The Matrix

To Thomas “Neo” Anderson, the world is fine.  He has a steady 9-5 day job and cracks the most unhackable codes by night.  The world, however, is not fine.  In fact, the world Neo lives in isn’t even real.  Freed from a false reality by a freedom fighter named Morpheus, Neo learns the truth: That Machines have long enslaved humanity in a virtual prison and will do whatever it takes to keep them there.  But Neo is special, a long awaited messiah who will be able to turn the tide against the Machines.  The door to a new kind of possibility has opened but only Neo can choose to cross it and become the champion humanity sorely needs.

In 1999, while many of us were anxiously waiting for the return of Star Wars, one simple question took the world by storm, “What is The Matrix?”  And when that question was answered, man did we not expect what we saw.  Like Star Wars before it, The Matrix changed the way we looked at science fiction and movie making forever.  Much like the characters in the film, we were seeing a brand new world of possibility unfold and it was one of the final definitive game changers in cinema in the 20^th century.  All that being said…does it still hold up today?

It’s impossible to start talking about The Matrix without highlighting both its stellar plot and the mind blowing visual effects that made us all echo Keanu Reeves’ infamous “whoa”.  The Wachowkskis found new ways to practically bend gravity to their will to make their character perform above average, nigh Anime level feats of epic awesome.  Often parodied and cloned but never perfectly copied, the visual effects of The Matrix still dazzle.  From the opening rooftop chase sequence to Neo and Morpheus’ training session to the lobby shootout, there’s a plethora of classic action scenes to enjoy.  Best of all, the action goes hand in hand with a classic but stylishly enhanced tale of fantasy vs. reality.  When faced with two worlds: one near pristine and perfect (with a massive amount of green tint) and the other a nightmarish dystopia, who’s to say which is the proper reality to accept.  Other themes of choice and free will and the meaning of life are added to great effect and none of the dialogue is ever boring.  This is a smartly written movie, showing that while the action may be front and center, story has not been sacrificed as a result, unlike other modern day blockbusters.

The Matrix sports some career defining performances from a stellar cast.  Keanu Reeves has some of the most quotable lines and delivers them in a zen but bewildered way (“I know Kung Fu.).  Laurence Fishburne brings mystery and coolness to Morpheus, the teacher who can preach and kick your ass at the same time.  Hugo Weaving is delightfully menacing as main antagonist Agent Smith.  He knows he’s in charge and has more wit about his character than an emotionless program would ever let on.  Joe Pantoliano is probably the most entertaining and over the top of the cast as the shifty Cipher.  Not the be left out, Carrie Anne Moss definitely brings the Anime Girl Power to Trinity.  She can kick ass in leather but also remind you that she has a key role on the ship and takes no sass.  Gloria Foster also turns a sweet performance as they mysterious, cookie loving, chain smoking Oracle, giving the film both a nice dose of humor and added fantastical wisdom.  Special shoutou to Marcus Chong who plays Tank, Morpheus’ operator who has the coolest online handle ever.

Im really trying to rack my brain to think of anything that might be a negative thought about The Matrix.  It isn’t perfect.  Some of the acting can be a little stiff from some of the supporting staff and there is a lull in the action in favor of an interrogation scene that goes on a bit longer than needed.  Otherwise, this film is a classic and is a close to near perfect live action Anime as we’ve gotten in the last couple of decades.  The Matrix has inspired so much in the genre of scifi and action cinema and the same has translated back to the Anime which it was likewise inspired by (and we’ll get to that in greater detail when we review The Animatrix).  The action kicks ass, the story still has an aura of mystery and wonder even after the key question “What is The Matrix” has ben answered, and it still reminds us that when you get behind the lens of a camera to film a movie…you can make a world where anything is possible.

9.5/10

Thus the legacy that is The Matrix Franchise was launched.  So how do you follow up such a game changing epic?  Wellllll…you roll out two sequels back to back in the same year…maybe not a great plan?  What do I mean by that, well just check back tomorrow for my review of The Matrix Reloaded to find out.

K-ON! Part 4 Episodes 12-14

Another year has come to an end and it’s time for After School Tea Time to perform at the school festival.  Only one minor problem: Yui is sick for the first time in her life.  Can the loveable scatterbrain overcome her illness to join her friends on stage for the show of their lives?  And what’s waiting for Yui, Mio, Ritsu, Mugi and Azusa when the festival ends and winter comes again?  The future looks bright for the Light Music Club as the sun rises on a brand new, sure to be adventure filled year.

I never brought this up in prior reviews but time tends to really fly in K-On.  Over the span of 8 episodes we ran through one years time, bringing things back full circle in more ways than one.  It’s kind of jarring but you tend to ignore things like that when youre in good company.  And truly there has been no better company to be around than the Light Music Club.  Despite one minor mishandling, the final episodes of K-ON’s first season ended on a note true to form and makes me long for the days when I can actually watch Season Two.

I don’t think anyone ever doubted Yui would make it to the school festival.  That said, it still left the girls to seriously think about doing a big musical number without her.  Thankfully, Azusa’s character growth last week wasn’t just brushed under the table.  The young freshman maintained unshakeable faith in Yui, even if Mio was rightfully considering a Plan B.  Even Ui stepped up to try and fill in for her sister, her going for disguising herself as Yui was just icing on the cake.  I know Azusa will have a major role to play in the Light Music Clubs’ future after the core quartet graduates.  But now I wonder if Ui, who’s just as much if not more a natural as her sister, will become part of After School Tea Time Generation 2 as well. 

Then came the big show and it turned out to be better than the first.  First off, we got to hear Ball Tip Pen, a song that I think is my absolute favorite of the season.  As Yui rushed to retrieve her guitar (cutely named “Guita”) she reflected on a similar run she made to school in the first episode and wished she could tell her past self just how much fun she was going to have in high school.  I feel similarly, that Ball Tip Pen is far more feel good than Fuwa Fuwa Time and it instills a powerful “everythings going to be ok” feeling in my heart, it’s beautiful.  Plus, Yamanaka got to fill in during Yui’s brief absence so we got to see two generations of Light Music Club members (I guess three if you count Azusa as a separate age group) on stage together.  And then came the next performance of Fuwa Fuwa Time with Yui and Mio at the lead.  Jeez could you get any more pumped up?  Actually yes you could as Mugi began an encore that the group all jumped in on.  Yeah, Episode 12 was billed as the “Final Episode” and if that were the case, it was a damn good finale and every bit as K-ON as K-ON has been all season long.

However, there were two bonus episodes that followed this, focusing on the post festival antics of the girls.  The Winter Days episode moved slower than most in the part and felt pretty reflective.  It’s not a kind of pacing I’d associate with K-ON but things did pick up towards the end and there were some good character moments: Mugi trying a part time job on her own and Ritsu misreading Mio’s lyrics as a “love letter” from someone else.  The absolute last episode of the season involved the girls playing their first official show as a band outside of school.  It was good to see a taste of the world beyond the classroom and that so many bands were ready to welcome After School Tea Time with open arms.  Could they play more small club gigs in the future?  I guess that’s for Season Two to answer.  But seeing Yui, Mio, Ritsu, Mugi and Azusa looking out at a beautiful New Years Day sunrise fills me with hope that things can only get better for this quintet.  Plus they had the always reliable Nadoka, Ui and Yamanaka cheering them on during their concert too (Yamanaka wearing a hot punk rocker look from her old days too).  The gangs in good hands.

Man, guess I should wrap up with final thoughts.  I didn’t want the season to come to a close for a second, even though I know there is a Season Two.  K-ON is the textbook definition of a feel good Anime filled with fun characters, kick ass music, gorgeous animation (Kyoto Animation bringing the gold yet again) and a strong sense of pure enjoyment.  Yui said it best during the bands second show, even though the Light Music Club doesn’t practice music so much, there’s so much joy to be had just spending the day in the same room as Yui, Mio, Ritsu, Mugi and Azusa.  And in the end, isn’t it about enjoying the journey regardless of the destination or lack therof?  Sure there was a small misstep or two here and there but K-ON never became something radically different than how it began: an Anime about finding a great group of friends and having a great time…and every once in a while churn out some of the best tunes in all of Anime this side of FLCL.  I really have to find Season Two now.  I’m really gonna miss hanging with these girls: Gullible Yui, Unstoppable Ritsu, Beautiful Mio, Kind Mugi and Determined Azusa.  Pat yourselves on the back girls, your first show was a resounding success here at the Gundam Anime Corner.

K-ON! gets a 9.5/10.

And with that, we’re back to business as usual tomorrow with a couple of special reviews to commemorate the 4^th of July holiday (coming a bit sooner cause July 4 comes right after Turn A Gundam gets started and I don’t want to interrupt it).  Check back all week for our special coverage of The Matrix Franchise with The Matrix, The Matrix Reloaded, The Matrix Revolutions and The Animatrix.  Then, on June 30^th, comes our special 4^th of July holiday review which ill keep secret until I post it.  And then we finally, FINALLY have Turn A Gundam beginning next Monday (side note, the special 4^th of July Holiday review was going to be RWBY Vol.6 but im delaying that indefinitely for the time being for reasons).  Summers only just getting started right here at the Gundam Anime Corner.  Hope youre ready.

T5W#201-Top 5 Favorite Moments from The Matrix Franchise

In 1999, the ultimate question was asked, one we were all dying to hear the answer to, “What is The Matrix?”  When we learned the answer, we weren’t just blown away, we were blown into a whole other world of possibilities.  In a year that should have belonged to Star Wars Episode I-The Phantom Menace, The Matrix snuck in and changed the way we looked at scifi/action films with ground breaking special effects, gravity defying action choreography and a special blend of existentialism and next level thrills.  The original film turns 20 this year (it’s actual birthday was back in April).  Next week (after I wrap up K-ON!) I plan on taking a look at the major entries in the franchise including The Matrix, it’s sequels The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions and the Anime anthology, The Animatrix.  To prepare, im taking a look at my Top 5 Favorite Moments from The Matrix Franchise.  All of the aforementioned entries are included, plus one from the Enter the Matrix video game.  Let’s jack in.

#5-The Freeway Chase (The Matrix Reloaded)

“You always told me to stay off the Freeway.”  “Yes, that’s true.”  “You said it was suicide.”  “Then let us hope…that I was wrong.”  The Matrix Reloaded tried to up the scale and scope from its predecessor and actually rarely succeeded.  One spot it did excel in was The Freeway Chase, arguably the films centerpiece alongside Neo vs 100 Agent Smiths.  From the moment you hear Morpheus and Trinity’s banter about being warned to stay off the freeway, you know you’re in for something big.  And big is what you get.  So many car crashes and slow motions maneuvers, jumps and fist fights.  It’s like watching the most epic of freeway pile ups and youre cheering while it all goes down.  From Trinity racing against traffic to Morpheus using a Samurai sword on a car and an Agent, this was the kind of action and spectacle we all wanted throughout the whole of The Matrix Reloaded but seldom got to see.

#4-The Matrix meets Ninja Scroll (The Animatrix: Program)

It’s no secret that Anime was a pretty huge influence on The Matrix.  From the way certain scenes were shot to the extensive and intricate choreography, The Matrix could have been an Anime feature film itself.  Everyone wanted to see this same style of action back in Anime form…so Yoshiaki Kawajiri did just that with his offering for The Animatrix.  While the short does have an actual story to it, the basics couldn’t be simpler: two rebels train in a program where they get to look like bad ass (and sexy) armoured samurai.  Kawajiri is best known for his work on Ninja Scroll, so he’s perfect for a Matrix project.  After all, it’s two Samurai being reality to their whim in order to pull off cool jumps and slight technique executions.  The Matrix and Anime is a match made in heaven, something ill get more into in a couple of entries.

#3-Something to Look Forward To (Enter the Matrix)

2003 was “The Year of The Matrix”.  Not only did we get two back to back sequels (Reloaded and Revolution) but we also got The Animatrix and a special tie in video game, Enter the Matrix.  The game itself features some “meh” graphics and controls that could have used some fine tuning.  Since it ties directly into the events of The Matrix Reloaded, the game also included special live action cutscenes featuring everyone from the movie, while the main campaign focuses on Jada Pinkett-Smith’s Niobe and Anthony Wong’s Ghost.  These cutscenes helped make Enter the Matrix a more unique experience and there’s even a guilty pleasure quality to all the games faults, it’s kind of fun to play.  However, the ending is my favorite part of the game.  After all the glitches and wonky gameplay, we get rewarded with a special trailer for “The Matrix Revolutions” (Enter the Matrix was released the same day as Reloaded in May 2003, Revolutions arrived November 2003).  Perfectly mixed and explosive in all the right ways, this bonus trailer made promises that Revolutions ultimately wasn’t able to keep (so much so that *spoiler alert* there is no Matrix Revolution moment on this list).  At the time though, as Ghost said just as the trailer ended, “Well, it’s nice to have something to look forward to.”

#2-Running out of The Matrix (The Animatrix: World Record)

The Animatrix is one of the most unique Anime experiences out there and ill go into greater detail about that during next weeks review.  Suffice to say, when you hand a slew of Matrix themed projects to some of the hottest names in the Anime industry, magic should be made and it is.  Of the nine shorts, World Record is one of my absolute favorites.  Much of this stems from the shorts finale, where a track sprinter pushes his body well past normal limits to break a titular world record.  He not only succeeds, he ultimately races his way out of The Matrix itself.  Compared to some of the more dramatic ways to escape The Matrix (some far darker than others), this method of breaking free by pushing past normal limitations of the mind and body is one of the most impressive and imaginative.  Sure the end result isn’t the most optimistic for the main character (or is it?) but he sure made dual history making one of the biggest developments in the whole of the Matrix legacy.

#1-The Subway Duel (The Matrix)

Honestly, this Top 5 could be entirely dedicated to the genre defining moments of the first Matrix film alone.  From Trinity’s awesome introduction to the infamous lobby shootout, every moment is oozing with cool and style.  For me though, it isn’t the still mind blowing bullet time scene that tops any moment in the original, it’s Neo’s epic showdown with Agent Smith in a grimy Subway station.  Mid air gun battles and dozens of fist and kick combos, it’s one of the best choreographed and energized fight scenes of all time.  Done with minimal dialogue (and some of the best lines appear when used), this duel lets the fight styles of Neo and Smith do most of the talking; Neo showing potential and growth while Smith sends a powerful messages with simple punches that could destroy concrete.  I’m sure entire classes have been taught around the making of this fight sequence and its no wonder the follow up duels between these two scifi icons could never match it.

K-ON! Part 3 Episodes 9-11

The Light Music Club’s debut performance was an astounding success. Even better, the girls have gained their first new member in the aftermath, a cute little freshman named Azusa Nanako.  Though she’s excited to join, Azusa isn’t quite getting the hang of the gangs vibe.  She’s not the only one adjusting to some strange changes.  New friendships begin to take their toll on old ones, testing the bonds of a tightly knit crew.  But there’s an even greater challenge ahead, on Yui, Mio, Ritsu, Mugi and Azusa must complete before their next performance together…coming up with an official band name.

The penultimate week of K-ON didn’t feel as busy as previous weeks, not just because I’m reviewing three episodes instead of four.  This week, the club properly welcomed Azusa, enjoyed a return trip to the beach and even had a small quarrel between besties.

 

Azusa could basically be seen as a stand in for anyone coming into K-ON this late in the game.  After spending some time with the Light Music Club it was easy to see why she’d be frustrated that practicing is the very last thing these girls do.  I understand the frustration but it also kind of reminded me of Filia from Slayers Try, a new uptight member of the cast who took forever to get over the fact that Lina Inverse and the Slayers are far from orthodox.  And while the second beach outing did feel like retreading old ground, with Azusa basically filling in Mio’s role from the first time around, Azusa slowly got brought out of her shell by the time she got back home.  I liked her little analysis of the girls: Yui, kind hearted but clingy; Mio, mature but scared to easily; Ritsu easily distracted but a master of the drums; and Mugi humble but possessing a childlike naivete.  Best part was seeing Azusa become a new mentor to Yui and helping her learn guitar and practice in private at the beach.  Unlike Filia from Slayers Try, Azusa became a full fledged member of the Light Music Club faster and is far more cute and likeable (Good call on the cat ears Ms. Yamanaka).

 

The other big mini arc for the week involved a small rift forming between best friends Mio and Ritsu.  I get that this happens in real life often, friends becoming distant especially when new faces come into their lives.  Last week saw Mio parted from the group during the day because she’s in a different classroom.  However, she met Nadoka and was forever grateful.  Now Mio is really keen to hang out with her and Ritsu is trying to go all out to keep her best friend.  For the most part, the mini bit of drama wasn’t bad and I loved how Mio came to aid an ailing Ritsu in the end, reminding her that no matter who else they meet in their lives, Mio and Ritsu will always be the best of friends.  My problem is that I would have liked to have seen more of Mio and Nadoka together outside of the club to show off that growing branch of friendship.  There were times where this plot felt forced but dammit if that conclusion wasn’t full of heart and K-ON magic.

Hmmm. I guess there’s not a lot more to say about this set of episodes.  New team member confirmed (and Azusa’s getting along with Ui too, nice); a band name has been chosen (After School Tea Time…makes sense); and Yui’s got a cold after sleeping next to a sick Ritsu (right before the school festival).  Man life is never boring around this crew.  Kind of sucks in that regard that next week is the last batch of episodes in this season of K-ON.  I might have to find a way to add in the second season to the review cue down the line.  But let’s keep our fingers crossed that After School Tea Time can close out its first season on a strong note (they’ve got this, no doubt).  See ya next week for the conclusion of Season One of K-ON!.

T5W#200-Top 5 Reactions to the Final Fantasy VII Remake E3 2019

The world erupted in unified cheers of joy across the world last night when Square Enix took the stage at E3.  After years of waiting and years of teasing little by little at other E3s, it was time, finally time (pun fully intended).  Final Fantasy VII Remake was unveiled once again with a slew of new amazing cutscenes and gameplay sequences…AND AN ACTUAL RELEASE DATE!!!  That’s right folks.  Cloud, Tifa, Aeris, Barret and Sephiroth return to consoles on March 3, 2020 (27 years after the original Final Fantasy dropped on the first Playstation).  Since today is my 200^th Top 5 Wednesday, I did have something else in mind to commemorate this milestone.  However, the more I watch this trailer, the more I want to talk about it.  And besides, this is a big deal for the Anime community so I have no problem giving Final Fantasy some time to shine and share this big day for my blog.  So here it is ladies and gents, Top 5 Wednesday #200-my Top 5 Reactions to the Final Fantasy VII Remake E3 2019 Trailer.

#5-Still Going Episodic I See

It was a longshot to think we’d get otherwise this point but I guess its happening whether we like it or not.  Judging from actual reports and what footage we’ve seen in all of the trailers, Final Fantasy VII Remake is going to be released in an episodic manner (kind of like what Square has been doing for the rebooted Hitman series).  So what does this mean?  It means that when the game launches in March 2020, we’re probably only going to get the Midgar heavy opening act, maybe even as far as the escape from the city and the introduction of Red XIII.  Am I ok with this?  Ehhh…nooooo? But at the same time, it’s better to be getting this game at some point rather than waiting another decade to actually play it.  We’re also still not sure as to the release schedule of other parts or if it will need to be paid for.  The game is launching with a $60 price tag so maybe the additional episodes will be free?  Who knows, who knows. 

#4-I Wanna Play Final Fantasy XV Again

Much like how Resident Evil 2’s return this year was updated with a gaming engine akin to Resident Evil 4, Final Fantasy VII Remake looks to be drawing gameplay inspiration from the most recent entry in the franchise, Final Fantasy XV.  We’ve got more free roaming options, a bike chase featuring Cloud and Avalanche member Jesse, and what looks like button mashing combat akin to Noctis and the crew of the Regalia.  We’ve still got months to go until Remake arrives but that just makes me want to load up FFXV again and do some free roaming with Noctis and the boys.  Not much to do at this point besides travel the country side, do some camping, eat good food and hunt monsters…aka the best parts of Final Fantasy XV.

 

#3-15 years Ago…

A year before the launch of the Playstation 3 back in 2006, a tech demo appeared to show off the infamous opening sequence of Final Fantasy VII.  Featuring appearances by Aeris and Cloud, this was just meant to be a simple demonstration of what the next gen Playstation console was capable of, graphics wise at least.  And yet, as soon as this dropped, the rumor mill began to spin as to whether or not we might get a remastered version of Final Fantasy VII.  Sure the true word came in 2005 that the project was real and forthcoming.  But for me, the possibility of getting a chance to play a graphically juiced up version of one of the most celebrated Final Fantasy titles has been a pipe dream 15 years in the wait, for the record that’s long than the wait for Final Fantasy XV by about 5 years.

 

#2-That Beautiful Opening

Speaking of demos featuring the intro, The Final Fantasy VII Remake E3 trailer opened with an infamous shot from the original intro: a slow pull back from a kneeling Aeris to show off the teched out city of Midgard.  These first few seconds alone made Final Fantasy VII feel larger than ever.  Compare the opening paused shot of Midgard from the PS1 days to what we’re getting next year, its no wonder its taken nearly a decade and change to get this delivered to us.  Accompanied by some classic Final Fantasy tunes (might have to do a Top 5 on that later this year), this isn’t just an above average update, this is a love letter to the game that put Final Fantasy on the map for a great many Otaku and it’s gonna get the care it deserves getting to us by March 3, 2020.

#1-Tifa, Tifa, Tifa

One of the hardest hitting and sexiest women in all of Final Fantasy returned with a vengeance in the new trailer.  I thought that Tifa’s look in Advent Children was the pinnacle of her skill and beauty, boy was I wrong.  Rocking an updated look of her classic threads (complete with Rin Tohsaka esque thigh highs) and bringing the pain like never before, Tifa’s reveal during the E3 2019 Trailer arguably stole the show, met with cheers so loud you could barely hear any of her dialogue during the presentation.  And that shot of her and Cloud back to back, ready to kick some ass…dammit Square Enix SHUT UP AND TAKE MY MONEY!!!