Justice League: The New Frontier [2008]

Justice League: The New Frontier (JLNF) reminded us of Watchmen.  If you read our take on Watchmen, you know that is not a good thing.  JLNF is based on a graphic novel (2004) as was Watchmen.  Both had large ensemble casts, multiple disjointed plot threads, and no clearly understood enemy to galvanize the plot.  Both were filled with political overtones (and undertones) and had varying levels of nihilism.

Ah, this fine group is more like it. (Despite his mis-sized cowl and goofy expression, this Batman has something the feature's did not.) Why the attitude Robin?

The patented Fortress one sentence synopsis:  In the late 1950’s all the (self-loathing) golden age DC heroes face a government that is suspicious of them, a military who fears them, and a public who is hostile to them while somewhere deep under the Earth a mysterious and ill-defined disembodied voice called “The Center” threatens all of mankind – somehow – so that eventually all the heroes must unite to fight a stupid talking island and along the way they will give heavy handed speeches, break an arm or two, kill a lot of dinosaurs and learn about the power of believing in oneself.  Gag.

"We are not democrats, we are not republicans..." Okay, we get it. The left and right came together to fight "The Center". So witty... or not.

The lack of any central plot backbone to carry the feature dragged this production down mightily.  It starts with the depressing prologue where a disembodied voice takes a few minutes to tell us how loathsome mankind is.  It ends where a bunch of heroes are conveniently gathered to fight a thrust belching floating island that spawns dinosaurs.

What? After over an hour of unrelated plot developments, THIS is the villain? (No, this is not the enemy's ship. This IS the enemy.)

We did not read the graphic novel, nor do we wish to.  The graphic novel medium is far different than that of a feature.  Features based on books can flop if they do not adapt.  Features that rely on a myriad of fractured subplots from a multi-part graphic novel are doomed to questionable dramatic value.

"All systems are go!" "Yeah, all except the plot. You think that will affect our flight?" "Nah, we'll be fine old chap!"

"...Okay, I was wrong..."

Fully 45 minutes into the 75 minute feature, little had actually happened regarding the main plot – such as it was.  It was a sometimes interesting collection of scenes, featuring various heroes having their 5 minutes of action, but little drama.   It was as if a dozen superhero stories were dropped into an animation studio and exploded with a grenade.

Captain Cold? Again? He seems to have a cult following. Hooray for second tier minor villains.

On the smaller bright side, the art direction was nifty.  It took great advantage of the 50’s technology and fashions.  The women looked rather nice, aside from Wonder Woman who has had better depictions.  The male heroes ran the gamut from dull to strange.  The credits were the most stylish.  However, next time perhaps they should put some of that effort into adapting the material to a feature instead.

Lookin' good Carol Ferris. We are waiting for those flowing scarves to come back.

The music was well done and tried to inject some drama where it could.  Voice casting veteran Romano gathered another star studded cast, but this was not her best effort.  The Batman voice in particular was very “un-Batman”.  Any previous Batman voice would have been better, including Adam West.

One of the worst envisionings of Batman evar.

A different and overall less flattering depiction of Wonder Woman, although this particular shot has a nice look.

At times we felt like we were watching an animated public service announcement.  “Hey kids!  Don’t forget it is wrong to judge people by their looks!”  If you are seeking a stylishly presented but heavy handed superheroes story, JLNF may be for you.  If you are looking to be hit over the head with a 5 minute ending montage set to one of John F. Kennedy’s speeches, this underwhelming production will be right up your alley.

Oh, when will they learn.

It is always scary when you think about Superman gone bad. Chill out Supes, Justice League New Frontier is over.

Valkyria Chronicles [2009] 26 Episodes

Valkyria Chronicles impresses with a very pleasing and unique art direction. It continues to deliver on that front throughout, however on the story, characterization and pacing fronts it is wanting.  The producers certainly knew what buttered their bread though.  They made sure that the first half dozen episodes had enough action to draw you in.

The unique and fun Edelweiss tank was an early star, but after a few episodes was sadly reduced to background status. This tank needed a better agent.

Those early action oriented episodes were intelligent and hearkened back to the Strategy RPG video game upon which the show is based.  Additionally the setting was such that small scale squad maneuvers with a single tank could be very entertaining.  At this point the producers needed to decide upon which road they would take Valkyria Chronicles.

"Thank you SEGA". Valkyria Chronicles video game for PS3 (2008). Is this some new kind of reverse movement? Animes based on video games instead of the other way around?

They could continue to go the strategy/action route; defining characters uniquely along the way.  Or they could go the standard anime stereotype route where the squads are filled with anime stereotype characters and anime stereotype issues.  Sadly they took the latter route.  It is a tribute to Valkyria Chronicles’ quality that it was still a good show despite this poor choice.

"Hello. I am the overly intellectual, socially stunted male lead who is so obtuse to human feelings that he does not see love right next to him - or even in himself! Oh by the way, I'm also a pacifist, so I want to destroy the other side faster... - to end this war!" Huh?

26 episodes in one sentence?  In a pastoral world reminiscent of World War I a misguided empire militarily moves against a weak kingdom bringing our group of unlikely civilian soldiers into battle and a mystery about the mythical power of the valkyria which the empire’s nut-job prince is using to further his own agenda but in the end that power will also be used against him and a valkyria will rise on the side of the kingdom bringing all the series stereotypical plots together with a valkyria technology versus valkyria power showdown in which our heroes will learn about life, sacrifice, and the power of love (bleh…).

"I'm the callous enemy general stereotype that cares nothing for the lives of his own men." Count the cliches in this picture: Overly royal warlike crest? Check. A uniform that would make the Kaiser proud? Check. A riding crop!? Check. Totally colorless skin tone? Check.

You will notice right away the interesting shading approach Valkyria Chronicles adopted.  It was kind of a gritty, canvas-like texture that actually worked quite well with the setting.  To match the uniforms were “real” feeling with heavy cloth and buckles (if not totally practical. …Skirts?)  The character designs while not revolutionary were visually fitting for the world.

"I am the cute, hardworking totally innocent stereotype. You know, the one who stoically ignores her own social ostracism and unselfishly cares for all around her. I am so without flaw that even I do not believe it."

The vehicles and technology were one of Valkyria Chronicles greatest strengths.  They devised a unique engine technology signified by glowing blue radiators.  Onto this they designed a variety of early 20th century civilian and war vehicles that reflected the uniqueness of the show and technological setting.

The guns were decidedly low-tech, which did work to bring a level of realism and danger to the conflicts.  That set up should have led to unique plots rather than the usual anime stereotypes.  You know, the hard bitter woman who eventually has her heart softened through the losses of war.  The reluctant but powerful warrior girl who just wants to live a normal life.  The absent minded intellectual type that takes nearly the entire series to realize he is in love.

"I am tough-guy stereotype 1: I am tough on the outside and carry a big gun, but on the inside I am a softy who understands the feelings of others and likes to laugh."

"I am tough-guy stereotype 2: The quiet grizzled type who has done ugly things in order to survive, yet comes up with the poignant introspective words of advice when they are most needed. By the way, I never do open up my other eye. You got a problem with that?"

Not ignored was a top anime stereotype gem, the suave and handsome womanizer type (who is also best friend to the lead guy).  You know, the one that all the girls like except the lead girl.  The one that seems selfish but in the end through sacrifice shows he really has an chivalrous heart-of-gold.

"Yes, that's me. Wait, the girl I like is the lead's romantic interest!? Oh crud, I'm dead..."

The pacing of Valkyria Chronicles was a problem.  After the initial action episodes it really bogs down in heavy-handed, action-less sentimentality filled episodes.  It is not until almost the end that the producers seemed to suddenly realize they were running out of episodes.  The last three episodes feel like a desperate attempt to make up for all the cliched melodrama.

"Hey, do not forget me, the tough, hard-hearted girl with serious attitude. I act selfish because I was hurt in the past, but I am hiding kindness and a sweet feminine skill on the inside."

Valkyria Chronicles is a reasonably entertaining show worth watching.  However most of its originality takes place on the art direction side and not in the story, characterizations, or writing.

"I only need one eye to watch you."

Top Ten Pretty Animated Shots Vol.02

It is time for another set of animated pictures that is easy on the eyes.  Making this top ten is a little like trying to become an actor.  Many try, but few make the cut.

We liked the visually hard edged rendering of the Enchantress Amora in Hulk Vs Thor.

While this painting featured in the credits looks nothing like that hard edged version, it is still pretty.

Chun Li remains a crowd favorite – if the crowd hangs out huddled around an arcade Street Fighter machine.    Here she is from Street Fighter IV: The Ties That Bind.

How does she keep that face so pretty after all those nose-crushing, lip-bashing fights?

Princess Aurora from Disney’s true classic Sleeping Beauty has time-tested stylized good looks.  Below she is dressed as the forest maiden “Briar Rose”.  We like that edged style.

Naruto Shippuuden went downhill faster than Balloon Boy’s ill-fated, non-existent flight to nowhere.  Never-the-less, while it is no longer worth a take, it did have a purdy enemy ninja.

What is her deadly secret? Uhh, you do not want to see her without make-up...

Our takes on Winx Club remain top hitters.  The latest is season 4 part 1.  In honor of that popularity we could not pass up including a picture of Flora. If you do not know who Flora is, step back from the Street Fighter machine for a minute or give Naruto Shippuuden a rest for a half hour.

Jerrica Benton…  How we would like to see your Jem & The Holograms storyline with your deceived but true boyfriend Rio resolved.  We have been waiting since 1988…, so it is overdue.

At least Jerrica and Rio reaffirmed their love in this final season trip to Greece. Hmm Jerrica, do you dress native like this for every destination? We want to travel with you!

Ariel, the little mermaid’s mother was Queen Athena.  A lot of people seem to be searching for her online.  She was quite pretty as seen depicted here from The Little Mermaid: Ariel’s Beginning.

Mom's everywhere, let Queen Athena be an inspiration to you to keep in shape.

Huntik: Secrets and Seekers is pleasantly surprising most who watch it – including us!  So enough with the sad face Huntik Star Sophie Casterwill, you made the cut for this Top Ten.

Did all of Sophie's training include how to look good scuba diving? Ahh, we think it must have.

Zhalia from Huntik is not giving us a long face below, that is her usual stern expression.  But inside she had a soft heart.  Awww.

Bonus Poll Picture:

There was a singer in Batman: Mystery of the Batwoman who caught our eye.  She seemed to get a disproportionally large amount of close ups and screen time for a nameless background character.

Is this supposed to resemble somebody in particular? If so comment who please.

Huntik: Secrets & Seekers [2009] Season 1. 26 Episodes

Huntik: Secrets and Seekers is a show directed and produced by Ignio Straffi, the creator of Winx Club.  Huntik is a radical departure from Winx in that it is an action packed adventure with mature themes.  Its first season is of the finer non-Japanese animated series we have seen in some time.

Huntik co-stars the supremely competent Dante Vale. Here he strikes quite the action hero pose.

Now the patented (and challenging) one sentence synopsis:  In a world of secret societies and creatures summoned from ancient amulets called titans enters young Lok, a boy searching for his father lost years before on a mission to find legendary amulets against the wishes of the evil “Professor” who was bent on stopping him and now sets his sights on Lok who fortunately has the help of three formidable characters who will aid him in his battle against the Professor and along the way learn about his father, himself, and the power of deep affection.

Lok grows to become quite the seeker. Here he summons a mighty titan by hoisting -- the Jetix logo?

Freelancer is one of the more likable go-to titans. (They get cool backgrounds; it's in their contract.)

Is Lok clueless regarding female affection? No comment.

Even our one sentence synopsis cannot do justice to the the fun complexities of the Huntik plot.  Each episode is structured like a chapter in a book, and like a good book you want very much to go on to the next.  That is hard to maintain but Huntik did an amazing job keeping the quality, drama and action up for 26 episodes.

Okay Dante Vale, we get it. You're a bass a$$.

In some good ways Huntik was formulaic in that you expected and got an intense action scene at the end of each episode.  However it was also constantly evolving and ever more powerful bad guys and titans kept entering the stage.   The plot did not wander like some shows plagued with filler stories, rather nearly every episode somehow pointed to the main arc.

Which of these two creepizoids is a villain? The evil monocle-wearing German accented freak, or the eerie eastern European colorless weirdo? Ha, a trick question. They are both appalling.

The summons got huge. The government could not write this one off as a "weather balloon".

The complexities of the characters also grew more intense and stayed fresh.  What motivates powerful Dante Vale?  What secrets is mysterious Zhalia Moon hiding?  Will potent Sophie Casterwill come to like Lok?  And will Lok find his long lost father?

Zhalia Moon. Does this look like a girl who is hiding something?

Do not let Sophie Casterwill's appearance dissuade you from her "world's most dangerous teen" moniker. It is indeed true.

The artwork was consistent and well done.  The characters designs had -well, character.  The titans were quite varied, and if not designed exactly to our tastes they were true to the universe.  The painted backgrounds were high quality and sometimes nearly spectacular.

There was a certain unique stylishness to the whole production.  From the cool outfits the characters wore to the opening title scrolls for each episode.  Additionally computer graphics were pleasingly incorporated when – - their portable computer devices displayed things.  Shocking!

How much longer must mankind wait for holographic displays?

Sophie Casterwill has a thing about uneven stockings. Really.

On the rare occasions Sophie was not wearing stockings she could make uneven, she was sure to wear something else asymmetrical. I.E. this skirt. (Yes Dante, you are cool in your long coat. Shut up.)

Huntik succeeds in bringing to life a believable world filled with unique nomenclature.  Phrases like “boltflare”, “hyperstride”, and even the rare “double spell” are those to which you soon get accustomed.  You will get that good feeling of travel as you tag along on visits to far flung locations and ancient ruins.

Count the Professor's bad guy clues in this picture. Uneven eyes. Check. Horrid skin discolorations. Check. Evil reddish background. Check. Fat wide face with meanie grimace. Obvious.

The Huntik recipe?

1. 2 parts Indiana Jones
2. 1 part Yu-Gi-Oh!
3. 1 part Harry Potter
4. Stir in ample diced loyalty.
5. Mix together with liberal pinches of style and a little romance for 26 episodes.
6. Add intense spices that may cause flavor explosions and a little tearing.

It was fun having a weak sidekick, Cherit, that occasionally kicked serious butt. "Not on my watch!"

"Holy liability! Didn't anyone think to put a railing here!?"

It was a season that was not afraid to leave you with unresolved problems at the end of an episode.  It even sometimes set the characters back with defeats.  In fact many plot issues were handled in a realistic way.  In the end some problems will still not be fixed, and while there will be victory and some comeuppance, there will be a little sadness too.

If Sophie's lone stand against the Professor does not make you a little sad, cut your arm open to see if you are an android.

Complex plots and mature themes bolster this exemplary series.  It is for those seeking quality and something a little different.  Check it out of you like deeper plots and tire of anime stereotypes.  If that sounds at all appealing, it is unlikely that Huntik will disappoint.

Zhalia says: "Watch it or I will kick you in the face."

Check out the Huntik opening once described to us as a “rock anthem”!

See more pics of the Huntik girls in Top Ten Animated Pictures Vol 2.

Green Lantern: First Flight [2009]

Is not Hal Jordan supposed to be likable?  We assume that is the intent of the makers of this direct-to-video film.  However, his opening scene antics do nothing to aid in this point.  We know nothing of this guy’s natural strengths, and all we see is him giving hard working people a lot of attitude and trouble.

Becoming a Green Lantern is not for the average Joe... or is it? One thing is for sure, it is not for the even slightly overweight.

Tricia Helfer did a good job voicing Boodikka. (There are no unattractive female lanterns.)

Is not Hal Jordan supposed to be some sort of special guy with an amazing ability to use the Green Lantern ring?  A ring that takes mental strength, imagination and will power.  Well, we know it takes that.  However watching this film as a total Green Lantern neophyte one might think the ring was pretty much akin to magic and more or less did whatever the user wanted.  This movie never explained to the viewer why Jordan’s mastery with the ring was special.

It was good to see a classic Hal Jordan Green Lantern standby return: The Giant Shield

Also seen here way back in 1985's Super Powers Team: Galactic Guardians.

Here is the patented one sentence synopsis:  After a dying member of the elite Green Lantern corps of space guardians crashes on Earth he asks his mighty power ring to find someone worthy to take it up which it does in finding wise cracking slightly bitter Hal Jordan who in no time is wielding the supposedly difficult ring in moments and soon after travels to the Green Lantern headquarters in deep space where he amazingly outperforms experienced lanterns, uncovers a nefarious plot to destroy the corps, and has a huge contrived one-man battle against a large inanimate battery.

Behold, the ultimate enemy! ...A large yellow battery?

Is this pose indicative of someone looking to betray the Corps and seize power for himself? Not to the Guardians. Sharp those guys...

We give props to DC.  Their direct-to-video movies have on the whole been better than Marvel’s similar outings.  That said, Green Lantern: First Flight may be one of the weakest of the DC lot.  It lacks definition.  How does a power ring work?  What are its weaknesses and strengths.  Can it be overpowered through force?  How does the state of the user affect the ring’s power?

We know Hal Jordan can use the ring's power as a spring to the amazement of other lanterns. There seems to be a serious lack of imagination on their part.

Jordan did a lot of battling during the film, but it was hard to tell why he was winning or losing.  Many of the fights turned into plain old slug-fests with a green glow.  This was especially true in the climatic battle versus his future arch enemy, Green Lantern gone bad Sinestro and his pet… yellow battery.

Iron Man wanna-be? The climatic slugfest was ended when Hal gathered a bunch of power together and fired it like Iron Man's unibeam. It came out of nowhere and appeared too effective compared to what came before. Hey, Iron Man does not use rings, so...

Are not origin stories supposed to be some of the most powerful?  How about the first Harry Potter movie, or the first Spiderman movie.  There is only one shot at an origin story, and in this movie it lasted about 17 seconds.  “Put on this ring.”  “Wow, look I am transformed into a spandex wearing super hero!”  It was a waste.  Where was the wonderment of a whole new world opening up?

This goofball plot may have been just as powerful...

Well, let it never be said that being a lantern kept Hal Jordan from flirtin' with the ladies.

On the good side, DC once again assembled a top notch group of voice talent including a number of celebs you would likely recognize.  We will shout out to Victor Garber voicing Sinestro “coolly diabolical” -er, well not exactly.  It was more like “determinedly misguided”.  It is not Garber’s fault, that is how Sinestro was written.

Guardians: "Sinestro, you are not a megalomaniac bent on destroying us are you?" Sinestro: "No, of course not." Guardians: "Okay. We're convinced."

Our other shout out goes to veteran actor Malachi Throne.  That guy was acting in the 1950’s!  He was False Face in the 60’s Batman and Commodore Mendez in the original Star Trek for you whose memories go back that far.  Here he voiced one of the snobby, elitist out-of-touch council members who invented the Green Lantern corps, Ranakar.

Malachi Throne as Commodore Mendez: "I told you Kirk. First you make the buttons red, THEN you look into the goofy ball."

Hal Jordan gets judged by the Guardians. That is different... or is it the most overused plot in Green Lantern history?

The universe depicted in this movie was a strange cold one.  The Lantern Corps seemed little more than background props and its members either a megalomaniac, turncoat, insular brute, snob or weakling fodder for a variety of deaths.  Green Lantern: First Flight is sometimes fun, but also flawed and disappointing.

See what happens when DC Comics and Warner Bros. are under the same roof?