Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2014 (Part 2)

1. Fate/stay Night [Unlimited Blade Works]:  Amazing!  Ufotable has done a brilliant job to update this semi-remake of the 2006 hit “Fate/stay Night.” I say semi-remake because the visual novel from which both shows are adapted had multiple routes the player could take.  This incarnation has chosen to adapt a different route than the ‘06 show.  I mainly bring this up to allay new viewer’s hesitance to check out this show without having seen the original.  Having seen “Fate Zero” is equally unnecessary.  The animation is already the best of the season.  And it will likely remain the best.  The dialogue is top notch.  It has a predominantly Slice of Life feel with all the dialogue, but it does not disappoint with the action. And this show is anything but Slice of Life. The fights are energetic and filled to the brim with excitement.  The characters interact well together which further enhances the dialogue as a major part of the entertainment value.  The only thing that could take this downhill would be to take the focus off the current protagonist.  I was not a particular fan of the protagonist is the ‘06 show.  Verdict:  MUST WATCH!!

2. I Can't Understand What My Husband Is Saying:  a short form anime that delivers a satisfactory number of laughs despite its three minute run time.  The characters have a passable relationship; though any sense of realism is a bit stretched.  But it works.  The dialogue is of little consequence since every part merely serves as a setup for a one-off joke, which is an obvious consequence of the adapted material and the short run time.  Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT (it won’t waste much time)

3. World Trigger:  generic action anime without much to offer.  The lead is an archetypal noble good guy character, and the other main character comes off as boring because he’s unfazed by everything around him.  The dialogue is stilted and gives us nothing of true significance to the show’s background.  All in all it’s not bad.  But it’s not particularly good.  Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT

4. CROSS ANGE Rondo of Angel and Dragon:  so much unnecessary fanservice.  The lead is unsympathetic and reprehensible.  Though, she is not without the possibility of redemption in future episodes.  The show seems to take joy in the depiction of human suffering.  It’s rather tasteless, and doesn't have a well delivered story to keep viewers interested on that merit alone.  Verdict:  SKIP

5. Celestial Method:  vague and rather dull.  I’m not quite sure what to think of this anime.  First I thought it would be Moe-rific.  Then it took a turn for the dramatic.  And that note continues for the rest of the episode.  It has some beautiful visuals that add a depth of realism to the show's setting.  But, once again, I’m unsure of where this show plans to go.  Though I imagine it will have a build up to a big dramatic end.  Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT