Fate/Zero is a high-budget prequel to Fate/Stay Night with superb characterization and good action, but a conclusion that is ultimately unsatisfying.

I don't know the figure, but vast volumes of money had to have been invested in the magnificent animation that defines Fate/Zero, which is crisp, beautiful, and not lacking in any arena.  My only qualm was the hazy effect of Berserker's character that didn't fit the rest of the animation style.  It was still a cool effect, …

Note:  I consider the three DVD special episodes as part of my review because they help wrap up the series and that is how I watched the show.

Baccano's zany cast, fractured storytelling, and action-packed scenes race the viewer through episode after tantalizing episode set in an industrialized, mobster-themed era of the 1930's.

First off, the sheer number of wacky characters are enough to keep your head spinning and busy memorizing names and connections while their …

Porco Rosso is built on the backs of its lively, vibrant characters with animation and a soundtrack to match.  There may not be another movie in existence to match the blended tone this movie encapsulates, so full of life and comedy with shadows of darker things.

The characters are crack cocaine: their expressions, characteristics, mannerisms, and motivations will give you fits of laughter along with a deep respect.  Marco is macho, a lone wolf, so to speak, who lives to …

Interstella 5555 glides seamlessly through Daft Punk's album, Discovery, track by track, portraying an extensively visual, energetic story with appealing characters and vibrant animation.  The imaginative, intergalactic setting fits with the easy going entertainment.  The sound effects, animation, characters, and music support the tale.

Sound effects are minimal and occur during song transitions.  The scenes that include rain begin with the splattering of rain and at one …

The 08th MS Team attempts to be a down to Earth, in-the-trenches take on the Gundam franchise that doesn't follow through.  The viewer follows the 08th squad through various skirmishes.  From an episodic stand-point, by following this small group of soldiers, the viewer has the chance to see great development of the team, both in collaboration and the individual members.  The overall story, however, doesn't cut it and is contrastingly naive compared with the depth of the …

Miller's Report is simply a recap episode with some new animation and sound added in that shed light on some small parts of the main story.  While nothing new is added to the plot, the recap focuses on Shiro's and Aina's relationship during the flashbacks with a sizable amount of time devoted to the team.  Miller and Shiro have a couple run-ins in between flashbacks, which add some interest.  The animation and score for the new cut scenes is top notch and fits with the …

Erased is a nostalgic thriller. It explores childhood and friendship in a short, intense series carried by a who-done-it mystery and a time travel power called revival.

The animation works well for the anime, making use of darker tones, particularly in the backgrounds to weigh the atmosphere. The nostalgic effects, like the shading in the park at night is astoundingly beautiful and haunting at the same time. That picture captures the overall tone of the anime. The …

Code Geass is ridiculous. Taking into account both seasons of this anime - a difficult undertaking considering they are fairly dissimilar – this is a staple. The anime has the magnitude of ambition as its main character, Lelouch. Only the show doesn’t have any special power, such as geass, to reach its aspirations. Code Geass could have been about ten times better and trimmed drastically in length, focusing on a specific subset of themes, but that’s not what is given. …

War in the Pocket cuts deep and hard and quick. This OVA Gundam series is short and progresses in movie style. The first three episodes build up characters, prepare plot, and define themes, then the story kicks into gear for the final three episodes, which reveals the bitter repercussions of war.

TV shows and movies don’t like to ruminate on the reality of war: it sucks. Sure, in war movies, people die, yet it’s almost always a random incident for a shallow side …