burgesses Virginia forms, 1st elective US governing body July 30th 1626    Earthquake hits Naples; 10,000 die July 30th 1646    English parliament sets king Charles I Newcastle Propositions (This list was from the lovely site TodayInHistory.com)

Here's a video by the always funny Wong Fu Production teams called 'Hot Lava'. You can check out their cute website store, Wong Fu Store.

Here's an anime version of me, Sarah, and Anee that a friend made for me. I think I would be a cute anime character! Don't you think so? =) I use to be able to draw anime when I was a youngster. Maybe I should get back into anime. Maybe someday I'll make my own anime series along with my future novel I want to write. So many dreams....so little time. What dreams do you have?

Me with my orange headphones that I always seem to have on. Just add freckles and it's complete. ^.^ 

Anee being all sassy.

Well, she's a brunettes now, because I dyed her hair. It's like dark brown with blonde bangs. It's pretty awesome.

Here's a picture of me and her with her new hair:

QUESTION TIME!!
~I'm planning on getting a new haircut soon, but I can't decide what I want...any ideas?
~What dreams would you kill to live out?
~Any good book series I should check (any genre)?
~Should my blog have it's own Twitter and/or Facebook account?
~How's your summer so far?
~If you could live anywhere in the world (or outerspace) where would you live?
~What's your favorite song of the moment?
~Was this post random?

Ahh, I got all that randomness off my chest. I hope you enjoyed today's random post! Tune in next time when I have a random attack. :3


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<3CR