Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conquerors of Shamballa Review

Warning! As this is the sequel to Fullmetal Alchemist's original series, expect spoilers.

At some point, some evil, evil show writer decided to end Full Metal Alchemist in 1920's Munich. Me, as a harcore fan, am very dissapointed. But, in a very odd attempt to right their wrongs ( And make some more cash) they decided to make a film to fix the ending.  As the ending needs a lot of fixing, this film better be good, and hit all the themes of the show. Yet someone at the animation studio( likely the same writer) decided to make it about Edward Elric fighting the Thule society with the help of the director of Metropolis. I sense Winston Churchill rolling in his grave.

The best part of this film, I have to say, is the animation. Think brotherhood, but with less vibrant colors. Its a very good look, that fits post WW1 germany amazingly. The alchemy looks a bit better too. The only semi annoying part of the animation, is the constant use of 3d CG. It sticks out like a " My neighbor Totoro " fan at an shonen convention.

The voice actors are mostly the same, and are as great as usual. The new editions for Munich are fun too.
The sound design uses many of the same sounds as the Original series, bringing me great senses of Nostalgia. The music is exilarating too.

The sense of atmosphere, especially for the Munich area, is incredible, tense, and breathtakingly adventurous. But then the ending strikes. And I swear, it gives you no closure what so ever. Making this a film that succeeds on everything except what it set out to do.

3.6 out of 5

Fullmetal Alchemist the Anime Review

Well. Its been a while, huh? Trust me, I was out for a reason. I was searching for a great truth.That great and epic quest? I watched the original animation of Fullmetal Alchemist. Im am watching Brotherhood. I will review Conquerors of Shambala soon. Enjoy.

Shonen. A genre of anime directed more towards perverted little boys than sophisticated cynics. Yet, if you search far enough in the endless sea of Dragon Ball Z clones, you will find various gems. I believe this show is the greatest example of this. I give to you, the legendary Fullmetal Alchemist.

This shows plot isnt as grandiose as saving the universe, or finding the ultimate treasure. Its a very human and emotional story of 2 brothers trying to get their lives back to normal. Of course, this also involves badass bionic arms, walking armor, and a whole bunch of bad guys who you are supposed to feel sorry for. It takes place in an alternative version of early 1900's Europe, where Alchemy has replaced physics. Two brothers, in attempting to bring their mother back, by practicing the forbidden art of human transmutation. And guess what? They fail.One looses an arm and his leg, the other becomes a baddas suit of armor ( why would he want to change back again?).  And how do they get back to they get back to normal you ask? By pursuing a dangerous McGuffey of course.

But seriously, the greatest achievement of this show is the amazing lingering sense of dread and rama. Its forced me to tears various times. I have never seen anything like it, except in one very close to home anime.

The voice acting is pretty much the same quality in Japanese and English. The bio arm guy, Edward Elric ( Or as I call him Eddie E) sounds like a less annoying Sonic the Hedgehog, His brother, is literally the most charming voice performance you have ever heard. Its adorable. You have to hear it to describe it. It gets me every time.

The sound design is wonderful too. It has many memorable sound effects, and each time I hear one it gives me a huge sense of nostalgia. The soundtrack is not very epic, but, like the show, very emotional and sad.

As for the animation, this show is top of the line for its time. It still looks decent today, thought the coloring a bit bleak.  The only problem is the actual alchemy, which just looks plain stupid.

This would be the best anime of all time, and I would forgive its faults and give it a 5 out of 5. But I cant, in good conscious do that. Why? Because the ending sucked. Allot. Im serious. Its literally the only reason I am watching brotherhood. Its probably all a conspiracy ( Guess what review I am foreshadowing?) .

Yet still, its pretty amazing, even thought the ending just gave me bad feelings.

4.7 out of 

Danganronpa: The Animation Review

If you like anime, Danganronpa is a poignant , unique study on hope, loss, and friendship. If not, Danganronpa is about stereotypical sexy anime teenagers being mutilated horribly by their own clitches. Thats my mothers point of view.  

The story follows boring yet utterly lovable protagonist Makoto Naegi, who gets picked to enter the worlds greatest highschool, hopes peak academy. To bad he’s forced to participate in a game of murder and witness the death of his friends.Not so lucky now, Naegi. Oddly he doesn’t seem to mope about it, and attempts to cheer everyone up.

What follows are six heartbreaking yet funny chapters, each unique. I cried the most in 2 and 4, but 1 is a great introduction to the kill or be killed world of the Anime. And 6 has a swell twist. 

Its main flaw is its insanely Japanese. Your girlfriends dead, but look! The bear can sing. I have no problem with the actual humor, as it balances the despair inducing horror quite nicely. But does the hulking fighter girl need an upskirt shot?

The desings of the charecters are swell too, ranging from stylish to wild. Overall, a design students paradise. The enviroments need a little bit of work though.

And did I mention its based on a video game? Yup. 

Final thoughts :Suprisingly, I loved every moment of danganronpa. Its hopelessly clitched, but the incredible writing, engrossing mysteries, heartbreaking saddness, and quality animation make up for that.

4.5 out of 5.