Movie Review: BLEACH: Thousand-Year Blood War - The Calamity

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A good anime compilation film.

This movie is a compilation of three episodes of this anime's next season tied together to form a movie. This is the film's biggest flaw. As this is an anime with a large overarching story, we are seeing only part of a larger story here. Because of this, what we have here never feels enough like a real movie. It begins and ends at seemingly random points. Even a movie with a cliff-hanger ending would never end as abruptly as this one does. 

This is not to say the movie isn't entertaining, however. It is a pure blast. The action scenes are fantastic. They are larger than life in the best way possible. The characters are great and we really enjoy spending time with them. The visuals are amazing with such incredible attention to detail.

This is a delight for anime fans, even if it doesn't feel like a movie. 

Studio Ghibli Fest 2026

 

Along with classic Disney and the old Warner Brothers cartoon studio, Studio Ghibli is one of my all-time favorite animation studios. And how can it not be? Their movies are possibly the best feature length animated films ever made. Not only this but they hold their own with any great live action movie for any era. These are true cinematic masterpieces and because of this it is always an event, when I can see a Studio Ghibli film on the big screen. Well, if you are like me, I have wonderful news for you. Studio Ghibli Fest is back once again. For those of you who are unaware, this is a series of classic Ghibli films that come back to the big screen (in most of your big movie theater chains) for a few months every year.

Here is a list of what is playing this year. 

Ponyo (2008)

 Legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki based this delightful children's fairytale on Hans Christian Anderson's The Little Mermaid. There is charm from start to finish in this extremely creative film. The story follows a little fish girl named Ponyo, who becomes a human when she meets a little human boy named Sosuke. Unfortunately, unbeknownst to her, her magic causes chaos when she comes to land. A pure delight for the whole family. Rated G

English Dub

Saturday, June 13 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, June 14 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, June 17 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Monday, June 15 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, June 16 at 7:00 PM

My Neighbor Totoro (1988) 

From legendary filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki comes one of the greatest family films of all time. In this classic two young sisters move to the country to be closer to their sick mother. In the countryside, the girls meet a magical creature that they call Totoro. This film masterfully blends whimsical fantasy with slice of life storytelling. Few films capture the feeling of childhood quite like this movie. Rated G

 English Dub

Saturday, July 11 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, July 12 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, July 15 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Monday, July 13 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, July 14 at 7:00 PM

Tales From Earthsea (2006)

The directorial debut for Gorō Miyazaki, this fantasy epic adapts the beloved fantasy stories by Ursula K. Le Guin. This underrated film is still exciting and a real visual treat. The movie celebrates its 20th anniversary this year. Rated PG-13

English Dub

Saturday, August 8 at 3:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles 

Monday, August 10 at 7:00 PM

 

Only Yesterday (1991)

One of the studio's most heartfelt and poignant films. Directed and written by Isao Takahata. In this film a 27-year-old woman travels the countryside while reminiscing about her childhood in Tokyo. This movie takes a nuanced and deeply moving look at the power of nostalgia. This is a movie that will stay with you and cause you to look at life in a different way. Rated PG

 English Dub

Sunday, August 9 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Tuesday, August 11 at 7:00 PM     

Castle in the Sky (1986)

Back in theaters for its 40th anniversary is one of Hayao Miyazaki's first masterpieces. This is one of the best action/adventure films ever made. In this movie, two kids go on an amazing adventure to the floating city of Lupita. Filled with larger-than-life settings and characters, great humor, exciting action scenes and a great use of fantasy, this is a pure treat. Rated PG

English Dub

Saturday, August 22 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, August 23 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, August 26 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles 

Monday, August 24 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, August 25 at 7:00 PM

Princess Mononoke (1997)

Back in theaters in a wonderful 4K restoration is one of Hayao Miyazaki's most complex films. With complex characters and thought-provoking themes, including man's relationship with nature, this is a powerful cinematic masterpiece that improves with each viewing. A must watch. Rated PG-13

 English Dub

Saturday, September 26 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, September 27 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, September 30 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Monday, September 28 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, September 29 at 7:00 PM

Spirited Away (2001)

One of the best movies of the 21st century and one of the greatest animated feature films ever made, don't miss your chance to see this masterpiece on the big screen. Taking you into a larger-than-life fantasy world, while also being a moving coming of age story, this is a real 21st century classic. Rated PG

English Dub

Saturday, October 17 at 3:00 PM

Sunday, October 18 at 3:00 PM & 7:00 PM

Wednesday, October 21 at 7:00 PM

Japanese With English Subtitles

Monday, October 19 at 7:00 PM

Tuesday, October 20 at 7:00 PM

If you wish to buy tickets, you can buy them here.

Movie Review: ChaO

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B- 

A charming but flawed anime film.

This movie tells a love story between a human and a mermaid. It is this romance that really holds this movie together. As quirky as this movie gets, this romance remains very sweet and really touching. Not only are both these characters really likable but the relationship between these two characters feels really fleshed out. As we learn more about them (especially with a twist in the last act), the relationship becomes even more emotional. 

I am kind of split when it comes to the look of this film. There is so much imagination in every frame of this movie. The character designs are quite creative and visually pleasing. Yet at the same time the character designs clash with some being much more cartoon-y and over the top than others. Because of this many of these characters simply don't look like the belong in the same movie.  

This movie at many times tries too hard to be quirky. The humor is often simply weird for the reason of being weird. Similarly, the film is much too franticly paced.

The romance of this film is sweet, and often visually pleasing but it is also too quirky for its own good.   

Two Beloved Family Movies Return to Theaters

 

On March 13th, two beloved family movies (both in their 30's) will return to movie theaters. Making this even greater news is that both have been restored in 4K and will look better than they ever had before. I have March 13th off of work and am thinking that I might spend that day at the movies doing a double feature. 

 

Kiki's Delivery Service (1989) Hayao Miyazaki is one of the greatest filmmakers of all time and his movies continue to amaze and charm audiences, even those who don't normally watch anime. When one of his most charming movies finds its way back in theaters, it is reason to celebrate. When that movie is being presented in 4K and IMAX, it is a wonderful event. This film is the story of a 13-year-old witch, who for the first time leaves home with her parents and starts off (with her cat Jiji) to create a life for herself in a new town. Beneath its fantasy elements, this is a slice of life coming of age story that is instantly relatable and moving. Don't miss this. 

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze (1991) The turtles are back and so is their archenemy Shredder, who is assisted by the new villains Tokka and Rahzar. After last year's box-office success of the re-release of the turtles' first big screen adventure, it is only natural that its sequel would also get a rerelease. This is pure early 90's style fun. It may be corny at times but that is part of its charm and is one of the reasons so many of us love this movie. Only in theaters March 13-19, this is a most bodacious watch for us turtle fans. 

   

Movie Trailer: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime the Movie: Tears of the Azure Sea

 

Movie Trailer: HYPNOSIS MIC - Division Rap Battle

Movie Review: All You Need is Kill

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A true visual feast.

This anime film starts with a young girl, who dies with many others due to an unleashing of killer alien plants. She then wakes up and is forced to live the same day again in a Groundhogs Day type of situation. 

First off, this movie is a true visual spectacle in the best sense of the word. Mixing hand drawn and computer animation, this film has a truly unique and exciting look. The designs of the characters and the world are full of pure creativity. The action scenes are some of the most incredible looking I have ever seen in an animated movie. 

These action scenes are also very exciting. They are incredibly well paced and constantly build up to something bigger with each one, which keeps them for becoming as repetitive as they might with such a storyline. 

The storyline may borrow from films we have seen before, but it offers some very clever and creative twists on these ideas, making them feel new and fresh. 

The problem with this movie though is with its fast pace and short runtime, the characters (while likable) are too simplistic. We simply never get to know anything beyond surface level about them. 

Despite some flaws in characterization, this is a fun, exciting and fresh movie. 

Movie Trailer: Uma Musume: Pretty Derby - Beginning of a New Era

Movie Review: Lupin the IIIrd: The Immortal Bloodline

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

An excellent Lupin the III movie. 

This is the 12th animated feature film from this anime and manga franchise that has been around since 1967. With this in mind it is impressive just how good this movie is. This is not a film that is trying to break any new ground or make any sort of commentary. Instead, this is simply a fun action/adventure movie. As such it works incredibly well. Our heroes are just the type of lovable scoundrels that we have liked for so long. The movie never tries to play down that these aren't exactly moral people but still makes us like them regardless. Despite the film's shorter runtime each of our main characters gets a chance to shine, even if Lupin is clearly the main character. This movie also has a great sense of danger throughout. This is one of the few anime franchise films that truly keeps you on the edge of your seat. This is because the stakes are so high and the villain so powerful, that we can't figure out how our "heroes" could possibly make it out alive. Not only does the film create a sense of suspense but it also lives up to it. The conclusion is very intelligent and does not feel rushed or forced (as is the case in most films with very powerful villains). On top of all this the action scenes are excellent, and the animation is of a very high quality. 

This movie does have some problems though. The film starts with a fairly long recap. However, this is unnecessary as the storyline is simple enough for even someone who has never heard of Lupin the III to follow it perfectly without any recap. It feels as if this recap was simply a way of making what was a very short feature length movie to a runtime that goes over an hour and a half. I also felt the villain's design was distracting as he was done in a different art style than our other characters. Also trying to make it seem like this episodic franchise was all leading up to this story can feel a little forced at times.

Overall, this is a worthy addition to this beloved franchise. 

Movie Trailer: All You Need Is Kill

Movie Trailer: Scarlet

Movie Review: Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution

 

Michael's Movie Grade: C+

A fun but messy anime compilation film. 

A type of movie that is becoming more common today is the anime compilation film. These are feature length films that are edited from various episodes of an anime TV show. These movies are usually quite entertaining but come off as very messy in their story telling as they are being presented in a format you are never meant for. 

Fans of the franchise already know that this film can be separated into two different portions. The first is previously seen material and the second is brand new material (that will serve as the start of season three). The first portion is definitely weaker than the second. This is not due to the content (which is excellent) but rather the editing. The editing is incredibly messy. The filmmakers try to shove too much into too short of a time. The result feels rushed and doesn't work as part of a movie. Taken as part of a movie it feels too rushed. For newcomers it is hard to follow, and the characters feel greatly underdeveloped. For fans they would enjoy watching the full episodes more. With a movie that only runs an hour and a half, why couldn't they just make it longer and edit less out. Everything improves greatly in the second portion of the film. This second portion is played straight without anything noticeable being edited out. During this second portion it truly feel like a movie (despite an abrupt ending) and is simply much more enjoyable to watch. Newcomers will also now have an idea who these characters are.

AS for the content itself, it is excellent. The animation is excellent, the monster designs are creative, the action is exciting, and it has a great sense of atmosphere. It is a shame for much of the runtime; this great content is hurt by poor editing. 

 

Movie Review: Chainsaw Man — The Movie: Reze Arc

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A very entertaining movie based on the popular manga and anime. 

For a movie about a teenage boy who can change into a creature made of chainsaws, this movie has all the over-the-top action (where else are you going to see a guy made of chainsaws riding a massive shark) and gore one could hope for. The action scenes are tons of fun to watch, and they look wonderful on a bug movie screen. However, this movie has more going for it than just fun action. The main treats of this film are the characters and the worldbuilding. I have never read the manga or watched a single episode of the anime, making this my first experience with this franchise. Yet I quickly found myself to be absorbed in this world. Meanwhile the characters are all very likable and easy to relate to.

The storyline is quite familiar and mostly predictable. However, it well told and leads to surprisingly emotionally powerful ending (probably the only part of the story I did not see coming). This ending is so effective that it makes you easily forgive the predictableness of the rest of the movie. 

On the other hand, the humor almost consistently falls completely flat (there are really only a couple comedic moments that are actually funny). Some of these comedic moments also come off as loud and obnoxious, like the filmmakers are trying too hard to be funny. 

This movie may have its flaws, but the parts that work are truly fantastic. 

 

Movie Trailer: Jujutsu Kaisen: Execution Trailer #1 (2025)

Movie Review: Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle

 

Michael's Movie Grade: A-

Another wonderful movie from this beloved anime franchise. 

Though this movie is a continuation of the popular anime TV series, it truly feels like something that belongs on the big screen. This movie truly feels larger than life in every way. The visuals here are simply incredible. It has a larger than life and incredibly atmospheric look that sucks you in immediately. As the film starts, we truly feel like we have been transported to this dark fantasy world. The setting is not the only part of the movie that feels larger than life. The action scenes are truly incredible. I can honestly not remember when the last time I watched an anime film with this great of action scenes was. Not only are this action scenes well-choregraphed and exciting but they truly feel like these heroes are facing threats that they have never faced before. They are nearing the biggest battle of their lives, and these action scenes must reflect this. No victory here feels easily earned and many of the fights push us out of the assurance that our heroes will be okay. This is all perfectly captured here, bring a brand new and incredibly effective intensity to every action scene. Yet this movie is not just one big action-packed spectacle. It has some truly emotional moments. I will not give any of these away but some of them are truly heart-wrenching. 

If I have one complaint, it is that the non-conclusive cliff-hanger ending would feel more appropriate in a TV episode than a feature film. However, with how great this movie is up until that point, it is hard to fault this movie too much for that. 

An excellent movie that even non-anime fans, might really like. 

Movie Review: Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

A very entertaining compilation movie.

Becoming more and more common today is the anime compilation movie. These seem to come in-between seasons of various anime TV series. They often are comprised of the first few episodes of the next season of the show. These allow fans of the show to experience these episodes ahead of time and on a big movie theater screen. The results are often very entertaining films but ones that don't quite feel like actually movies. Dan Da Dan Evil Eye consists of the first few episodes of the popular show's second season. 

This film does a better job of actually feeling like a movie than many other anime compilation films (especially the Demon Slayer ones). First it gets rid of end credits (though there are credits at the end of the whole movie) and the opening theme song. Secondly this movie does not seem to randomly start in the middle of a storyline. This in fact is the start of a new story arc for the series. Thirdly the ending actually feels like a bit of a conclusion. True there is a bit of a cliff hanger, and it is obvious that there is going to be more to the story. However, we live in the age of the MCU and two- and three-part movies, so this does not keep it from not feeling like a theatrical film. Still, it feels like the end of this part of the storyline, giving the movie a feel of a beginning, middle and end. Fourthly this movie is completely accessible to those who have never watched the TV show. You can quite quickly pick up on who these characters are and their relationships to each other. There are some flaws in this part of the filmmaking though. It is obvious when the commercial breaks are supposed to be, which can feel a bit awkward when watching it on a movie screen with no commercials. Also, the recap at the beginning is unnecessary (as one can still follow the story and characters without it) and feels like padding. 

The episodes themselves are excellent. The action scenes are fantastic and look great on the big screen. The villains are very creepy and memorable. There is a dark and foreboding atmosphere all over this film. This includes some scenes that are legitimately scary and make you feel at complete unease. There are also some very emotional moments here. One flashback scene hits you like an emotional punch to the gut. The characters are all very likable and you immediately connect with them, even if you haven't seen the show before. I do feel the humor is a bit hit and miss but this is hardly a major flaw. 

This is one of the better anime compilation films of recent years. 

Movie Review: Dragon Heart: Adventures Beyond This World

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B-

An intriguing but flawed anime film. 

Two teenagers die when they accidentally slip and drown. They are told that they can resume their lives if they travel to the spirit world and discover what their true purpose on Earth is. When they visit the spirit world they find that much of it consists of people's own personal hells. 

This movie was made in conjunction with the religious organization Happy Science, which many people refer to as a dangerous cult. I am not knowledgeable enough about this organization to either confirm or deny this assessment but taken on its own merits this movie is actually pretty good. The main characters, while not complex, are easy to like and root for. While the story has its religious message, it takes a while until this message shows its full face, and the story is quite intriguing and absorbing until that time. For an animated movie not made by a major studio, the artwork is often great to look at. The designs and background art give the film a very atmospheric look. The atmosphere is the main reason to watch this movie as the filmmakers are able to do what all fantasy movies should do. This film makes the worlds we see seem completely real to us. Never is this more evident than when we get a glimpse into people's personal hells. These hells create a real sense of unease and often make us feel like we have been transported into a nightmare. Once more the hospital themed hell is legitimately scary and wouldn't feel out of place in a real horror film. 

This movie definitely has its flaws though. The pacing is often very poor with some scenes feeling rushed and others going on too long. The few song numbers here are also incredibly poor with some truly embarrassing lyrics. Worst of all is that after avoiding it for the majority of the film, the movie spends most of the last act truly preaching to us. This part almost comes off as one of those cartoons that religious groups and churches would show to the tiniest of kids to teach them the very basics of their faith. Perhaps if this was one of those films this could be overlooked but this movie is too dark and disturbing (as well as featuring swearing and blood) to be appropriate for kids and this last act is too much like a film for preschool age kids for this to work. It is during this last act that the movie feels most at odds with itself.   

Even if this film has its flaws and the last act is a mess, there is still enough for animation lovers to make it worth seeing.    

Video Link: Studio Ghibli Fest 2025 Exclusive Trailer

Movie Review: Mobile Suit Gundam GQuuuuuuX: Beginning (Kidô Senshi Gandamu GQuuuuuuX -Beginning-)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B

A really fun Mecha Anime film.

This movie is a solid entry in the ever-popular Gundam franchise. This film is packed with all the action fans have come to expect from this franchise. This action is over-the-top sci-fi fun at it best. These action scenes move fast, never lose momentum and are very well animated. The pacing is fantastic as these scenes never overstay their welcome or feel too rushed. Yet the action is not the only reason this movie works. The main characters are very likable and easy to relate to. This is especially true of Amate Yuzuriha, who is not only extremely likable here but is also a perfect charter for us to relate to and see ourselves in. She provides the heart to this film. The fact that we care about her helps make the climatic action scene all the more exciting. While her supporting cast may not be as fleshed out as her, they are all likable and do their jobs pretty well. I also love the look of this movie. Since this is part of a long running anime franchise, the film takes on the art style of an old school anime. This brings a fun retro charm to the movie. 

This movie consists of what will become the first three episodes to a new Gundam TV series. I appreciated that this film actually edits them into a movie instead of keeping in the theme songs and credits (ala some of the Demon Slayer "movies"). This helped it flow together and feel like a movie. Still that this will become three TV episodes does seem obvious in hindsight as the beginning feels like an extended prologue for the rest of the movie and the ending is very abrupt.

This is a fun trip to the movies for any anime and/or sci-fi fan.  

Movie Review: The Colors Within (Kimi no iro)

 

Michael's Movie Grade: B+

An excellent animated film from Japan. 

This movie follows three teenagers who join together to create a band. The title comes from the main character who can see the color of people's auras. This allows for some truly beautiful visuals. She thinks her bandmates' auras have the most beautiful colors. Due to the magic of movies and animation, we are allowed to see these colors. Not only are these some of the most visually pleasing scenes in the film but the shades of the colors being used here having a very calming effect. The three main characters are truly great as well. Each of them is easy to relate to and care about. They all have personalities that represent different parts of all of us. Coming together the three of them truly seem to complete each other. They bring out the best in one another and help each other overcome each one's insecurities. It is hard to believe any of them would be capable of putting themselves out there the way they do if they hadn't met. This makes us care not only deeply about these characters but the friendship between them as well. For a movie that centers around a band, this is one of the most important elements. Another important element for a film about a band is of course the music. The three songs that each of them writes are pretty darn good. One of them was even stuck in my head when I left the theater. 

The storyline to this movie is very familiar through and I always saw which direction it was going to go. I also felt that some plot elements (particularly how fast one character learned to play piano) felt very rushed. 

Despite a few flaws though this movie is a real charmer.