America, Movie
Blue Beetle: A thrilling action film where tokusatsu spirit meets Latin culture
Blue Beetle brings a lesser-known DC hero to the screen, telling a warm family story that blends Latin culture with eye-catching suit design. Although it shares some familiar elements with Iron Man and Spider-Man, its cultural focus and impressive effects make it unique.
America, Movie
Gran Turismo: From Controller to Steering Wheel: A Success Story
Gran Turismo, directed by Neill Blomkamp, is a gripping racing drama based on a true story. It captures the hopes and values of the gaming generation, offering much more than a standard racing film.
The film tells the story of the world’s best Gran Turismo player as he chases his dream of becoming a professional racer through GT Academy, skillfully blending gaming with real-life racing.
America, Movie
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One. An intellectual battle against a new adversary: AI.
The seventh film in the series, starring Tom Cruise, returns to theaters after a five-year hiatus. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One stands out not only for its impressive action but also for its clever battle with a new kind of enemy: AI, known as the Entity. This central conflict between human choices and artificial intelligence gives the movie more depth than just action alone. The nearly three-hour runtime goes by quickly thanks to this gripping story. One of the most unforgettable moments is when Cruise rides a motorcycle off a cliff, a stunt that will surely be remembered as one of the greatest in film history.
Anime, Cinema
Spider-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.
America, Movie
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: An ambitious work from the DC Universe.
The movie spent too much time building up to the fight between Batman and Superman, which made it feel overly serious and forced. Batman seemed weaker than Superman, so the big showdown didn’t feel like a fair fight. Ultimately, Batman’s role felt more like that of a minor villain, and his part in the final battle was somewhat disappointing.
As someone familiar with these heroes only through the movies, not the comics, I often found myself confused and detached from the narrative.
America, Movie
Last Knights: A Sublime Tale of Chivalry Where East Meets West
True to its tagline, Kiriyama adapts “Chushingura” faithfully, delivering genuinely entertaining storytelling.
The film centers on a knight’s unwavering quest for justice and vengeance on behalf of his lord.
Unlike Kiriyama’s more flamboyant films, such as CASSHERN and GOEMON, this one feels much more serious and carefully crafted. The main character’s backstory seems important, so it was disappointing that the flashbacks were left out.
It was a beautifully put-together film, featuring cool accessories and backgrounds typical of Kiriyama’s style, along with an easy-to-follow story.
Despite lacking flashy scenes, the film’s focus on the universal theme of loyalty maintains engagement and reinforces the main argument.
Blue Beetle: A thrilling action film where tokusatsu spirit meets Latin culture
Gran Turismo: From Controller to Steering Wheel: A Success Story
Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One. An intellectual battle against a new adversary: AI.
Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse – Part One. Watercolor Meets Da Vinci: Radical Art Collides.
Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: An ambitious work from the DC Universe.
Last Knights: A Sublime Tale of Chivalry Where East Meets West
There is no escape! A moving closed room space.
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Movie AmericaDevil (2010 film): A solid situation with a strong religious flavor
Five men and women are trapped in an elevator. A murder occurs in the sealed elevator, leaving them unable to escape. Then, suddenly, another murder happens. The killer is among them, and everyone is consumed by suspicion. Blaming the murders on demons might seem too simple, but the film makes great use of the elevator setting to explore guilt and suspicion. The way the characters interact maintains high psychological tension throughout. Fans of American dramas like The X-Files or Supernatural will likely enjoy it. It feels more like a two-part extended episode than a single one. -
Movie AmericaLocke: “A Closed-Room Drama by Tom Hardy”
From the start, you wonder why he’s driving alone and what leads him to make such questionable choices. The ending is somewhat abstract, so it may not appeal to everyone. Tom Hardy's acting is outstanding. Even though he only talks to others by phone while driving, you can easily picture the people on the other end. Holding attention for 80 minutes alone in a car must have been tough, but the film remains gripping throughout. -

Movie JapanBullet 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 America10 Cloverfield Lane: Suspense that takes place in a secret room deep underground
Rather than the panic action from the previous film, it is better to think of it as a confinement or a suspense drama in a closed space.
Mystery
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Movie AmericaDevil (2010 film): A solid situation with a strong religious flavor
Five men and women are trapped in an elevator. A murder occurs in the sealed elevator, leaving them unable to escape. Then, suddenly, another murder happens. The killer is among them, and everyone is consumed by suspicion. Blaming the murders on demons might seem too simple, but the film makes great use of the elevator setting to explore guilt and suspicion. The way the characters interact maintains high psychological tension throughout. Fans of American dramas like The X-Files or Supernatural will likely enjoy it. It feels more like a two-part extended episode than a single one. -

Movie AmericaDeath on the Nile (2022 film). Sequel to the Agatha Christie series by Kenneth Branagh.
The film Death on the Nile is the second in the Poirot series directed by Kenneth Branagh and adapted from the Agatha Christie novel. It features a stellar cast and Branagh's performance of Poirot. Particularly noteworthy is the critical role of Emma McKee, who delivers a brilliant performance despite her young age. The film also features stylish direction and additional melodramatic elements, making it captivating for audiences. -
Movie AmericaMurder on the Orient Express. Mystery case with a gorgeous cast in a beautiful setting.
A beautiful panoramic scene in Istanbul, the luxury of a steam locomotive, and a lovely scene while enjoying such a beautiful scene, a murder takes place. A murder takes place in a locked room in the middle of a snowstorm. The murderer is sure to be in the room as he solves the murder. However, there are many characters. -
Movie AmericaA Haunting in Venice: Poirot’s horror experience in Venice
It is the third installment of Branagh's version of the Poirot series! This time, the case combines the previous mystery + horror elements. Both the first and second installments of the Branagh version of the Poirot series were very elegant in their setting. This installment is set entirely in mid-20th-century Venice, but the case and the building in which it takes place are old Western-style houses, adding a horror element to the series. -
Movie AmericaGone Girl. The thrill never stops until the end
Based on the novel “Gone Girl” by Gillian Flynn It is based on the novel Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn. It is in two parts, the first and second volumes, and was a #1 New York Times bestseller. The author, Gillian Flynn, debuted as a novelist in 2006 with KIZU. She also wrote the screenplay for the movie Gone Girl. *The following touches on essential points of the story. Please be careful if you have not seen the film. A thriller as only director David Fincher can make it. This film is directed by David Fincher, who is also known for Seven, Zodiac, and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo. […]
MOVIE
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Movie AmericaBlue Beetle: A thrilling action film where tokusatsu spirit meets Latin culture
Blue Beetle brings a lesser-known DC hero to the screen, telling a warm family story that blends Latin culture with eye-catching suit design. Although it shares some familiar elements with Iron Man and Spider-Man, its cultural focus and impressive effects make it unique. -
Movie AmericaGran Turismo: From Controller to Steering Wheel: A Success Story
Gran Turismo, directed by Neill Blomkamp, is a gripping racing drama based on a true story. It captures the hopes and values of the gaming generation, offering much more than a standard racing film. The film tells the story of the world’s best Gran Turismo player as he chases his dream of becoming a professional racer through GT Academy, skillfully blending gaming with real-life racing. -
Movie AmericaMission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning – Part One. An intellectual battle against a new adversary: AI.
The seventh film in the series, starring Tom Cruise, returns to theaters after a five-year hiatus. Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One stands out not only for its impressive action but also for its clever battle with a new kind of enemy: AI, known as the Entity. This central conflict between human choices and artificial intelligence gives the movie more depth than just action alone. The nearly three-hour runtime goes by quickly thanks to this gripping story. One of the most unforgettable moments is when Cruise rides a motorcycle off a cliff, a stunt that will surely be remembered as one of the greatest in film history. -
Movie AmericaBatman v Superman: Dawn of Justice: An ambitious work from the DC Universe.
The movie spent too much time building up to the fight between Batman and Superman, which made it feel overly serious and forced. Batman seemed weaker than Superman, so the big showdown didn't feel like a fair fight. Ultimately, Batman's role felt more like that of a minor villain, and his part in the final battle was somewhat disappointing. As someone familiar with these heroes only through the movies, not the comics, I often found myself confused and detached from the narrative. -
Movie AmericaLast Knights: A Sublime Tale of Chivalry Where East Meets West
True to its tagline, Kiriyama adapts "Chushingura" faithfully, delivering genuinely entertaining storytelling. The film centers on a knight's unwavering quest for justice and vengeance on behalf of his lord. Unlike Kiriyama's more flamboyant films, such as CASSHERN and GOEMON, this one feels much more serious and carefully crafted. The main character's backstory seems important, so it was disappointing that the flashbacks were left out. It was a beautifully put-together film, featuring cool accessories and backgrounds typical of Kiriyama's style, along with an easy-to-follow story. Despite lacking flashy scenes, the film’s focus on the universal theme of loyalty maintains engagement and reinforces the main argument. -
Movie AmericaEverything Everywhere All at Once: A Multiverse Where Nihilism and the Affirmation of Love Collide.
This film was incredibly confusing, but that confusion is key to its main point. In a multiverse where nihilism and love intersect, emotional connection emerges as a powerful response to chaos. The story moves viewers from a laundromat to the farthest reaches of the universe. Director Daniels fully leans into strange and crude humor, creating a silly but touching sci-fi story that feels uniquely their own. The film Everything Everywhere All at Once is the 2023 Academy Award-winning Best Picture, directed by the duo known as “The Daniels,” Daniel Kwan and Daniel Scheinert.
ANIME
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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. -
Cinema AnimePSYCHO-PASS PROVIENCE: The final choice of Akae Tsunemori, torn between law and justice
This film wraps up the popular sci-fi anime series, which started in 2012, and truly delivers for longtime fans. It finally reveals why Akane Tsunemori was imprisoned and uncovers the truth behind the central case, weaving a complex and satisfying story. While it can be tough for newcomers to jump in, those who have followed the series will find it especially moving. -
Cinema AnimeThe Super Mario Bros. Movie: A Miracle Fan Film Presented by Illumination and Nintendo
This film earned over ¥100 billion worldwide and stands out as a heartfelt achievement in the fan film genre. Thanks to the close teamwork between Illumination Entertainment and Nintendo, a simple story filled with love for gaming becomes a magical, engaging experience in just 90 minutes. Its success shows the power of passionate, collaborative adaptation. The film focuses more on character charm and nostalgia than on critical perfection, sparking some debate. Still, seeing Mario's world on the big screen is an emotional experience that feels like a true love letter to youth, much like receiving a New Year's gift. -
Cinema AnimeInside Out 2: Sequel to Pixar’s highest-grossing series.
Pixar's Inside Out 2 is a massive hit, setting the studio's all-time box office record. The film's success is rooted in its insightful depiction of adolescence through relatable characters and themes, resonating deeply with audiences. The theme is fascinating. Riley grows up and enters adolescence, a transition the film illustrates through her experiences with ice hockey. The rush of skating across the ice mirrors the emotional ups and downs of puberty. The new character, Worry, is particularly memorable, evoking memories of times spent overthinking and hesitating. The visuals are vibrant and beautiful. The music builds upon the first film's strengths while also evolving. The message that 'It's okay not to be perfect' really resonates. -
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 AnimeHow to Train Your Dragon (2010): A moving story of unlikely friendship and mutual trust between a boy and a dragon.
Hiccup, a frail boy from a Viking village, tries and fails to defeat the dragons attacking his home. Instead, he forms a close bond with the powerful Night Fury. By breaking Viking rules and befriending a dragon, Hiccup changes his own future and challenges his people's beliefs. The heartwarming bond between the protagonist Hiccup and the dragon (Toothless, known as Tooth in Japanese), and the tender connection between Hiccup and his strict father. In this film, the nonverbal Night Fury, Toothless, is captivating, with mannerisms reminiscent of a cat.


