Student Review Contest #8

[L-sama]

All right, everyone. Here we go with Round 8 of the AA Student Review Contest! This time, the theme of choice is…

*~Megumi Hayashibara~*

Your mission this time around is to review an anime that features the vocal talents of Megumi Hayashibara, one of the most popular and well known seiyuu of the anime world.

Some anime that feature Hayashibara-sama include, but are certainly not limited to…

• 3x3 Eyes
• All-Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku
• Blue Seed
• Cowboy Bebop
• Love Hina
• Lost Universe
• Neon Genesis Evangelion
• Ranma ½
• Saber Marionette J
• Slayers
• Shaman King
• Tenchi Muyo! in Love
• Video Girl Ai

Rules:

1. One entry per person.

2. Only completed anime can be reviewed.

3. Reviews that are posted after the deadline will be disqualified.

4. Entries are final. Once a review is posted no more editing is allowed, regardless of whether it is still before the deadline.

5. The winner chooses the next theme and hosts the next contest.

6. Reviews must include at least a title, review, summary and grade.

7. The review and summary must be written by you.

8. No entering a review that has previously been entered in an Anime Academy Student Review Contest.

9. Plagiarism in any shape or form (including summaries) will result in immediate disqualification.

Guidelines:

1. While it is not mandatory, including series details such as title alternatives; genre; company; format; dates; highs and lows; screenshots and a captioned screenshot, are looked upon favorably.

2. If possible, make a mention to Megumi's level of quality. Just mentioning that she was in your particular anime is ok, but a review that briefly discusses how well (or not) she portrayed the character she played will be favorably looked upon.

3. Previously written reviews are allowed to be entered as long as they don't break rule #8.

Entries must be posted by 3:00am EST on Wednesday, October 25, 2006.

[7Raven7]

Congratulations on winning! This next contest looks promising.

[L-sama]

Thanks, Raven! ^_^ I hope this contest goes well too. Will you be making an appearance in this contest yourself?

[7Raven7]

I am looking up titles as we speak...

[L-sama]

Very nice. I hope to see a lot of entries for this contest. I have my hopes set on a good competition with Megumi as the theme, that I do.

[AlterGenesis-X]

Megumi? Wai! Wai! Awesome Theme! :)

[L-sama]

Glad I got your approval Genesis! :)

[Milkymagic]

So would it be necessary to mention the level of quality behind her vocal performances for the soundtrack, or just mention she was on the soundtrack with what I thought of it overall? Just making sure

I'll try to slap on a review with less focus on the music or more focus on everything else, whatever seems more convenient for the anime that's reviewed is how I will determine this (if it's longer or shorter in length).

Good job on your win by the way.

[L-sama]

If possible, make a mention to her level of quality, as you said. Just mentioning is ok, but a review that briefly discusses how well (or not) she portrayed the character she played will be favorably looked upon. I forgot to mention that. Thanks for bringing that up, and thanks!!

EDIT: That portion that is bolded above has just been added in the rules under Guidelines

[Zushio]

...oh god not another one...

[Milkymagic]

lol! Poor Zushio, if it isn't Yoko Kanno, it's Megumi Hayashibara...

I'm brewing up another review, but I'm taking some extra care this time, meaning it might be a while before I pop in this latest entry.

[Zushio]

The issue is that she is incredibly typecast. I mean as much as she is a somehwat tolerable singer, she plays roughly two roles in anime.

1. Quiet softspoken flat emotionless girl.

2. Hyper Psycho Bitch.

People say she has such incredible range, but honestly, two sterotypes is not exactly range.

[L-sama]

All right, Zushio. I respect your opinion on the matter and offer you this option: Why don't you submit a review that talks about what you just said? If you like, you can mention that Megumi seems typecast in your review. I never said anything about having to submit an entry that only glorifies her. Even Kain has a review on AA that mentions his initial thoughts of Megumi becoming typecast (Look at his Nuku Nuku OVA review to see what I mean). If you're not going to put an entry in because the theme bothers you that much, that's fine too. Just wait for the next contest theme.

[7Raven7]

The issue is that she is incredibly typecast. I mean as much as she is a somehwat tolerable singer, she plays roughly two roles in anime.

1. Quiet softspoken flat emotionless girl.

2. Hyper Psycho Bitch.

People say she has such incredible range, but honestly, two sterotypes is not exactly range.

True, but doesn't that cover pretty much 90% of all female anime leads?

[Zushio]

True, but doesn't that cover pretty much 90% of all female anime leads?

Absolutely, and there are many people who are stereotyped into playing those kind of roles, but for some unknown reason only Hayashibara gets the mindless praise and adoration.

I mean in all honesty, who's better Romi Paku or Megumi Hayashibara? I'd be hard pressed to find anyone other than a mindless fanboy of Hayashibara that would say Romi Paku is inferior. At least out of the people I know in real life.

[7Raven7]

Well, while that might be true, the answer lies in two words: Faye Valentine.

[L-sama]

I didn't know that I would cause such a comotion all over the fact that I chose Megumi as the new theme...I mean, the main reasons why I did choose her (outside of the fact that, yes, she is one of my favorite seiyuu) were simple:

1. She's well known, so finding an anime to review that features her shouldn't be a problem for most.

2. When I was thinking of the new theme, nothing was coming to mind, and I was listening to Fine Colorday at the moment.

Let's just stop the arguing, please. I didn't mean for any of this to happen.

[Zushio]

Let's just stop the arguing, please. I didn't mean for any of this to happen.

I'm not agruing, I'm just expressing my opinion. I'm also trying to make the contest deeper by reminding people that there are in fact negative aspects to people, as I was deeply worried that this contest would turn into a mindless worship of her.

[L-sama]

All right. I see where yer coming from now. I apologize. That said, let's get back to awaiting entries for the contest. 2 weeks until the deadline!

[7Raven7]

Cowboy Bebop: Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door
93%
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g179/7_Raven_7/Bebophackersmall.jpg
Raise your hand if you are an uber l337 hacker.
Highs:
Same lovable cast, Kanno Yoko music, tasty animation.

Lows:
Pacing

Title: Cowboy Bebop: Knockin' on Heaven's Door
Genre: Action
Comapany: Bandai Visual/Sunrise
Format: 1 Movie
Dates: 9/1/2001

Synopsis:
This trip to Mars by the notorious yet lovable crew of the bounty hunter ship Bebop was supposed to be routine. In, out, and grab the bounty head: a hacker, easy prey. But behind this misfit’s angst something more sinister is brewing as a stolen tanker explodes killing all who inhale the toxic substance released. Now Ed, Jet, Faye, Spike and even Ein are on the trail for the largest reward ever posted for the culprit who caused this disaster and on a crash course with the most dangerous villain they ever faced.
- Summary by 7Raven7
http://i56.photobucket.com/albums/g179/7_Raven_7/Bebopfightsmall.jpg
Well, that's one way to sweep a woman off her feet.
Review:
From the first few minutes on the job, even for nabbing common crooks in a convenience store, Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door explodes with an intensity that some productions only dream about. Appealing to both fans and non-fans of the original Cowboy Bebop, Watanabe Shinichiro’s vision for a follow-up to his cult-favorite series is more than just a waking dream in what many consider to be the gem of his accomplishments and complete with the same eclectic band of misfits. Like a pro poker player, Watanabe slowly lays down card after card - action, intrigue, a chase - until all elements are carefully played out. Ultimately, an ace production.

There are the lovable characters we already know, Jet is still stoic and thoughtful as ever, Ed is zany and energetic, and the jaded and dangerous Faye. The trump to any successful title is its characters, and if there is one thing prevalent throughout this saga it’s that every character is well fleshed out. Then there’s the multitudes of new faces on the planet Mars. This is true even with the villains and most notably in Vincent, the dark mirror to our Spike who is still poised, cocky and ready for action. And of course, the characters are only as good as the all-star cast of voice talent that backs them.

The overall feel received a 90’s hip-hop overhaul from the series and a boost in animation quality which, considering the series’ animation, is saying a lot. Yes, the action is still as fluid as water and there is no better way to dish out the generous helpings of gunplay, dogfights and martial artistry that this movie has in spades.

Alas, this is the most complex Bebop plot to date, a fact that cannot be hidden even behind an exploding truck. Why is this bad? In between the mayhem and mischief we find ourselves walking tirelessly through alleyways and find more then our fair share of dead ends. While necessary to tell the story, the breaks from the action and character play are this movie’s downside. To discover every clue and piece together the conspiracy theory these lulls in the action are further bogged down with plot related dialogue, if not peppered with a few antics. And while the characters scratch their heads, shuffle their feet and tap their fingers impatiently, you might be inclined to do the same.

Luckily to pass the time we are treated to another dazzling Kanno Yoko soundtrack and, surprise, all of them originals as you will not hear one from the series. That’s ok by me, as “Ask DNA” soon became the opening theme and “Cosmic Dare” Faye’s theme song.

Never have the words “nothing more than a stand-alone episode” meant so much. If only every series so lovingly wrapped together the things that made them great into a movie length plot that worked. A notorious candidate for anybody’s Top Ten Most Wanted List, the bounty on Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door is too sweet to pass up.


Score Breakdown:
Characters / Development: 9
Music, Seiyuu and Sound Effects: 9.5
Art, Animation and Cinematography: 9.5
Story, Plot, Theme and Symbolism: 8.5
The Big Picture: 10
(scores + together / 50 * 100 = %)

[L-sama]

All right! With your review, Raven, this contest is now gaining some steam!

Only one week left til the deadline...so gets those reviews in ASAP!! >D

[7Raven7]

Do I get a cookie for being the first one?

Come on you slackers, Milky, I mean you!

[L-sama]

Here ya go, Raven... :cookie: Enjoy!

[Milkymagic]

Do I get a cookie for being the first one?

Come on you slackers, Milky, I mean you!

Call me out why don't you! j/k!

I got Sunday and Monday off this week, so I'll get to check out something pertaining to the subject I'm sure, and slap on a review before the 25th. I've just been writing a lot, along with playing Baten Kaitos Origins and God Hand. But I can make the time, just expect me around the last minute.

[L-sama]

Less than three days left!! Get those reviews in!!!

[Milkymagic]

http://victorian.fortunecity.com/daddio/130/nuku008.jpg
This meow mix isn't so bad...

Title: All Purpose Cultural Catgirl Nuku Nuku
Genre: Comedy
Company: Movic
Length: 6 OAV Episodes
Dates: 10/21/1992 - 5/25/1994

Synopsis:

Ryunosuke is a boy on the run with his scientist father following the divorce of his parents, in which his mother also happens to run a wealthy machine industry under her grandfather, and uses those riches to try and win Ryu back to her. However, Ryu finds a cat that's eventually wounded during their getaway, only to have his father put its brain into a cybernetic body and act as Ryu's guardian. This cat-machine is named Nuku Nuku, and it becomes a member of Ryu's broken family, adding more chaos to their already lively conflict.

Highs: Nice art and animation, fun concept, never takes itself too seriously
Lows: Trite in comparison to better comedies, doesn't develop in the slightest, can be ridiculous in nature

Review:

A little zany series from the workshop of acclaimed manga artist Yuzo Takada, this series seems to draw a lot of its influences from anime such as Project A-ko for inspiration. Ironically, character designer Yuji Moriyama also worked as a creative force on A-ko, making the resemblances that much more concrete.

The broken family unit of an eccentric scientist and a mega-rich businesswoman trying to take custody of a child is a concept that helps fuel the proceedings of what is essentially a well handled comedy. Nuku Nuku is an oblivious cat stuck in a robotic body, helping take care of her younger sibling (technically) Ryunosuke, fighting all the robots and machines that are brought Nuku Nuku's way by Ryu's mother. Amidst the insanity, there's even the hilarious bits of Nuku Nuku trying to blend in with a society she clearly doesn't understand, like drinking a bottle of suntan lotion at the beach, or riding on top of vehicles with her bike on the way to school. Add in her feline tendencies, and the viewer starts to wonder just how helpful this idea really was. The characters all fulfill their roles nicely (dysfunctional family unit), though they never go under any dramatic development, and there's no story really surrounding what are essentially escapades in a city brewing with constant destruction at the hands of our characters. This means if you want depth, All Purpose Cultural Catgirl Nuku Nuku is not where you should be, but maybe the story already gave that one away.

The artwork and animation are nice for an OVA series from 1992, and the quality of the art gets better as each episode progresses. Yuji Moriyama's colorful designs for Nuku Nuku are a joy to observe (love the way he captures expressions), though I also dig his take on Ryunosuke's scientist father with retaining the hidden eyes (via hair) and the cigarette which seems to constantly exist no matter what scene he's in. The action is also fast and furious enough to amply enjoy. We have sequences involving Nuku Nuku throwing a log into an aircraft, or having her even swing an octopus looking robot into the sky, and many other exciting moments. Also, there are moments of parody, like the fifth episode's jab at Urusei Yatsura (characters resembling Lum's stormtroopers appear to worship Nuku Nuku).

Nuku Nuku's music is nice, light material for a series that gives off the same feel, and Megumi Hayashibara does the trick to retain those feelings with the opening and closing themes present ("Watashi ni Happy Birthday," "Yume Hurry Up," "Oshiete Happiness," and "Harikitte Trying!" respectively). Her voice acting for Nuku Nuku also remains a mindless hoot, given I wouldn't know the requisite for playing a cat with a cybernetic body, but the bubbly atmosphere felt around her character adds a fun punch to the ridiculous concept. Kazue Ikura and Akira Kamiya make a nice team as the father and son who only wish to be left alone from Saeko Shimazu's crazy mother figure, who actually can be a real scene stealer in small doses with her seemingly bipolar attitude.

All in all, I'd say All Purpose Cultural Catgirl Nuku Nuku is a fun series for those looking for a nice light comedic jab, given it isn't particularly clever in design and ridiculous in a good number of moments. Still, you could do worse, and Nuku Nuku doesn't do anything far from what originated in its respective time period, even if the appeal is certainly there for those who who wish to watch something along the lines of a "Project A-ko lite."

Grade: 78%

[Milkymagic]

I don't mean to double post, but the image I put up only seems to show up on certain computers (if you have firefox, it seems to show up).

I'll remember to try a more convenient method next time.

But...at least I got a review in!

[L-sama]

All right, Milky! Now we've got a competition on our hands! There's still two days left though, so anyone else out there that has a review should get theirs in ASAP!

[7Raven7]

If you are looking, try Photoshop for image storing. Photobucket.com or something of the like. That's what I use in my infinate knowledge of artwork and internet media applications (or lack thereof).

[Milkymagic]

If you are looking, try Photoshop for image storing. Photobucket.com or something of the like. That's what I use in my infinate knowledge of artwork and internet media applications (or lack thereof).

Thanks, I'll remember that. I originally thought it was ok just providing a link, but that didn't work out (though strangely enough it seems to show up on Firefox, which is on the computer I use).

Guess I learn something new everyday.

And I noticed one error in my review, but other than that I think it's an improvement over my last one.

[Mana]

Some websites don't allow direct linking of images; I'm pretty sire fortunecity is one of them. Fiorefox may have some minor bit of code enabled to bypass that, but you'd be better off using websites devoted to direct linking (Photobucket, Imageshack, etc).

[Milkymagic]

Some websites don't allow direct linking of images; I'm pretty sire fortunecity is one of them. Fiorefox may have some minor bit of code enabled to bypass that, but you'd be better off using websites devoted to direct linking (Photobucket, Imageshack, etc).

Photobucket it is! If you and Raven preach the gospel, I shall follow it.

Better to be safe than sorry.

[aeroshadow]

For me, the skill of a voice actor was never about the range, more how well that voice actor is able to convey emotion or whatever they are supposed to be conveying. Range is just a plus.

That being said, I don't really know anything about this Megumi person, she just sounds very familiar...

[L-sama]

For me, the skill of a voice actor was never about the range, more how well that voice actor is able to convey emotion or whatever they are supposed to be conveying. Range is just a plus.

That being said, I don't really know anything about this Megumi person, she just sounds very familiar...



http://www.animeacademy.com/profile_hayashibara_megumi.php

Now you know :)

[L-sama]

Less than FOUR HOURS REMAIN until the voting begins. Get those last second reviews in now!!