The Prince of Tennis: National Finals

After months of harsh matches, gruelling training, and numerous injuries, the Seigaku regulars have fought their way to the finals of the National Tournament. Just one step away from victory, all they need to do now is beat their final opponents; however it won’t be easy. Their final opponents are none other than Rikkaidai - the team they fought against in the final of the Kantou Regional Tournament, and the last two years National Tournament winners! With Rikkaidai seeking vengeance for their previous defeat, and national glory at stake, Seigaku must stay strong if they want to win. However, the team suffers a devastating blow when Echizen loses his memory. Now that the odds are stacked against them, could this put an end to Seigaku’s championship dreams? Source: Anime-planet.com



A friend recommended that I take a look at The Prince of Tennis series. Coincidentally, episode 1 of the Final Tournament was just up for grabs, so grab I did. Now after watching the full 6 episodes, I have to admit that it was rather fun.


I’m not sure how the original Prince of Tennis series go, but from the National Tournament Final OVA, it seems to me that this anime is all about tennis. Maybe the original series had a little romance or brotherly love here and there as hinted in this OVA (when they recapped their past) but that’s it. This series is again I say, strictly tennis. So if you have a certain loathsome feeling for the sport, you probably shouldn’t be downloading this in the first place.

As you would expect from a sports themed anime, there are plenty of special moves, from 2xxkm/h speed balls, to lightning strikes, aura fireballs, etc. Just try thinking Eyeshield 21 but with more stunts. The final and winning move by Echizen is a little too far fetched for me but hey?! It’s an anime. Lol!


It might be a little too late for wishful thinking now but I do hoe there will be newer seasons of The Prince of Tennis. Unfortunately, I do not find this a “must watch” anime. Probably because I didn’t watch the original series? So it will have to settle for a fat 4-Stars.


The Prince Of Tennis: National Finals
Rating: 4-Stars
Torrents: 1-2 3-6

Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae

I’m sure you have heard about it, but it’s her eyes. Those big, round, red eyes. Starring deep straight into your soul. The script from the first episode to episode 12 feels somewhat rather weak. The story doesn’t seem interesting enough to captivate viewers. I’m guessing that if a viewer was to drop this anime, it would be before episode 12. Some episodes did get really hateful (Lol! Is that a proper word?) and some characters irritating.


I hate it that they repeat the same cut scene every time Jigoku Shoujo appears. It’s like something out of a bad Power Rangers episode. No matter how elegant her “dance” is, it will still get boring after you watch it repetitively. If any point you feel too bored and want to drop the anime, I’d suggest skipping forward through the repetitive scenes like during the “summoning” of the J-Girl when cursing someone or when she is coming out from her hosts body.


But if you hold it out till episode 13, the anime makes a turn becoming much more interesting. Different styles of telling the story appears and it really freshens up the whole series.


Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae is different from the original series in the sense that previously it was random characters with their own storyline every episode. But now, the story revolves around people from the same community. All characters (or rather victims) are related to each other in one way or another. This series isn’t as dark as the original Jigoku Shoujo series. So some fans might get disappointed.


Jigoku Shoujo Mitsuganae
Rating: 3-Stars
Torrents: Yuurisan

An little advise, try watching this series episode by episode instead of multiple episodes at one go as it might get a little dull. Personally, I can’t do more than 3 episodes without taking a long break.

Toki Wo Kakeru Shoujo

Makoto Konno is a somewhat foolish and tomboyish high school student who spends most of her time hanging out with her two male friends. Things change one day when she suddenly gains to ability to leap through time! At first, she uses her newfound ability to do things such as preventing her sister from stealing her dessert, cheating on a test, and singing Karaoke for 10 hours. However, the small alterations she makes to the timeline turn out to have unforeseen consequences that snowball into dramatic and lethal situations for her and those around her. Source: Anime-planet.com



Now this is what I call a blockbuster movie! It’s one of those movies which makes you feel years younger with a beautiful story.

At the start, the anime brings about a nice and light intro helping characters develop. Then as the story moves on, things start to get interesting with some rather exciting turn of events. I like the slight hint of romance going on around Makoto, Kousuke and Chiaki.


Animation wise, clean lines and bright colors make up the characters. Accompanied with superior background drawing. Definitely not easy to find architectural or environment so nicely drawn in animes nowadays. The music was also very well suited. If you don’t get misty eye during the highlight of the movie, there could be something wrong with you.


I won’t talk about it any more. Mainly because everything is so good and there isn’t anything to complain about. And also I won’t be able to resist not giving out spoilers. An absolutely perfect 5-Star for what I feel could easily be the best anime movie I’ve seen this year. If you haven’t watched it yet, then please do yourself a favor and don’t miss the chance.


Toki Wo Kakeru Shoujo
Rating: 5-Stars
Torrents: Shinsen-Subs

One thing though, after watching the anime, try to remember. She didn’t rewind time far enough to “rectify” her exam results or the cooking class incident now did she?! :p

Earl and Fairy

Throughout the ages, fairy doctors served as liaisons between humans and fairies; but in the present time of the 19th century, fairies are nothing more than an old wives' tale. Nineteen-year-old Lydia Carlton is one of the only remaining fairy doctors and enjoys a quiet life in the countryside of England - that is, until the dashing Edgar, for mysterious reasons, whisks her away on a daring adventure. Said to be the descendent of the earl of the fairy nation, Edgar desires the noble sword of the merrow that serves as proof to his lineage. Though his motives and origins are questionable, Lydia now sets forth to help Edgar on his quest. Source: Anime-planet.com

First impression I had, was that Earl and Fairy is a “pretty boy” anime. And it turns out that I am right. Lol! With a tug and hug love relationship going on between Lydia, the fairy doctor, and Edger, the Earl wannabe. There’s some eye fetish going on around as the anime kept focusing on character eyes, zooming in for a close-up every now and then.

I’m sorry to say that I dropped the anime after 2 episodes. I was desperately trying hard to finish at least 6 episodes. And if you noticed that this review doesn’t have any pictures, it’s because I was so irritated by it that I accidentally deleted it before remembering that I haven’t take any snapshots.

For a short moment in episode 2, there was a glamour of hope as an interesting battle scene came up. Unfortunately, it lasted for like 10 seconds, before plummeting back down into boredom city. There’s way way too much talk.

All and all, it was strictly a romance oriented anime which I’m sorry to say will only entertain a handful. 1-Star for the nice animation, nothing more.


Earl and Fairy
Rating: 1-Star
Torrents: m.3.3.w

Hyakko

Kamizono Academy is so spacious that transfer student Ayumi Nonomura and long time resident Tatsuki Iizuka find themselves lost together in the corridors. With the addition of fiery Torako Kageyama and quirky, somber Suzume Saotome, the four quickly become friends and comrades in arms against boredom. Whether it's being a last minute Morals Officer with bisexual Nene or constructing robots with Kageyama, there's plenty of fun to go around at Kamizono Academy! Source: Anime-planet.com



First episode watched and I was hooked. Hyakko really put a smile at my face all the way from the first episode to the final. Dig the graphics, love the color, good mix of characters, a well written comedy script. At the beginning, Ayumi’s voice really irritated me. That’s because it’s so freaking high pitched. But after 3 episodes or so, it grew on me and I started accepting and enjoying it as a part of her character.

The opening theme was ok I guess, did help push up the mood a little. But the ending theme felt like something they just threw in to fill the slot, didn’t do anything for me.

If comedy is anywhere even remotely near your cup of tea, then you cannot afford to miss Hyakko! Honestly, I haven’t had such a nice laugh while watching anime in a while now. Even when smiling, I could notice that the laughter was somewhat natural. Nothing forceful in the comedy. However, the final episode did catch me off-guard. It was somewhat disappointing.

Hyakko feels light and fresh. Definitely a rejuvenating anime. The funny antics just keep coming and coming. Best of all was that at no point in time was it ever repetitive. What more need I add? 5-star love for Hakko.


Hyakko
Rating: 5-Stars
Torrents: Static-Subs