America, Movie
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring “A monumental adventure epic etched into film history.”
The most excellent fantasy story of the 20th century, once thought impossible to film, finally made it to the big screen. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is more than just entertainment—it’s a landmark film that changed the history of cinema. With New Zealand’s stunning scenery, groundbreaking visual effects, and deep human drama, the film earned 13 Academy Award nominations and won 4. Games like Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and The Legend of Zelda all trace their roots back to this story.
America, Movie
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – A feast of action and a story that moves at a breakneck pace.
The showdown with Smaug, the final boss of Part 2, was surprisingly brief.
It was resolved early on, and the protagonists weren’t even involved in the conclusion.
But what really feels unsatisfying is Thorin’s character.
The noble character we saw in Part 2 suddenly turns arrogant as soon as he gets his wealth back.
There’s no real psychological build-up. Thorin doesn’t even defeat Smaug himself. The moment he gets his gold, he becomes arrogant. It feels out of character for the main hero. Why? That question sticks with you.
The reason given is “dragon sickness.”
So it really was a sickness? But the film never clearly shows how he got sick or how he overcame it.
As soon as he recovers, he rushes straight into a massive orc army. It feels more reckless than heroic. It doesn’t have the same bold energy Aragorn showed when he led the Ringwraiths to the rescue in the earlier film.
This last film left me feeling uneasy.
America, Movie
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Dragon’s Roar and Barrel River Rafting
The stunning scenery and exciting new battle scenes, especially the river escape, kept me on the edge of my seat.
Legolas’s appearance in this film brought a wave of joy and nostalgia for fans of The Lord of the Rings.
Both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have truly fascinating stories.
Even though the film is over two hours long, its careful craftsmanship keeps it engaging and enjoyable throughout.
America, Movie
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – The start of a new adventure brought to life by Peter Jackson.
This film comes after Peter Jackson’s 2002-2004 Lord of the Rings trilogy. Watching it reminded me of that world. I liked seeing familiar characters again, but the enemy monsters seemed too silly and not very threatening, which sometimes made the movie feel more like a comedy. That wasn’t very pleasant.
Anime, Cinema
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World “The culmination of a trilogy, an ultimate adventure tale presented with overwhelming visual beauty.”
The How to Train Your Dragon series has come to an end. This last film stands out for its stunning visuals and touching story, making it a proper “moving grand finale.” It highlights the best in animation, shows how much the characters have grown, and ends on a surprisingly emotional note. For longtime fans, it feels like the perfect reward.
Anime, Cinema
How To Train Your Dragon 2: The pains of growing up and tears of parting
The popular series got a sequel, and it’s rare for a sequel to outshine the original. But this film is one of those rare cases. Set five years after the first movie, it tells a touching story that strengthens the bond between Hiccup and Toothless while exploring big themes like growing up, family, and saying goodbye. If the first film was about friendship between a boy and a dragon, this one is more about coming of age and what it means to grow up.
The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring “A monumental adventure epic etched into film history.”
The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – A feast of action and a story that moves at a breakneck pace.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Dragon’s Roar and Barrel River Rafting
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – The start of a new adventure brought to life by Peter Jackson.
How to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World “The culmination of a trilogy, an ultimate adventure tale presented with overwhelming visual beauty.”
How To Train Your Dragon 2: The pains of growing up and tears of parting
Boy Meets Girl
-
Cinema AnimeChainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc: “The anime adaptation of Chainsaw Man has perfectly overcome the challenges of the TV series.”
Three years after the TV series, Chainsaw Man: Reze Chapter exceeds expectations by turning fan feedback into its greatest strength. The bold directorial change reinvigorates the franchise, capturing the original manga’s chaotic pace and emotional intensity. The result is an adaptation that fully realizes Chainsaw Man's potential as a visceral, memorable cinematic experience. -
Cinema AnimeYour Name: This is the work that brought director Makoto Shinkai worldwide fame.
Among Makoto Shinkai's works, which often feature tragic love stories, this film concludes with a happy ending, leaving the viewer with a sense of happiness. The promotional video led me to expect a gender-swap romantic comedy, but the film turned out to be a heartfelt coming-of-age love story. Still, it features the beautiful backgrounds Shinkai is known for, from rural scenery to city skyscrapers, pulling viewers into his world. As a result, this is a film crafted to appeal to a broad audience in the best sense, one that anyone can find moving and enjoyable. -
Cinema AnimeThe Boy and the Beast: The Bond Between Parent and Child Depicted by Director Mamoru Hosoda
At age 9, I lost my mother, rebelled against relatives, and eventually ran away to live alone. My solitary life changed when I met Kumatetsu, who was also alone, and together we grew. However, as the story progresses into young adulthood and approaches the climax, the transition feels too abrupt for me to follow, making it harder to stay connected to the narrative. Honestly, the encounter between the heroine and the protagonist's father felt rushed. -
Movie AmericaThe Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes “A story about when President Snow was still a pure young man.”
The movie "The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes" is a prequel to the "Hunger Games" series, released in 2023. As the title suggests, it depicts the younger days of Coriolanus Snow, who later becomes the dictator of Panem. For fans of the series, this is a highly anticipated film that reveals the dramatic backstory behind how President Snow transformed into the ruthless dictator we know today. -
Cinema AnimeWeathering with You: “Weathering with You: As usual, I watched the world of Director Shinkai.”
There are various points to criticize, but the combination of weather fantasy and coming-of-age movie worked well, resulting in a remarkable animated film.
Non-stop panic
-
Movie China AmericaThe Meg: Jason Statham vs. the Strongest Shark in History
The film “The Meg” revitalizes the shark movie genre by reintroducing the ancient Megalodon. Jason Statham delivers an energetic performance that matches the film’s large-scale oceanic setting. The straightforward storyline, minimal dramatics, and the inclusion of an international cast, such as Li Bingbing, provide the excitement expected from a shark movie. -
Movie France AmericaThe Purge: Anarchy “A series that expands your worldview”
The new film cuts back on some of the annoying elements from the first movie, such as forced crises and weak defenses, but retains the Purge setting. This installment feels more expansive, and its satisfying ending makes it highly entertaining. The characters stand out: the deranged driver, the zealot woman, the mafia exploiting the Purge, and the rich treating it as a game. Sustained survival tension makes this an especially entertaining survival film. -
Movie AmericaNo Escape: Experience your everyday life collapsing in an instant!
After the first half hour, the film keeps you on edge with nonstop suspense. Still, the child character sometimes makes choices that feel off, which, even though it's a common storytelling trick, pulled me out of the moment. Occasionally, news reports cover riots or attacks involving corporate buildings and government officials. This film prompts viewers to consider what such chaos might be like firsthand. The depiction is grounded and unsettling, creating a strong sense of realism. -
Movie America
Independence Day (1996), Even From The Depths of Despair, Humanity Will Continue to Stand on Its Own!
Independence Day, released on July 4, 1996, wowed audiences with its impressive visuals, blending new computer-generated graphics and models. Will Smith’s energetic performance, a lively cast, and Bill Pullman’s memorable speech fill the movie with American spirit. The film focuses more on excitement and romance than on detailed logic, making it a standout of the 1990s sci-fi that remains enjoyable today. -
Movie Japan
Bullet Train Explosion: “It realistically depicted the emergence of terrorism.”
A Netflix original film that reimagines the 1975 classic disaster movie, directed by Shinji Higuchi of Shin Godzilla fame, set in the present day. Starring Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, the film depicts the struggles of people in extreme circumstances as they deal with a bomb planted on a bullet train, told from a realistic perspective. A spectacular entertainment blockbuster that thoroughly simulates what would happen if such a situation occurred in modern-day Japan.
MOVIE
-
Movie AmericaThe Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring “A monumental adventure epic etched into film history.”
The most excellent fantasy story of the 20th century, once thought impossible to film, finally made it to the big screen. The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship of the Ring is more than just entertainment—it's a landmark film that changed the history of cinema. With New Zealand’s stunning scenery, groundbreaking visual effects, and deep human drama, the film earned 13 Academy Award nominations and won 4. Games like Dragon Quest, Final Fantasy, and The Legend of Zelda all trace their roots back to this story. -
Movie AmericaThe Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies – A feast of action and a story that moves at a breakneck pace.
The showdown with Smaug, the final boss of Part 2, was surprisingly brief. It was resolved early on, and the protagonists weren't even involved in the conclusion. But what really feels unsatisfying is Thorin’s character. The noble character we saw in Part 2 suddenly turns arrogant as soon as he gets his wealth back. There’s no real psychological build-up. Thorin doesn’t even defeat Smaug himself. The moment he gets his gold, he becomes arrogant. It feels out of character for the main hero. Why? That question sticks with you. The reason given is “dragon sickness.” So it really was a sickness? But the film never clearly shows how he got sick or how he overcame it. As soon as he recovers, he rushes straight into a massive orc army. It feels more reckless than heroic. It doesn’t have the same bold energy Aragorn showed when he led the Ringwraiths to the rescue in the earlier film. This last film left me feeling uneasy. -
Movie AmericaThe Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug – Dragon’s Roar and Barrel River Rafting
The stunning scenery and exciting new battle scenes, especially the river escape, kept me on the edge of my seat. Legolas’s appearance in this film brought a wave of joy and nostalgia for fans of The Lord of the Rings. Both The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings have truly fascinating stories. Even though the film is over two hours long, its careful craftsmanship keeps it engaging and enjoyable throughout. -
Movie America
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey – The start of a new adventure brought to life by Peter Jackson.
This film comes after Peter Jackson's 2002-2004 Lord of the Rings trilogy. Watching it reminded me of that world. I liked seeing familiar characters again, but the enemy monsters seemed too silly and not very threatening, which sometimes made the movie feel more like a comedy. That wasn't very pleasant. -
Movie America
The Lost City (2022): A treasure hunt full of laughter and adventure, making it a great experience for adults.
The classic treasure-hunting adventure returns, bringing back memories of 80s films like Romancing the Stone and King Solomon's Ring. With Sandra Bullock and Channing Tatum’s great chemistry and a fun cameo from Brad Pitt, this movie offers adults a mix of laughter, romance, and exciting adventure. -
Movie America
Bullet Train: A Shinkansen-Set Assassin Showdown! Hollywood-Style “Japan” Explodes in This Blockbuster Entertainment Spectacle
Brad Pitt leads the action-packed Bullet Train, a wild assassin story set on a high-speed train and based on Kotaro Isaka’s novel Maria Beetle. Directed by David Leitch (John Wick, Atomic Blonde, Deadpool 2), the film mixes stylish direction inspired by Guy Ritchie with a quirky, Tarantino-like vibe. Even though Hollywood’s take on Japan can seem over-the-top, the movie’s playful energy makes it easy to enjoy. Clever foreshadowing, a cast full of stars, and significant themes like fate and karma add real depth to this fast-paced ride.
ANIME
-
Cinema AnimeHow to Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World “The culmination of a trilogy, an ultimate adventure tale presented with overwhelming visual beauty.”
The How to Train Your Dragon series has come to an end. This last film stands out for its stunning visuals and touching story, making it a proper “moving grand finale.” It highlights the best in animation, shows how much the characters have grown, and ends on a surprisingly emotional note. For longtime fans, it feels like the perfect reward. -
Cinema Anime
How To Train Your Dragon 2: The pains of growing up and tears of parting
The popular series got a sequel, and it’s rare for a sequel to outshine the original. But this film is one of those rare cases. Set five years after the first movie, it tells a touching story that strengthens the bond between Hiccup and Toothless while exploring big themes like growing up, family, and saying goodbye. If the first film was about friendship between a boy and a dragon, this one is more about coming of age and what it means to grow up. -
Cinema AnimeAPPLESEED ALPHA: A Tale of Hope Reborn in Ruined New York
This film, inspired by Masamune Shirow's manga “Appleseed,” is a fully CGI-animated reboot of the series. Unlike earlier versions, it follows two former soldiers as they try to survive in a ruined world. The visuals and characters are impressive, but the story feels simple and somewhat familiar. It's a good starting point for newcomers or anyone interested in seeing how visual technology has advanced. -
Cinema Anime
Inu Oh: The soul-shout of the unrewarded! The shock of a rock opera that transcends time.
Director Masaaki Yuasa’s latest film is a unique rock opera set in Japan’s 14th-century Muromachi period. By blending modern rock music with historical themes, the film gives a voice to those forgotten by history and sets a new standard for animated storytelling. -
Cinema Anime
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc: “The anime adaptation of Chainsaw Man has perfectly overcome the challenges of the TV series.”
Three years after the TV series, Chainsaw Man: Reze Chapter exceeds expectations by turning fan feedback into its greatest strength. The bold directorial change reinvigorates the franchise, capturing the original manga’s chaotic pace and emotional intensity. The result is an adaptation that fully realizes Chainsaw Man's potential as a visceral, memorable cinematic experience. -
Cinema AnimeSpider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Part One. Watercolor Meets Da Vinci: Radical Art Collides.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse is a standout film that combines bold, experimental visuals with a universal story about the bond between parents and children. The film’s creative use of watercolor effects and Da Vinci-inspired sketches is especially impressive for a big-budget production, offering viewers a fresh visual experience. The story focuses on the simple but powerful theme of fathers and sons, a hallmark of Lord and Miller’s work, and delivers a more complete coming-of-age story from the parents’ perspective. The film’s answer to the idea of 'making your own story' is both surprising and inspiring, reinventing the Spider-Man narrative in a new way.
