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Cinema Anime
How 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. -
Movie Australia
Predestination: A time paradox where you can enjoy the payoff of brilliantly laid foreshadowing.
A Staggering Time Paradox Condensed into 97 Minutes. Many stories have tackled time paradoxes, but 'Predestination' truly stands out. In just 97 minutes, it packs in more surprises than the trailer lets on. It's best enjoyed if you go in knowing as little as possible. The film smoothly shifts from thoughtful human drama to a fast-paced series of events. Its mix of retro costumes, futuristic gadgets, and unique makeup gives it a look you won't forget. -
Cinema Anime
The 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 France America
The 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 Australia America
I, Frankenstein: “A dark hero who cares nothing for angels or demons.”
Made by the same studio as "Underworld," I, Frankenstein has a similar dark vibe, but it puts more emphasis on action than on horror. This movie is fast-paced and full of action, so there isn’t much time to take in every part of the story. I was glad to see that Frankenstein’s backstory stuck closely to the original, without any strange changes. The production quality and CG were impressive. I also enjoyed the Gargoyle character, which had a fun, exaggerated style that reminded me of stories I liked in middle school. -
Movie America
Top Gun: Maverick. “All the joys of cinema—music, sound, visuals, and storytelling—are right here!”
Tom Cruise is back in Top Gun: Maverick, bringing thrilling fighter jet action and plenty of drama. The film has everything fans love about action movies. From intense aerial battles to Maverick’s journey as a mentor, every scene packs an emotional punch. The music, including Kenny Loggins' classic "Danger Zone" and Lady Gaga’s new theme, adds even more excitement and makes the experience unforgettable. -
Movie America
Transformers: Packed with Gimmicks That Tickle the Otaku Heart!
The 2007 film brought Japan's Transformers toys back to life in Hollywood. With Steven Spielberg producing and Michael Bay directing, the movie utilized advanced CGI and thrilling action to transform a once-unfilmable idea into a global hit. Audiences loved seeing vehicles change into robots, and the story of a regular high school student saving the world gave it a timeless charm. Its fun style and impressive sound made it the beginning of a much-loved series. -
Movie America
No 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
Devil (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 America
Locke: “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.