Frozen (2013)

Genre: Fantasy, Animation

Running time: 108 minutes

A fair warning. If you don't wish to see spoilers, better skip reading this, because I may write some hints on the story that may spoil you.

A Tale of Two Sisters

Frozen is Disney and Pixar's rendition of Hans Christian Andersen's story, The Snow Queen.

It takes place in the kingdom of Arendelle, and focuses on the story of sisters, Elsa and Anna. Elsa, the older of the sisters, has the power to manipulate snow and ice. Beautiful as it may seem, every blessing can become a curse.

Not just another fairytale

Disney and Pixar did it again with this masterpiece! If you think Frozen is another prince saving the princess thing, you're mistaken. Frozen's story is all about family, specifically about siblings. On the first several minutes of the movie, I already got myself sobbing, and the last time this happened was when I watched Wreck-It Ralph.

Just like Brave, it breaks from the typical fairytales we know of. And it doesn't end there. There are several other common fairytale elements that Frozen deviated from like: 1.) Having similarities with someone you have just met for the first time is not true love. 2.) True love is not limited to lovers, but to families, friends, and relatives as well. 3.) The prince is not always the knight in shining armor -- he can be anyone, even a commoner.

Music and magic

Watching Frozen is like watching an animated musical. The start of the movie already gave me goosebumps with the introductory musical number. Plus, the music adds more feel to the story, which is why I ended up sobbing on the earlier parts of the movie.

As for the technicalities, I expected nothing less from Pixar. The animation is flawless, as if you can also feel the weight of the cloth when Elsa and Anna move. Also the part where Anna was walking towards the shack after the lower half of her body got soaked in water -- you can see how her dress also froze and how she walks so stiff because her legs were freezing.

The texturing is amazing as well. I was amazed of the ice, and the texturing on the princesses' skin, wherein you can see their freckles.

While watching the movie, I couldn't help but stare and marvel at the freckles on Anna's skin.

Let It Go

Taking a deeper look at Frozen, it sort of also tackles about agoraphobia and fear itself, in general. Elsa, having traumatized over putting her younger sister's life in danger when they were children, developed a fear of getting in contact with others because of her powers. This is why she was secluded from her sister and to the outside world, so she could learn to control her powers. At the same time, she has also closed off her heart, being 'cold' and adamant as ice, as she was told to "conceal and never feel." In accordance to that, gloves have served as her comfort item, which conceals her powers to freeze whatever she touches with her bare hands.

Later on, we see a totally different side of her in a different kind of solitude wherein she has finally broken free from the rules, responsibilities, and the people around her. By living in solitude, she lost the fear to use her powers. However, that didn't last long when her sister arrived.

Though it may be difficult to get over a trauma and a phobia, with the help of her younger sister, she was able to overcome her fear.

Aside from Anna, another bold character we have is Olaf. Olaf, is not just there for comical purposes -- he is also the embodiment of Anna and Elsa's sisterly love, as he was the snowman that the sisters made when they were children. Even if he was finally aware of the fact that heat can make him melt, he didn't seem too scared of it, and in fact, ironic as it may sound, he actually likes it. Well, he did say he likes hugs, and hugs are warm and nice.

So to say, Frozen is not just a movie about family, but also about confronting your fears. Hence, this also makes an inspirational movie for those who are suffering from agoraphobia and other fears as well.

Anime Review: Tales of Symphonia ~Tethe'alla Hen~

The characters. (Clockwise from right): Regal Bryant, Presea Combatir, Refill (Raine) Sage, Genis Sage, Colette Brunel, Lloyd Irving, Sheena Fujibayashi with Corrine, and Zelos Wilder.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure

Summary:

Based on the video game from Namco of the same name, Tales of Symphonia ~Tethe’alla-hen~ continues where it left off in its first OVA, the Sylvarant-hen. It continues the adventures of Lloyd Irving, Genis Sage, and Refill (Raine in the U.S. version) Sage, as they find a way to return Colette Brunel, Lloyd and Genis’s friend who is the Chosen of Sylvarant, back to normal. From Lloyd’s hometown, Sylvarant, they are accompanied by the assassin, Sheena Fujibayashi as they travel towards Tethe’alla, the world where she came from. Upon arriving at Tethe’alla, they are welcomed by Zelos Wilder, who is Tethe’alla’s Chosen. Along the way, they encounter Regal Bryant, a noble turned prisoner who was hired to kill Zelos, and Presea Combatir, a girl who lost her heart because of an ex-sphere experiment. Not only must they protect Sylvarant’s Chosen, but they need to save both worlds, Sylvarant and Tethe’alla, from destruction. With more allies now, will Lloyd and company be able to restore Colette and save both worlds from the Renegades and the Cruxis?

Judgement:

Tethe’alla-hen had a very good jump start. The start of the first episode is already action-packed, and it went straight to the point after the brief introduction from where it left off in Sylvarant-hen, in case some people missed it, or forgot it. Though, I can say that there are still probably a lot of differences between the anime and the game, and it is fast-paced. But still, the anime doesn’t divert from the game’s main storyline, and narrates it direct to the point. The quality of the visuals is very good, and the animations are really good, especially the fight scenes. The soundtrack is very catchy, particularly its opening, “Tenkuu no Canaria” performed by Nana Mizuki, Colette’s seiyuu. The ending songs, “Inori no Kanata” and “Tethe’alla ~Tai no Kodomo Tachi~” gives the series an RPG-feel, and with Akiko Shikata performing them, she gave those songs a sort of mystifying feel.

Visual: 10/10

Story: 8/10
Soundtrack: 9/10

(Posted last year from my other blog… XP)

Anime Review: Gundam 00

The protagonists (Gundam Meisters) of ”Gundam 00” and their Gundams. (From left to right) Lockon Stratos and Gundam Dynames, Allelujah Haptism and Gundam Kyrios, Setsuna F. Seiei and Gundam Exia, and Tieria Erde and Gundam Virtue.

Genre: Mecha, Action, Drama, Science fiction, Military

Summary:

     The year is A.D. 2307. Fossil fuels on Earth are depleted, and humans are now relying on a new source of energy: Solar energy. However, the distribution of solar energy is not evenly distributed because it is controlled by Earth’s three major powers, namely: Union of Solar Energy and Free Nations, (Union; United States of America),Human Reform League (HRL; Russia, India, and China), and Advanced European Union (AEU.) Because of this, constant warfare has erupted across the globe. A mysterious organization called, Celestial Being, appears to bring its message of eradicating war — stopping all conflicts and possible causes of conflicts. Celestial Being uses weapons called "Gundam" to fulfill their goal. The story follows the four Gundam pilots, (called "Gundam Meisters") Setsuna F. Seiei, Lockon Stratos, Allelujah Haptism, and Tieria Erde.

The Gundam Meisters and their Gundams four years after the final battle between the United Nations Forces and Celestial Being. (From left to right) Lockon Stratos and Gundam Cherudim, Tieria Erde and Gundam Seravee, Setsuna F. Seiei and Gundam 00, and Allelujah Haptism and Gundam Kyrios.

     Four years after the United Nations Forces won against the battle against Celestial Being, humanity established the Earth Sphere Federation. A private military force known as the Autonomous Peace-Keeping Force, or A-Laws, has also been formed to further unify nations and the will of mankind, and to dispose rebel forces such as Katharon. Unknown to the public, A-Laws is just using their so-called objective as a front for oppressing freedom, doctrines, and ideologies. Celestial Being, aware of A-Laws’ misuse of power, rises again to stop it, aided by Katharon. Unknown to them, another group called Innovators, are the ones who are actually manipulating the conflict, claiming that they are carrying out Aeolia Schenberg’s true plan.

I AM GUNDAM!:

     Gundam 00 is directed by Seiji Mizushima, the same director for Fullmetal Alchemist. The series somewhat resembles Gundam Wing at first, but 00 has a deeper and very intriguing storyline, combining religion, mecha, and current social issues. It shows that even in the future, some of our current social and economic issues still remain. And the issue about fossil fuels running out, and replaced by solar energy, in which nations will start fighting over, is a possibility that could happen sometime in the future. The character development's quite good, too. Not only did the events and their actions caused the world to change, but they also managed to change themselves. The visuals are detailed and the animations are smooth. It has the right amount of drama, action, and romance. Not to mention that the battle scenes are good. The soundtrack is also pretty good.

Visuals: 9/10

Story: 10/10

Soundtrack: 8/10

This has been a republished old review, haha... XD

Bleach meme: Characters that are fun to poke fun at~

1. Byakuya Kuchiki

Serious, snobbish, powerful, calm, and good looking. A man whom Shinigami women go bananas over.
(LOL pun intended for this captain who likes bananas)
Now who wouldn't want him to be the butt of all jokes? XD
Ain't it fun to see Byakuya being constantly annoyed by Kurosaki Ichigo, Yoruichi Shihouin, Yachiru Kusajishi, and the Shinigami Women's Association?
...And ain't it fun to see epic expressions from him? XD

Byakuya's epic expression upon his defeat against Yachiru

2. Toushiro Hitsugaya

If being treated like a kid already gets in his nerves, what more from his subordinate? XD
He's often annoyed at his subordinate, Rangiku Matsumoto, who always spends her time slacking off than doing her job. No wonder this kid is always so grumpy~ XD

Good thing there's Juushiro Ukitake who often gives him candies and stuffs (because they're both "Shiro-chan")

Yes, Shiro-chan, she's referring to you~

3. Gin Ichimaru

What's not to love about Gin? Aside from being a real bad-ass, he's a really good and funny segment host~ XD

Even though our lovable "Arrancar Encyclopedia" host has several issues with both Shinigami and Arrancar alike, he still manages to pull off that big smile of his and do his job well~ XD

Mayuri did a great job making Gin open his eyes~ XD

4. Hisagi Shuuhei
Mature, calm, and another bad-ass. Who ever thought that this dude can be so cracked sometimes? ....And still be easily brought to tears~? XD

D'awwwww~! Teary-eyed Hisagi~~ XD

5. Izuru Kira
Of course, if Hisagi's there, Kira will most likely be there as well~
Gloomy, introspective, inconfident... and emo. No wonder he's often the butt of all jokes~ XD

Kira--forever loyal to his captain~

Art Exhibition: BINHI

The exhibit will be showing different illustrations and interpretations made by each artist on the popular Philippine creation myth, "Si Malakas at si Maganda."

Opening Night: April 25, 2011 at LRI Design Plaza (6pm to 10pm)

Participating Artists:

Roy Jann Roger Diaz
Desiree Charm Lombos
Joseph Isaac James Mendez
Katrina Aurea Umawing
April Kristine Lacson
Melvin John Alvarez
Marc Aromin
Carl Regis Abuel

RPG: Metanoia

Genre: 3D animation, Adventure, Fantasy, Family
Release Date: Dec. 25, 2010

The first full-length Filipino 3D animation and an entry at the 36th Metro Manila Film Festival that bagged '3rd Best Film' plus the 'Best Original Theme Song' and 'Best Sound Recording Awards.'

First off, congratulations to all Filipino animators! Truly, this is a good jump start in the field of 3D full-length animation in the Philippines!


RPG: Metanoia, as mentioned above, is the first full-length 3D animation in the Philippines. It did quite a good jump start being the first one of its kind in the country. It is also very Filipino. Not only Filipino elements are seen throughout the film, but it also reflects the Filipino family, society, and culture. The graphics, animation, soundtrack, and technicalities are all good, though there are some problems in the animation. As for the story, it's simple and cute, however, there are some (or a lot) of flaws in it.

Regarding the animation, there are some parts where the voice obviously doesn't sync with the mouth movements. But the dubbing was good (LOL Aga Muhlach, you are so obvious, haha!)

The characters (the kids) are cute and energetic. They're not boring and they're sure to entertain viewers.

The script unfortunately, wasn't updated, hence, resulting to the so-yesterday humor. So, people with shallow humor are the ones who could appreciate such old fart jokes... and kids as well.
The characters' in-game character names weren't used in-game (except once or twice). It would've been better if the game character names were used in the in-game scenes and the character names in real life. Those names ended up kinda being a waste. AND those names were in ads and standees.

RPG is a family-oriented film, hence, its main target audience are kids and families. It's meant to have a lesson; something that'll teach children something good in the end. But that doesn't mean that the story should be so-so. Gamers, especially online gamers, and techie people would probably get this film's attention based on the title itself.

(I don't want to go very deep into discussing the flaws in the story so I'll just put the main details about those flaws.)
First, is the story's main problem. The problem could've been solved immediately before the widespread online chaos occurred. Second, it is possible the problem would have not occurred. Third, there are plot holes and logical flaws. Fourth, the Metanoia game system.
(Let me bet your boots that gamers, online gamers, and techie people are going to bash the whole Metanoia game system.)
Fifth, the method used to threaten imply on what bad thing will happen when playing too much is wellllllll.... a little so..so...yesterday. Seriously, children nowadays are aware of technological stuffs and trends.

...Okay, I might have said too much (or thought too much)...
...I'm thinking whether I should post an in-depth analysis on this or not (I'm thinking too much again >_\)

Graphics: Good
Soundtrack: Good
Animation: Good
Story: Lame
Script: O-kay


Overall, it was a good and entertaining movie.

Game Review: Suikoden I

Genre: RPG
Developer: Konami
Producer: Konami
Platform: Sega Saturn, Playstation, PSP (although thanks to emulators, I was able to play it again~ XP)

Suikoden is the first of the Suikoden series. Players take control of the son of one of Scarlet Moon Empire's Five Great Generals, who is destined to lead the 108 Stars of Destiny and bring peace and freedom to the war-torn land bound by corruption.

Just finished this game again~! XD

Yes, I spent my holiday playing this. The last time I played this was way back in high school, and playing it again feels so nostalgic~

Yeah, it's kinda veryyyyy late to put up a review on this game, but what the heck, for the sake of those people who missed the chance or would like to play this game.

Konami did a good start on the series with this. The story's simple yet different from the usual RPGs emerging at the time of its release (1995). It also has amazing backgrounds compared to RPGs at that time, and the music's beautiful as well. The game's main feature is its 108 recruitable characters, both playable and non-playable.

Gameplay

The gameplay's like the traditional RPG where the player controls the character on the field and does various missions to advance in the story. The player's party consists of six characters that are freely chosen by the player and controlled during combat. Of course, the main character being the leader, cannot be removed from the party, and in some parts of the story, there are some characters that cannot be removed in the party because their role is needed in that certain part.

There are three types of battle system in Suikoden. One is where the player engages a random encounter battle in the world map or in a dungeon. The combat system is turn-based where the player can choose to fight the enemies, escape or let go of them, bribe them, run away, or automatically attack them. The characters on the other hand, can perform attacks, magic, and unite or co-op attacks with other characters. Characters' battle formation can be classified by the types of weapon they are using: S for short-range (swords, knuckles, claws, rods), M for mid-range (staffs, spears, axes), and L for long-range (bows, throwing knives). Hence, a short-ranged character can't do an attack if he/she is put in the back. It's game over whenever all six characters run out of hit points (HP), however there are certain incidents where winning is optional or the player will really lose the battle.

Unite attack: Pretty Boy Attack

Runes are sources of magic in the world of Suikoden. To be able to use them, the player must have it attached in the character at a rune shop. Only one rune can be attached per character. A certain rune has four spell levels, and each level has a certain number of times that can be used per battle. There are some runes however, that put special add-on skills to the character, like dealing more critical blows or dealing double damage.

Hit points and magic are restored by taking a rest at inns or at certain places (like a coffin) or talking to certain people. Status ailments are recovered as well.

Yes, you can rest in the coffin, whether you like it or not.

Equipment can be bought at the shop. Weapons, however, aren't. Instead, they are sharpened by blacksmiths to strengthen them. Although, there are some characters which the player can't change or remove equipments.

The second battle system is the War battle. It is here where the hero's army clashes with the enemy's army. The victory condition is to eliminate the enemy's forces, which is shown instead of hit points. The player commands the army to either do a Charge attack, Bow attack, Magic attack, or other methods (like raising the charge attack, spying on the next enemy move, or make enemies turn traitors). It's like a rock-paper-scissor game, where Charge is weak against Magic, Magic is weak against Bow, and Bow is weak against Charge. It's game over when all the players forces are eliminated, though there are certain war battles that are impossible to win because it's part of the story.

The third battle system is the Duel battle. Here, the player engages in a one-on-one battle and it also has a rock-paper-scissor system. The player has the option to do a normal attack, defend, or desperate attack. Attack beats defend, defend beats desperate attack, and desperate attack beats attack.

When it's game over, the player must restart from a save point where he/she last saved the game.

Headquarters

Unlike other RPGs where the characters just travel around the world and spend the night on different places, in Suikoden, the hero's army has a headquarters that expands whenever the player has recruited a certain number of characters.

In the headquarters, the player can put up the following if the player recruits the characters needed for these:

- Item shop

- Armory

- Rune shop

- Smithy

- Inn

- Vault (for storing items)

- Library

- Bath house (where the player can put various antiques)

- Appraisal (for appraising unknown antiques)

- Mural

Taking a soak in the bath for too long makes your characters red~

The player can also play mini-games if he/she is able to recuit characters that provide these mini-games.

Characters

The numerous characters of Suikoden (playable, enemy, and side characters) is the game's main feature. Some of them would later appear in other Suikoden games. The hero is a silent character, having no dialog in the game except for the choices presented to the player on how the hero will act or respond to the situation. 

Players have the option to make fun of the hero.

If the player successfully recruits all 107 characters (the player's character, the hero being the 108th) before a certain point in the game, a good ending awaits the player rather than the normal one.