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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The visual effects and 3D presentation are impressive, but the film doesn't offer much new for those who have seen the earlier movies. Its complicated story and sudden ending make it feel repetitive instead of moving the series forward.

The second Transformers movie pushes Michael Bay's style even further, packing in more action and over-the-top moments than before. Early in the film, Megan Fox’s character Mikaela is shown in a shot that focuses on her as she leans against a motorcycle, emphasizing sexuality in a manner not typically expected from a family film based on children’s toys. Other scenes include a honey trap aimed at Sam, the return of the Transformers' "ball gag" from the previous film, dog mating jokes, the hip-shaking of the small Transformer "Wheely," and John Turturro's thong. These recurring crude gags make the film's comedic style distinct, though their appropriateness within the context of a family-targeted franchise may be questioned.

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.