Hidden insanity

So I have not been on this site in a very long time, but a part of me wants to start up again, and what better way than a review?

Title: Attack on Titan (season one)
Release: 2013
Genre: Action/Drama/Horror



I have just recently finished watching Attack on Titan, one of the most well praised animes of the year. I have a feeling I'd get a lot of negative response to this review (that is if anyone bothers to read it) but here goes.

First of all.. I want to make this review as SPOILER FREE as possible. If this means my review sounds a little vague, well that's is because I don't want to ruin it for people that would actually consider watching it. Good reviews shouldn't tell the plot anyway.

To start off, I am going to say that this anime is HIGHLY over rated. Not that it was not a good one to watch. It was just far too hyped for what I experienced. Keep in mind that this is just a review of the FIRST season. A follow up review is sure to come once the second season is created.

There are many problems I found with this series, and I am just hoping that they will be resolved with the second season installment.
First, some of characters are given some depth, but much of it seems superficial. Mostly, it was each character has this one trait that makes them who they are. Sasha eats... that's her feature. The main character Eren is a fighter... I get it. In fact, I can't even remember most of the characters names because they seemed so pointless.

There is a high amount of emotion expressed in the series, but that is largely due to the fact that they regularly kill off characters after just briefly letting the audience know them. I understand that death is a large factor of war, and the guilt it can bring to the survivors, but, as a viewer, you don't really care much about a character if you don't know much beyond the "we're a team and we'll get through this" element. Or the "I believe in you" feeling from side characters.
I don't care much about Sasha just because she is amusing in the fact that she loves to eat (so did practically every comedic 90s female anime character) You get a little more depth with a couple of the non main characters, such as Jean and Annie, but not much.

Another factor that I found irritating is that you don't really learn ANYTHING about the Titans in this first season. Throughout the entire thing I was hoping for at least a tidbit of insight, but alas, there was nothing. The first season seemed to end on a flat note, not having anything dealt with and just leaving more questions. (again, hoping this is dealt with in season 2).
The closest information I got will not be shared here because there is no way I can hint at it without providing a large spoiler.

One pro in this anime was not so much the main character, Eren, but that of his closest companions, Mikasa and Armin. We learn much of Mikasa's past and why she protects Eren as passionately as she does. We learn of Armin's upbringing and why he always looks out for new possibilities. Eren is just a fighter, no real reason given, other than a revenge purpose. However, he was a fighter even before that. No event made him one... he just is.

Another pro, which is probably why so many people highly praise this series, is the overall appearance. It is visually stunning to watch and full of emotion. There is a lot of movement and camera angels that are beautiful to watch. Even the Titan's themselves have some visual appeal because they are misshaped. One can even see the strength of the muscles they posses on the skinless Titans. They are an epitome of danger, killing without explained reason, yet they are not the only monsters. There is an appeal to the salvation of the last of humanity that attracts people. An idea that the one strong believer will inevitably win the day despite so many set backs. While this is not at all an original concept, it continues to captivate people.

It just has not reached it's full potential yet as a series. I am hopeful that it will.


Rating
Appearance:9/10
Plot: 7/10
Characters: 5/10
Overall: 7/10


Let the Mob of potential haters commence

ok... so I just saw Avatar: The Last Airbender movie and honestly... sucked.
Kinda made me think of Star Wars Eps 1 with a dash of Matrix (not even the first one, the second) and even some Baliwood Camera style thrown in the mix where they are constantly switching from one face close up to another, depending on who is talking... back and forth, enough to make one sick.
It was choppy in plot, acting and camera movement, not the fluidity one would hope to see in a chapter named "Water".
Characters were completely off the track from their basis and were exceedingly flat, not at all like the original series where there is great character development. Even the pronunciation of the characters names was wrong (while not the worst thing to do, still it is very annoying)
Aang became Ong "Sa- Ka" became So-Ka .. and so on. Like I said, not the worst thing that was done to this movie. Actually, in the scheme of things, that was a mere mosquito bite on the death of this story.
The characters were completely changed from their original personalities. The entire purpose on Aang in the start was that he was just a kid who was trying to have fun and laugh at things in life. The movie version was so tense, silent, I wouldn't have known it was the same character except for the obvious arrow on his head.
The same goes for Prince Zuko. He is suppose to be a teenager, about 16. In the movie he is at LEAST 25, a far cry from a stubborn teenager that wants nothing more than to regain the respect of his father. Not only that, but he is so quiet that he seems to fade into the back drop rather than being an actual main character.
There is no development. Even as the movie progresses Aang... or Ong is focused only on learning to bend the elements, the complete opposite of his suppose to be fun loving personality.
There is also the choppy factor in transitions. First they are there... now here, now here, now here, with no decent explanation of why they stopped there. Yes to bring hope to the people and all that rot, but why that town? Why not another? They just seem to move arbitrarily around.
Then there was the acting itself.
Have you ever seen a movie where the actors are acting using a language that they do not understand but just recite like parrots? (Yes there are movies where this actually happens) This seemed like one of those. Where the actors were simply reciting the lines of the character, but not really understanding the motivation behind the actions. When you act, you are suppose to become the character, that is what makes a good actor. Most of the cast failed in this attempt. The only one that came close it seemed was Sokka, and even he was missing vital parts of his personality such as the nervousness and fumbling around girls.
There was also the fact that the fire benders are flabbergasted at the realization that Uncle can make fire shoot from his hands from nowhere and that the arrival of the comet means that all fire bender would be able to do that. That's not right... that's not right at all. EVERY firebender can use their inner chi to shoot fire from their hands and feet while fighting. Why is it in the movie, this is suddenly a miraculous thing? All firebenders are suppose to be able to use inner fire and do not need one to be lit around them like in the movie. There was no care taken in the story what-so-ever. The series is based heavily on the folklore, legends and beliefs of Asian culture (primarily China). Even the fighting style of each element was carefully studied and choreographed into the animation so as to be as accurate as possible.
"Each fighting style was chosen to represent the element it projected:
Tai Chi focuses on alignment, body structure, breath, and visualization. This technique is the foundation of "Waterbending" in the series.
Hung Gar was chosen for its firmly rooted stances and powerful strikes to present the solid nature of earth. This martial art is the basis of "Earthbending" in the series.
Northern Shaolin Kung Fu uses strong arm and leg movements. This technique is the foundation of "Firebending" in the series.
Ba Gua uses dynamic circular movements and quick directional changes. This technique uses centripetal force to generate power, and uses nearly constant circular movement to create angles between the combatants. This martial art is the basis of "Airbending" in the series."

This movie seems to largely ignores that vital piece of information. While there was obviously much practice in the fight scenes, the fighting styles were not nearly as distinct and carefully thought out as the creators of a children's cartoon series. 
This states something when much more effort is put into the accuracy of a children's tv series rather than a major motion picture that can cost millions of dollars to make.
If you are going to make a movie out of someone else's creations, you have a duty to see that their creations are not destroyed. This movie failed at this on so many levels. If feel the need to change characters to such a great extent that they are no longer who they are suppose to be, then just make up your own darn characters and your own story. Do not go and destroy what is already great.

To summarize this movie up; Simply, it was a photocopied and badly pasted remake of a great series that was thrown into a mangle and covered up with some sparkles knows as special effects.
I am not a die hard Avatar series fan. Nor have I been watching it faithfully for the years that it has been broadcast. I just know that I found this movie painful to watch, even when I tried not to compare it to its predecessor.
I would never recommend that anyone that actually enjoys decent movies watches this. If you feel you must see it... just wait for it to come out and download it or something. I don't think M. Night Shyamalan needs any more encouragement to continue making the crap he calls movies.

sick.... and hating it
Stupid flu
had to miss the last 2 days of classes so next week may not be all that fun
:(

I want it to be Wednesday night... the end of work shift
Then I'll be able to go to CT again and see my Joe.
I know we won't do much other then hang out, but is worth just being with him.

Restless Carrie feeling restless...
Laundry.... in progress
Drawings... Don't know what next to do
Room.... messy. I should probably do something about that. but is rather chilly and special hoody is in the washing machine right now.
I know... I'm rambling. That's all I ever really tend to do.
but hey, it's a temporary curb for restlessness.

so yeah, I found I dislike working before 3 or 4 pm. not hate. Just dislike.
The day should not start for me then into busyness after a night of not being able to get to sleep. Went to bed around 2:30- 3:00 am but wasn't able to actually get to sleep till around 5:00 or so.
Then woke from dreams of being called into work on a day where I already had plans (of going to CT if you needed to know) to the voice of my brother, holding the phone in his hands and asking if I could work that day. Bah serendipity... you strike again
In a half awoken daze I agreed because, well, money is money and I didn't work many hours the week of the holidays like the others.
so I guess I'm about 30 some dollars richer from the 4 hour shift. Good enough
and that is good enough for rambling and I am becoming bored of this.
ADD, it afflicts me
ta ta for now and end transmission

Ok... I know it can be difficult to keep a company always running smoothly but COME ON!
first off... they changed bus times with out any real reason and never really thought to get the word out by actually telling anyone. This means that the bus we thought would be arriving at 2:22 really arrived at 2:12... O_o
Thanks for the input.
And considering the fact that last week this bus NEVER even showed up! I can't say I am all that surprised.
Well, the next bus was suppose to arrive at around 3:30 but of course was like 20 min late so we get to school at 4:30 for a 4:00 class, our only savior being the fact that the teacher is frequently late as well and is willing to show some kindness to students who actually participate.
We both get up to the 6th floor (thank you elevator) run down the hallways, laden with books and what do you think happened?
class is canceled 0_o
I mean.... What the hell... on the one side.. yay. We're not late
the other hand... not only was all that panic and worry for nothing, but I get to sit around for a good 2 more hours and Kira doesn't even have a class
Ug

I wants a car... A Volkswagen to be more specific. Actually I want one that looks a lot like this




pretty... and in that color too
With a sunroof... err.. moonroof
and an iPod adapter
6 speed transmission...
oo.. that's pretty
... only problem is to find what I want without totally killing myself... and my bank accounts
the estimate for something very similar (well it had a bunch of features I could do without)
was around 20 to 21 k
0_0
ouchy

I truly must be insane... I asked for more hours at work.
But then again, I do need money for... something :D
lol
is a secret for now
but I wants sum $1000 extra (I mean extra extra) in the next few months. I should be able to pulls it off if I keeps about $100 from each paycheck.
I shoulds be able to pull it off.
Also... I have to starts thinking about getting a car. I wanna VW Beetle... Oh how I would like that. Small, cute, good mileage. I've always wanted one... but I have to saves to start paying for one. Color? dark blue maybe... or purple... oooooooo :)
I so wish I could actually afford a hybrid.
In reality... I'm just writing this cuz I'm bored.
:D

too much work :P
ok... so I;m sure a lot of people work more then me... but 43 hours a week when my normal was about 20.
Blahhhhhhh
7-8 hours a day.... six days a week... that doesn't exactly lave much time for friend and other leisurely activities.
I can see why those who have been working there 3 years seem to become rather resentful of the place and avoid it like the plague whenever possible. I think I'd be happy not to see the place for a while.
But hey.. Money is money... and in this society... ya need in in order to survive.
yus... surviving is good....
most times
:D

I hate being me right now.
How are you suppose to feel when your sis goes off with your friends and never even informs you.. much less gives you the offer to come as well...
I feel like I'm not wanted by them..
I know that's probably jumping to conclusions but that's how it feels right now.
I haven't seen anyone in so long... Ally, Andrea.... even you Heather and I miss you all so much.
So why do I feel no attempt is being made?
Even if I am over reacting... how can I make these feelings go away
why do I bother with this.. it's not like anyones even going to read it.
Just... no one really seems to care. Even most of my family
... nevermind

IS THAT ALL THERE IS?
Peggy Lee

SPOKEN:
I remember when I was a very little girl, our house caught on fire.
I'll never forget the look on my father's face as he gathered me up
in his arms and raced through the burning building out to the pavement.
I stood there shivering in my pajamas and watched the whole world go up in flames.
And when it was all over I said to myself, "Is that all there is to a fire"

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

SPOKEN:
And when I was 12 years old, my father took me to a circus, the greatest show on earth.
There were clowns and elephants and dancing bears.
And a beautiful lady in pink tights flew high above our heads.
And so I sat there watching the marvelous spectacle.
I had the feeling that something was missing.
I don't know what, but when it was over,
I said to myself, "is that all there is to a circus?

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is

SPOKEN:
Then I fell in love, head over heels in love, with the most wonderful boy in the world.
We would take long walks by the river or just sit for hours gazing into each other's eyes.
We were so very much in love.
Then one day he went away and I thought I'd die, but I didn't,
and when I didn't I said to myself, "is that all there is to love?"

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing

SPOKEN:
I know what you must be saying to yourselves,
if that's the way she feels about it why doesn't she just end it all?
Oh, no, not me. I'm in no hurry for that final disappointment,
for I know just as well as I'm standing here talking to you,
when that final moment comes and I'm breathing my lst breath, I'll be saying to myself

SUNG:
Is that all there is, is that all there is
If that's all there is my friends, then let's keep dancing
Let's break out the booze and have a ball
If that's all there is