the usagi incidents

ANNOUCEMENT!

2006-01-11T08:24:00.000+09:00

WE'VE MOVED! PLEASE MOVE ALL OF YOUR LINKS TO THE NEW ONE!

THANKS FOR ALL OF YOUR SUPPORT!

omg you guys

2006-01-07T14:52:00.000+09:00

HUGE spoiler for the next House episode. You've been warned.

From houseisright.com:

"Stacy and House do indeed get physical…a kiss leads to a romp in the hay. Stacy wants to leave Mark and go back to our favorite curmudgeon, but House believes the match won’t work out, because of something emotional he’s lacking, and turns down Stacy’s offer.

Oh dear! Well, at least this leaves him free to pursue Cameron, or as many fans would prefer, Wilson!"

WHY WOULD HE TURN STACY DOWN? WHAT THE FUCK? NO. DON'T LEAVE US, STACY! ;______;

Hanbun no Tsuki wo Noboru Sora Preview

2006-01-06T22:12:00.000+09:00

Even though the subject is fairly depressing (two hospitalized kids who fall in love, then one dies), this series still looks good enough to watch. And it's only six episodes, which is a definite plus - that hopefully means little to no filler and not too much melodrama. Then again I could be wrong, but it still looks worth watching. Let's hope it doesn't suck. :)

Variante 2

2006-01-06T21:50:00.000+09:00

Summary: Aiko comes to grips with reality as she takes her place in the ATHEOS organization, ready to fight similar people with Chimaira cells that have taken over their bodies. Also, more of Sudou's past is revealed as he recieves an anonymous tip with a photo of a young girl nearly completely disfigured by Chimaira cells, passwords, and directions to a secret ATHEOS research lab buried within a local mountain. He thought he killed the only woman he ever loved 14 years ago when she exploded into Chimaira status - only to find her locked up in the research lab as a test subject...

Review: Damn, I really can't put this series down. Makes BLOOD look stupid. And is Aiko falling for Sudou or is the other way around? I'm kinda confused there. But it's also pretty cool that he had a Chimaira experience when he was a kid, and that also explains his reasons for joining (or rather, being forced to join) ATHEOS. I hope they explain more backstory for the other characters too. But who gave him that info, though?

Rakugo Tennyo 1

2006-01-06T15:37:00.000+09:00

"OHANA NO OEDO NI TENNYO MAU (Hana Fluttering in the Tennyo's Edo)"

Summary: During the Edo period, there were a bunch girls who could turn into the legendary Tennyo when trouble strikes - AND they're from a family of famous Rakugo comedians. So when in the middle of their older brother's Rakugo session a Youma comes to Nihonbashi to stir up trouble, they're on the alert!

Review: OH GOD THE PAIN MAKE IT STOP. This was SO SO awful. I couldn't even get through the first ten minutes because it was just another henshin/harem combination show. I think I need to go bleach out my eyes now.

Donnie Darko (Japanese Novelization version)

2006-01-05T21:12:00.000+09:00

Summary: The Japanese translation and novelization of Richard Kelly's "THE DONNIE DARKO BOOK" by singer, songwriter, and mangaka D[di:]. Donnie, a borderline-schizophrenic adolescent for whom there is no difference between the signs and wonders of reality (a plane crash that decimates his house) and hallucination (a man-sized, reptilian rabbit who talks to him). Obsessed with the science of time travel and acutely aware of the world around him, Donnie is isolated by his powers of analysis and the apocalyptic visions that no one else seems to share.

Review: I loved how they just kind of left entire chunks of dialog untranslated, and then translated ones into something that made no sense and/or had nothing to do with the dialogue at hand. Then again, a lot of the jokes in the book and the film are uniquely American, and are therefore pretty hard to translate over into Japanese without doing many many many cultural translation notes as an appendix. Still, I really enjoyed the comic parts of the book - D[di:] was just the right person for this project. The translation itself was done the best it could have been, considering the amount of cultural barrier there was to be considered. I still enjoyed it thoroughly. Give this book a try.

Final Review: A

Related:
Donnie Darko (original theatrical edition, 2001)

The Secretary (2002)

2006-01-05T21:05:00.000+09:00

Summary: (imdb) Lee Holloway is a smart, quirky woman in her twenties who returns to her hometown in Florida after a brief stay in a mental hospital. In search of relief from herself and her oppressive childhood environment, she starts to date a nerdy friend from high school and takes a job as a secretary in a local law firm, soon developing an obsessive crush on her older boss, Mr. Grey. Through their increasingly bizarre relationship, Lee follows her deepest longings to the heights of masochism and finally to a place of self-affirmation.

Review: I've been on a Gyllenhaal sibling kick for the last week or so, so I thought I'd give this film a try. A lot of people were divided on this film - calling it "that S+M movie" among other things. But as a former self-injurer, this film meant a lot to me. She figured herself out in the end, even if it wasn't through the most palatable of ways. Damn, does talent run in their family or what? I could really feel Maggie as Lee. Even though this definitely shouldn't be shown to kids, it was a fabulous movie. I'm glad Mr. Grey softened in the end. :)

Final Review: A+

Variante 1

2006-01-05T09:54:00.000+09:00

Summary: (from the whacky folks at oishii-manga.org) A young girl is put into a “secret” hospital after an organization finds out she has a “chimaira arm” - an arm which has mutated into a big freakish arm that kills people - including her own family. Aside from her arm, she is a normal girl. What lies in store for her?

Review: Interesting stuff. I picked up the first three volumes on a whim at book off the other day and I'd been wanting to read it. The art is gorgeous. It has a kind of a BLOOD feel to it, but without the purposeful memory loss. This girl is truly a victim to her left arm. It seems good enough to stay with for now - I desperately need new stuff to read anyway.

2 3

Kagihime Monogatari Eikyuu Alice Rinbukyoku 1

2006-01-04T12:26:00.000+09:00

"A RABBIT-HOLE"

Summary: Aruto, a student writing his own version of Alice in Wonderland, one night sees Arisu, a costumed girl going after another and stabbing her through the heart with a key! Later at school, he finds out that she's an Alice Historian - one who is competing to get the entire volume of the final lost edition of Alice, Endless Alice - whose existance lies in the minds of girls everywhere. After inviting her over, much to his chagrin, he finds out that his own little sister Kiraha has the same abilities and the two fight! Will he choose Kiraha's memory of her own Alice page over his new friendship with Arisu?

Review: Wow, I really like this show so far. Even though it has the obvious moe little sister tones, the lure of something involving Alice in Wonderland is too good to pass up. I hope that the rest of the series is this good.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Jigoku Shoujo 14

2006-01-04T12:18:00.000+09:00

"FUKUROKOUJI NO MUKOU (Across the Blind Alley)"

Summary: Tsugumi and Hajime are back investigating another case about Ai and her crew. Saki's father was caught by the media talking to local yakuza. He suicides out of guilt and responsibility, and she seeks revenge against the media via Ai. What will Tsugumi see through Ai's eyes for the fate of young Saki?

Review: Meh. I could have done without this episode. Obviously Ai doesn't like her job, and that didn't need to be explicitly said. Mid-season slump, much?

Jouou 11 + 12 (final)

2006-01-03T18:39:00.000+09:00

Summary: The final battle for the R1 has come. Maho and her new sycophants Reika and Megu go against pure Aya in what will be the battle for their careers.

Review: Whoa sluts. Two really good final episodes - who knew that the Manager had a thing for Aya? I really hope that post-series (the website keeps hinting at another final final episode later in February to coincide with the DVD box set release), things go well for them. And at least Aya's dad woke up! Happy ending? I hope so. :) I'll miss watching this every week.

Jouou 9 + 10

2006-01-03T18:27:00.000+09:00

Summary: Aya and Ozaki split fondly, with him saying he wishes he could have met her in a different way (not as a hostess). Aya cries, and talks to the manager about it all. He tells her that she's the only one who seems to have her heart still in this business, and that she should be careful. Aya doesn't listen, blindly believing the best of everyone, and that pain is surely a precious feeling in one's life. Megu plays dirty pool and brings in some of her old friends to help her get to the top - which folds when a show of selfishness brings all of her customers to Aya! Aya throws off the yoke of Maho when Maho tells her to lose her virginity for the sake of the game, and instead she takes Reika and Megu under her wing, seducing them into the final battle against Aya!

Review: WHOA, full frontal lesbian sex on network television! TV Tokyo, you're the Fox of Japan and I love you for it. Otherwise, wtf, Maho. Just turning your back on Aya because she wants to keep her purity. That was kind of shocking in of itself. Two more eps to go - what will happen next I wonder? ;__;

Chocolate

2006-01-02T16:50:00.000+09:00

Summary: Mitsukazu's latest collection of art and short manga as seen in the punk magazine, Kera, over the last three years.

Review: As this is out of print now, I was guessing that I wouldn't have a chance in hell in finding this. But with my luck, I found it in my local mandarake used and in fabulous condition. Seeing her tarot deck art and shorts in real life is just..wow. No words. Oh god. ;__; I wish I could draw like her!

Honey and Clover: Animate Seiyuu Talk Special

2006-01-02T11:12:00.000+09:00

Summary: The seiyuu for the Hachikuro cast provide their final ideas and insights into the series after filming the last episode.

Review: That was interesting. They're all nuts, I swear to god. XD They sound like a fun bunch of people, though. Perfect for Hachikuro. I'm still hoping for a second season.

fate/stay night: CURTAIN RAISER

2006-01-02T11:06:00.000+09:00

Summary: The prelude to the anime adaptation of TypeMoon's hit hentai game of the same name.

Review: Looks like this is going to be the big action anime of the winter season. Sounds good, premise looks good, and the animation looks fabulous. I'm going to be really pissed off if it sucks in the end. :(

Honey and Clover: Chapter L

2006-01-02T11:04:00.000+09:00

Summary: This is the story of how the Hachikuro gang met Romaya-senpai, someone they dearly loved. The story of room 103, the senpai who worked for his parents' meat store. A Father-figure, making sure everyone was always well-fed. With a perpetual stock of meat and tomatoes, his generosity well known - but one day, because his father collapses and becomes ill again, he goes home, taking the meat with him!
In the second half of the episode, Mayama reminices about the Densetsu Hero kigurumi dog guy from his childhood - who could win over ANYONE with his fluffy, strong appearance. And how it was, in the end, Romaya-senpai in the kigurumi, bringing comfort to thousands!

Review: An excellent side story - I don't think it was in the manga. Morita taking Romaya's place and being a singing-Densetsu Hero was hilarious. This episode made me realize how much I miss watching Hachikuro weekly. I may just rewatch it now for the hell of things. :(

Majikano?! 1

2006-01-02T10:16:00.000+09:00

"KANOJO GA MAJOUtte MAJI DESU KA? (She's a witch? Seriously?)"

Summary: Haruo, a middle school student, lives a peaceful life with his three sisters - who unbeknownst to him are witches from the magical world. One day, he meets a girl, Mamiya, who disappears in in a whirlwind - only to return as the newest transfer student! Right away she has her sights set on Haruo - for he is the only one who can take away her curse. She moves in as a maid into his household, and hilarity ensues.

Review: At the outset it seems like another harem show, but my god, the weird hilarity of it all kept me laughing for awhile. Mamiya looks like an interesting character with all of her plotting, and her need for Haruo to get rid of her curse. Anyway, I'll keep watching for awhile and see if it keeps my interest.

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12

Install (2004)

2006-01-01T14:00:00.000+09:00

Summary: (moviexclusive.com) Asako is a dreamy 17-year-old schoolgirl who is disillusioned with the mendacity of study and her impending exams. Gradually she retreats from school and the world around her and begins to hide out at home, unbeknownst to her divorced mother. Then, one day, in an effort to make a fresh start, she shifts all her personal belongings from her room to the garbage disposal area of her apartment building. There she meets Kazuyoshi, a preternaturally intelligent 10-year-old boy who politely asks if he may have her obsolete computer. Later, the boy makes Asako an offer she can't refuse - "why not join forces with me and work together?" Much to her surprise she discovers that, tucked away from prying eyes in a closet in his bedroom, Kazuyoshi has been running an erotic internet chat business on behalf of a married siren named "Miyabi." At first, Asako proves as inexperienced at operating a computer as she is at dealing with the lascivious advances of the opposite sex, but her curiosity propels her ever onward into an exhilarating adult world that she never knew existed. The strange new sensations Asako experiences open her to a realm of unforeseen possibilities, but just how far is she willing to go?

Review: My host sister had given me the original novel for this story in 2004 as a birthday present, and I still haven't had a chance to read it. Now I definitely want to. This movie was very moving in a strange way - the idea of reinstalling oneself in order to find one's indentity. I think I just might eventually shell out for the collector's edition - I definitely need to rewatch this a few times in order to process everything. Excellent work!

Final Review: A+

Fledgling

2006-01-01T04:43:00.000+09:00

Summary: Fledgling, Octavia Butler's first new novel in seven years, is the story of an apparently young, amnesiac girl whose alarmingly un-human needs and abilities lead her to a startling conclusion: she is in fact a genetically modified, 53-year-old vampire. Forced to discover what she can about her stolen former life, she must at the same time learn who wanted-and still wants-to destroy her and those she cares for, and how she can save herself.

Review: My mother sent this to me as a giftmas gift and I wasn't sure I'd like it. I'd really like a sequel - I finished it in one sitting in about 2 hours. I loved everything about this book, and you can bet I'll be rereading it again and again. This author seems interesting - she's not afraid to go to the squicky places with her audience (Shori being a 53 year old woman in an 11 year old body and having sexual relationships with others), and that really impressed me. Sequel, please!

Final Rating: A+

Just a short note.

2006-01-01T00:15:00.000+09:00

新年あけましておめでとうございます。

Happy 2006/平成18/year of the dog!

A Bit of Fry and Laurie - Pilot

2005-12-31T12:04:00.000+09:00

Summary: The original unaired pilot for the show - with even more outrageous content than the first aired episode.

Review: Oh god, they really should have aired this episode during its original run on the BBC. But I can understand why they didn't - whole thing with the Police being privatized was pretty hilarious and insulting, and the making fun of Australians was just plain wrong. But I love them anyway, and I nearly wet myself laughing.

Paradise Kiss 12 (end)

2005-12-31T07:50:00.000+09:00

"MIRAI (The Distant Future)"

Summary; All things must come to an end. Miwako/Arashi/Hiro mend their relationship. Caroline and George part ways, both setting them into the future in Japanese adult society.

Review: It was so different from the manga ending, even with all of the sidestories cut out. I don't know how to feel about this adaptation. It seemed like everything was going right up until this episode - and to my memory, George doesn't model with Yukari ONCE. It seemed like they were just throwing things in there to take up time. This may take a few rewatchings, but I really don't know how to feel.

Final Review: B- (for now, this may change)

Brokeback Mountain (novel)

2005-12-31T07:40:00.000+09:00

Summary: Ennis del Mar and Jack Twist, two ranch hands, come together when they're working as sheepherder and camp tender one summer on a range above the tree line. At first, sharing an isolated tent, the attraction is casual, inevitable, but something deeper catches them that summer. Both men work hard, marry, and have kids because that's what cowboys do. But over the course of many years and frequent separations this relationship becomes the most important thing in their lives, and they do anything they can to preserve it.

Review: This is the original story that was used for the new film. I was weeping by the end of it, it was so good. Even though it was originally a short story it was rereleased for the film in novella format, and I couldn't be gladder. It kind of makes me want to read more of Proulx's work, gay cowboys or not involved.

Final Review: A++

Donnie Darko (2001)

2005-12-31T07:31:00.000+09:00

(Original Theatrical Version)

Summary: (imdb) During the presidential election of 1988, a teenager named Donnie Darko sleepwalks out of his house one night, and sees a giant, demonic-looking rabbit named Frank, who tells him the world will end in 28 days, 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 12 seconds. He returns home the next morning to find that a jet engine has crashed through his bedroom. As he tries to figure out why he survived and tries to deal with people in his town, like the school bully, his conservative health teacher, and a self-help guru, Frank continues to turn up in Donnie's mind, causing him to commit acts of vandalism and worse.

Review: I really should have seen this sooner. Okay, I admit it. I love this movie. I already know that Jake Gyllenhaal is a great actor, but he was just fabulous in this. Come to think of it, everyone was. I can watch this movie 3967636 times and never get sick of it. I totally need to see the director's cut now. And James Duval as Frank? That just clinches the deal.

Final Rating: A++

Favourite quotes:
Sean Smith: Beer and pussy. That's all I need.
Ronald Fisher: We gotta find ourselves a Smurfette.
Sean Smith: Smurfette?
Ronald Fisher: Yeah, not some tight-ass Middlesex chick, right? Like this cute little blonde that will get down and dirty with the guys. Like Smurfette does.
Donnie: Smurfette doesn't fuck.
Ronald Fisher: That's bullshit. Smurfette fucks all the other Smurfs. Why do you think Papa Smurf made her? Because all the other Smurfs were getting too horny.
Sean Smith: No, no, no, not Vanity. I heard he was a homosexual.
Ronald Fisher: Okay, then, you know what? She fucks them and Vanity watches. Okay?
Sean Smith: What about Papa Smurf? I mean, he must get in on all the action.
Ronald Fisher: Yeah, what he does, he films the gang-bang, and he beats off to the tape.
Donnie: [shouts] First of all, Papa Smurf didn't create Smurfette. Gargamel did. She was sent in as Gargamel's evil spy with the intention of destroying the Smurf village. But the overwhelming goodness of the Smurf way of life transformed her. And as for the whole gang-bang scenario, well, it just couldn't happen. Smurfs are asexual. They don't even have... reproductive organs under those tiny, white pants. It's just so illogical, about being a Smurf, you know? I mean, what's the point of living... if you don't have a dick?
Sean Smith: [pause] Dammit, Donnie. Why you gotta get all smart on us?

Donnie: I made a new friend today.
Dr. Lilian Thurman: Real or imaginary?
Donnie: Imaginary.

Principal Cole: Donald let me preface this by saying your Iowa test scores are intimidating... So, let's go over this again, what exactly did you say to Ms. Farmer?
Kitty Farmer: [interrupting] I'll tell you what he said - he asked me to forcibly insert the Lifeline exercise card into my anus!

Roberta Sparrow: Every living creature on this earth dies alone.

Donnie: You are such a fuckass.
Elizabeth: Did you just call me a fuckass? You can go suck a fuck.
Donnie: Oh, please, tell me Elizabeth, how exactly does one suck a fuck?

Gretchen: My mom had to get a restraining order against my step dad. He has emotional problems.
Donnie: Oh, I have those too. What kind does your step dad have?
Gretchen: He stabbed my mom four times in the chest.
Donnie: Oh.

Donnie: [taking a cigarette] What will happen if you tell mom about this?
Samantha Darko: You'll put Ariel in the garbage disposal.
Donnie: Goddamn right I will.

Dr. Lilian Thurman: The search for God is absurd?
Donnie: It is if everyone dies alone.

Donnie: [in a letter] Dear Roberta Sparrow, I have reached the end of your book and... there are so many things that I need to ask you. Sometimes I'm afraid of what you might tell me. Sometimes I'm afraid that you'll tell me that this is not a work of fiction. I can only hope that the answers will come to me in my sleep. I hope that when the world comes to an end, I can breathe a sigh of relief, because there will be so much to look forward to.

Related:
Donnie Darko (Japanese novelization version)

The Brothers Grimm (2005)

2005-12-31T07:29:00.000+09:00

Summary: (amazon) Folklore collectors and con artists, Jake and Will Grimm, travel from village to village pretending to protect townsfolk from enchanted creatures and performing exorcisms. They are put to the test, however, when they encounter a real magical curse in a haunted forest with real magical beings, requiring genuine courage.

Review: Yet another movie with a seemingly good presence - but wow, this one also sucked a big fat one. :( WHAT IS WITH THIS, YOU GUYS IN HOLLYWOOD? Quit making seemingly promsing films that suck. It was just bad. Cliched, bad acting, the whole works. :(

Final Review: F

Memoirs of a Geisha (2005)

2005-12-29T21:58:00.000+09:00

Summary: (imdb) In 1929 an impoverished nine-year-old named Chiyo from a fishing village is sold to a geisha house in Kyoto's Gion district and subjected to cruel treatment from the owners and the head geisha Hatsumomo. Her stunning beauty attracts the vindictive jealousy of Hatsumomo, until she is rescued by and taken under the wing of Hatsumomo's bitter rival, Mameha. Under Mameha's mentorship, Chiyo becomes the geisha named Sayuri, trained in all the artistic and social skills a geisha must master in order to survive in her society. As a renowned geisha she enters a society of wealth, privilege, and political intrigue. As World War II looms Japan and the geisha's world are forever changed by the onslaught of history.

Review: Oh god, this was just as bad as I was fearing it to be. The cast was all wrong, they cut out some of the most important parts of the novel. One word: trainwreck. I can see now why everyone got all pissed off about it - I'm pissed off too. Ugh. I think I'm going to go gouge out my eyes now.

Final Review: F

Best of 2005: Music

2005-12-29T21:05:00.000+09:00

Best Album (English - Mainstream):
NINE INCH NAILS - WITH TEETH
KITAAA! Yes, after another five year hiatus, Trent Reznor is back. I loved this album SO much, though the Fragile still ranks up there as number one. One thing that's great about Reznor is that he isn't afraid to experiment, and there's lots of that on this album. The lyrics are more varied, as are the instruments. Pick this one up for sure.
RUNNER-UP:
Fiona Apple - Extraordinary Machine
I'm sad to say, for the most part, I liked the leaked version better than the final retail version - but at least this album got released. The fact that Sony actually listened to the fans and got this amazing album off the shelf should say something. My personal preferences about versions aside, Fiona Apple never ceases to amaze me with the material she comes up with. Here's hoping she tours Japan soon!

Best Album (English - Indies):
RILO KILEY - MORE ADVENTUROUS
This wasn't released in Japan til this year, so it counts as a 2005 release. :p Anyway, these guys have become one of my new favourite bands, and I can't believe I wasted so much time NOT listening to them. This isn't my favourite album from them (The Execution of All Things is), but it's still a very very good album. Go try them out - you won't be disappointed!
RUNNER-UP:
Orgy - Punk Statik Paranoia
I've loved Orgy since I was a wee lass of 14, and they're finally out with a new album after nearly a four year absence. They quit Reprise and instead moved to Jay Gordon's own D1 records, officially making this an indies release. This album is quite telling of the four years they spent on hiatus - the lyrics say it all. And even with all of the troubles the band and with the record companies, Orgy is back, better, and stronger than ever.

Best Movie Soundtrack (English):
MYSTERIOUS SKIN
It's a blend of early 80's folk, punk, and classical. The entire Mysterious Skin project has made it onto my best of 05 list already, and the OST for this is no exception. It's especially haunting after you've seen the movie and you know where all the music pieces go - I can't even listen to it anymore alone because it scares me a bit. Excellent stuff.
RUNNER-UP:
None. Even with the Geisha/Sayuri OST, Narnia, and Harry Potter, I wasn't impressed.

Best Solo Artist (English):
FIONA APPLE
Like you didn't see this coming. It was horrible the way Sony treated her, but she kept her dignity by not bashing them to hell and back and just waited patiently instead. Oh. And of course, her music's great too. :p
RUNNER-UP:
None.

Best Band (English)
RILO KILEY tied with NINE INCH NAILS
Just too hard to choose between them. :(

Best PV (English)
RILO KILEY - PORTIONS FOR FOXES
I still don't know what to make of this video, but it was really awesome to watch. Great scenery and atmosphere, but equally blended in with the band actively participating in it.

Best Song (English)
Nine Inch Nails: The Hand That Feeds
TIED WITH
Rilo Kiley - Portions for Foxes
Guh. Both rock so hard, I wet myself with glee.
RUNNER-UP:
None.

Best Album (Japanese - Mainstream):
M-FLO - Dope Space Nine
Yeah, I know. I can't believe it either. After all of my ranting and railing about how LISA should have left the group, they go and assemble some really fucking talented artists and make a great album. I loved it.
TIED WITH
Nakashima Mika - MUSIC
and
Rie Fu - Rie Fu
These, I think, are the three best mainstream albums of the year. Each track on each album is unique, and has a fresh sound. 2005 was a VERY good year for Japanese music, IMO.
RUNNER-UP:
Zwei - Z
As much as I wanted to make this best album of the year, pretty much all of their singles released this year were on the album with only four new songs to accompany it. Regardless, it's still a fabulous album, but I kind of wanted more new material than what was given after the singles on the CD.

Best Single (Japanese - Mainstream):
TOKYO JIHEN - SHURABA
This is perhaps their best single to date. I guess shuffling around the band members was for the best after all. New sound, new look, but same old Ringohime behind the curtain pulling the strings.
RUNNER-UP
Amano Tsukiko - Koe
This single has become one of my favourites from her, ever. She's got such an amazing, powerful voice and the lyrics made me cry.

Best PV (Japanese - Mainstream):
Zwei - Fake Face
Seriously their best PV to date. Loved the imagery. Just awesome stuff.
RUNNER-UP:
Tokyo Jihen - Shuraba
Like you had to ask. :p
HONOURABLE MENTION:
Utada Hikaru - PASSION
The singing backwards got on my nerves after awhile, but damn if the video itself wasn't fabulous. I want a dress like that!

Best Solo Artist (Japanese - Mainstream):
RIE FU
This girl is just amazing. She manages to put singles out pretty frequently, and all never sound the same.
RUNNER-UP:
None

Best Band (Japanese):
Zwei TIED WITH Tokyo Jihen
I just couldn't pick ok

Best Indies-to-Mainstream Breakout Artist (Japanese):
AMADORI
She's just released her first mainstream album, "CALLING!!", and it's already pretty popular in some circles. She made the transition from indies to major so seamlessly that it honestly shocked me. Her style hasn't changed, either. Still same ethereal lyrics with punchy rock sound.
RUNNER-UP:
None.

Best Album (Japanese - Indies):
Tsuchiya Anna - Taste My Beat
TIED WITH
Spangle Call Lilli Line - For Installation
and
Head Phones President - Vacancy
All are really really good albums that I can listen to for hours on end through each track and never get sick of them.
RUNNER-UP:
Salyu - Landmark
Salyu's album was pretty awesome, too, though there needed to be more decision time on what was going on the album and what wasn't. Not all of it blended together seamlessly, and that was a bit of a problem. That's what makes it a runner up. :/
MO'SOME TONEBENDER - ROCKIN' LUUUULA
Ringohime's contribution on this album just made it all the more fabulous. MO'SOME are totally underappriciated, but it's good to see that they're finally getting some attention for this album.

Best Band (Japanese - Indies):
HEAD PHONES PRESIDENT
Goddamn right. Anza is just a fucking amazing vocalist, and when you see her live, you really wonder if she's real or just a dream. I..have no words.
RUNNER-UP:
MO'SOME TONEBENDER
They've been around for awhile, but I never really noticed how great they were until this year. They need more exposure and more appriciation, really.

Best Solo Artist (Japanese - Indies):
Tsuchiya Anna
TIED WITH
Salyu
Both can make me gasp, dance, laugh, and cry within one sitting and listening of each album. I think that qualifies them well enough.
RUNNER-UP:
NONE.

Best Song (Japanese - Indies):
Suneohair - Waltz
Yeah, we all know it as "that Hachikuro song". But it really is a great song. Whenever I'm down, I listen to it and feel better, slightly.
RUNNER-UP:
None.

Best New Artist (Japanese - Indies):
Angela Aki
She's Japan's Fiona Apple. That's the only way to describe her, really. She's got such talent - I hope 2006 brings more of that talent out into the market. It's desperately needed.
RUNNER-UP:
None.

Best New Band (Japanese - Indies):
NAKANOMORI BAND
Ayako's got skillz, and the rest of the band does too. At first I didn't like them, but then they grew on me. I can't wait for their first album, which is dropping later in January.
RUNNER-UP:
None.

Best Single (Japanese - Indies):
Nakanomori Band - WHATEVER.
This song makes little to no sense, which is probably why I love it so much. That and the catchy riffs and ENGRISH used. OH YEAH.
TIED WITH:
Angela Aki - Home
I cried through the entire song. I am such a loser. :(

Best PV (Japanese - Indies):
Rumi feat. Ono - Gokuraku Toshi
I really loved the use of camera angles and Tokyo scenery here. And Rumi's flow didn't hurt either.

Best Soundtrack (Japanese):
Linda, Linda, Linda
TIED WITH
LOVELESS
James Iha working on Linda, Linda, Linda was the best thing to happen to that movie project. And of course, Loveless' music was perfect - Ethereal and soft and dreamy. Loved it.

Doku Hime 2

2005-12-29T20:47:00.000+09:00

Summary: The boy who would be king. The boy's brother, who would also be king. The armies of the king out to get one small but dangerous Princess - Belladonna. The King's sorceror, and his own horrific tale of poisoning others - but intentionally instead of Belladonna's natural poison. The boys protect Belladonna against a host of angels, armies, demons, and of course, the sorceror himself, who only wants to use her for experiments because of what she is..

Review: Hot damn, I love this series. This is definitely ranking up there now with Happy Family as my favourite Mitsukazu series of all time. I love this work. She should just drop Shigeshoshi and concentrate everything on finishing Doku Hime instead. ;_; The parts with the sorceror were funny and horrific - especially when we're given a peek at how he poisons people (candy and apples) - a clear wave to some of the oldest fairy tales around the world. I can't wait for the next volume to come out.

ARIA 13 (final)

2005-12-29T09:52:00.000+09:00

"SONO MASSHIRO NA ASA WO... (ON THAT PURE WHITE MORNING...)"

Summary: It's New Year's Eve in Neo-Venetzia and everyone's coming out to the big party held downtown! A lot of past cast members return, including Ai, from Manhome to share in this once-in-a-24-month event. Akari and the crew reflect on her first year on Aqua, and wonder what's to be in the year to come...

Review: Great ending! Loved it. Very fitting - and it's nice how they timed it to coincide with New Year's this year. And according to Matthew - it looks like a second season is in the works, possibly due out in spring. This is a happy happy thought. :)

Into the Blue (2005)

2005-12-29T00:04:00.000+09:00

Summary: (amazon) Jared (Paul Walker, The Fast and the Furious) dreams of finding sunken treasure and making millions, but his girlfriend Sam (Jessica Alba, Fantastic Four, Sin City) is content with their poor but idyllic life in the Bahamas. Still, when they find artifacts from a 19th century pirate ship, she gets caught up in the excitement--until they also find a crashed plane full of smuggled cocaine. Naturally, someone's going to want that cocaine back...

Review: Honestly, not the best movie, but if it's got half-naked Jessica Alba swimming around, I'm not complaining in the slightest. Still, the story itself was kind of really cliched in all sorts. I'm glad I didn't see it in theatres. :/ Still kind of fun to watch for the cheese factor.

Final Review: C

Nodame Cantabile 3

2005-12-28T18:47:00.000+09:00

Summary: Student prodigy Shinichi Chiaki just can’t shake Nodame, no matter how hard he tries. Now he is forced to tutor her and Mine all night. So much for music being comforting! Then Shinichi gets a golden opportunity: the chance to temporarily fill in for Maestro Stresemann as conductor for the S orchestra. But after an unfortunate mishap, the maestro defects to the A orchestra and challenges Shinichi to a public-performance duel. With only weeks to prepare, can members of the inexperienced S orchestra pull themselves together to rival the confidence of the A orchestra? It’s going to take a lot of hard work–and inspiration from a certain free-spirited girl with a crush. The battle Shinichi can’t afford to lose has begun!

Review: Okay, I'm starting to lose interest now because it's getting just a little repetitive. As much as I love Nodame's antics, Chiaki himself is just getting boring even with the "character development" going on here. It just got more and more repetitive as the volume went on. Kind of like bashing one's head against the wall. Dammit, Nodame, you showed such progress, too! Welcome to my dropped pile. :/

Vampire Knight 1

2005-12-28T18:04:00.000+09:00

Summary: (storminheaven) Yuuki's earliest memory is of a stormy winter's night when she was attacked by a vampire...then saved by another. Ten years later, she has grown up a guardian of the vampire race, protecting her savior, Kaname, from discovery as he leads a group of reformed vampires at an elite boarding academy. But at her side is a boy called Zero, who burns with hatred for the creatures who destroyed everything that he ever cared for, and is determined never to trust them. Have the vampires truly renounced their murderous ways, or is there a darker truth behind their actions? Is Kaname's infatuation with Yuuki the beginning of a forbidden romance? Or is it something in her lost memories that draws him to her? Because in this world of secrets, nothing is as it seems, and nobody is who they say they are. And the price of misplaced faith may well be worse than death.

Review: Oh man, I have to read more of this. This is probably one of Hino's best works - way better than Maruchen Prince (and I never thought I'd say that). Too bad there are only two volumes out for now. :( Pity. But it's still running, so it'll get time to catch up.

2 3

The Gun Seller

2005-12-28T17:38:00.000+09:00

Summary: Thomas Lang, formerly of the Scots Guard and currently a freelance bodyguard/man for hire, is offered an assassination job. He indignantly refuses, attempts to warn the victim, and is soon embroiled in undercover work for the British government, CIA operatives, arms dealers, and terrorists.

Review: Only Hugh Laurie can make me laugh so hard. It's funny - it's like he's actually sitting there, telling you the story of Lang and his misadventures with the CIA and the UK government. This is a wonderful, wonderful read. If you want something to cheer you up - light, sarcastic, and at times totally tasteless entertainment - this is the way to go. Perfect post-holidays reading.

Final review: A+

Mysterious Skin

2005-12-28T17:32:00.000+09:00

Summary: (amazon) Brian Lackey and Neil McCormick are so different by nature that they might never have met except for a shared incident at age eight. One summer afternoon, a storm forces the cancellation of a Little League game, and Brian catches a ride home with his coach and Neil. Ten years later, Brian still can't remember that afternoon, although he suspects that it was a turning point in his life. His search for answers eventually leads to Neil, who helps re-create the afternoon of seduction and sexual abuse that Brian has blocked from his mind.

Review: Now that I've read the original and can rewatch the film, I'm happy to report that Araki adapted nearly every single word perfectly from paper to screen. I was amazed - reading the book and then rewatching the film. Perfect, everything. I was crying at the end of it, since it was just so perfect. "He wasn't an angel. We weren't angels." This is Heim's first novel, and it was so grabbing and amazing. You can bet this will be on my reread shelf for years to come.

Final Review: A+

Jigoku Shoujo 13

2005-12-28T17:25:00.000+09:00

"RENGOKU SHOUJO (PURGATORY GIRL)"

Summary: More about Ai's past comes out as Hajime investigates one of Tsugumi's visions - leading him to a book called "RENGOKU SHOUJO", and the subsequent tale of the author's life after meeting Ai in the 1930's.

Review: Holy shit - so Ai can be traced back possibly to the Kamakura (roughly around 1300 - 1500's) era? I guess since the birth of time man has wanted to kill his bretheren, and Ai's needed to do so. Very interesting stuff though, about how you'd answer a letter in the paper. I really loved this episode for its groundwork of what lies ahead. Awesome episode. One of the best.

Best of 2005: Movies

2005-12-25T19:04:00.000+09:00

Best Movie (English):
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN
From the full audio rip I managed to get my hands on and a great deal of the film itself, this definitely wins for best of the year. It's perfect. As the original short story was built upon, it can't really fit into the adaptation catagory as much. They took Proulx's basic material and built upon it so well and so perfectly, it's breathtaking. Definitely best of the year.
RUNNER-UP:
Maria, Full of Grace
Technically 2004, but wasn't distributed in the US until 2005. Technically a Colombian-US production, this film blew all of my previous preconceptions about the drug trade out of the water. It was very sad, but an excellent film. It's graphic, it's ugly, but it's the truth. We need more films like this out there.

Best Adaptation (English):
Chronicles of Narnia: Lion, Witch, and the Wardrobe
I mean, it's pretty much taken straight from the novel, and it's perfect. I finally got around to reading the novel for this last night and I was absolutely shocked at how faithful it was.
RUNNER-UP:
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Because it's been established that they've cut a lot from the series while transfering it to film, I'm really happy with what they did include. They included nearly all of the best parts of the novel and that's good enough for me.

Best Indie Production (English):
MYSTERIOUS SKIN
Another production technically in the 2004 pile, it wasn't distributed in the US until 2005 due to rating concerns and finding someone who would buy the film for distro. As I haven't yet read the novel I can't comment upon its adaptation, it's still a fucking amazing movie when you let it stand alone. Gregg Araki is one of my favourite directors ever, and this film was a really nice change of pace for him even though his style did not change one bit. I cried at the end, I admit it.
RUNNER-UP:
None. It was a real drought for US indie productions this year. :/

Best Gay Movie (English):
BROKEBACK MOUNTAIN, MYSTERIOUS SKIN TIE.
RUNNER-UP:
None. Sadly. :/

Best Silly Fun Movie (English):
D.E.B.S.
Another one of those 2004 but distro'd in 2005 titles, even though it's a wonderful gay movie, it's not the best for 2005. But it's still the best silly-fun-wow I like not having to think about movie for 2005. It was funny and sweet, and I loved it to death. Props to the entire cast that were non-gay for doing gay scenes.
RUNNER-UP:
Fantastic Four
Jessica Alba in a skin-tight suit for most of the film, a guy on fire, and everything getting blown up. Hello, 14 year old boy wet dream!

Best Discovery (English):
Dead Poets Society
I can't believe it took me that long to see that film. Simply amazing. No words.
TIE:
Donnie Darko
I should have seen this one ages ago. >__<

Best Movie (Japanese):
NANA
I would have put this under "best adaptation", but the fact that it was completely cut in half with the original storyline, that just automatically cut it for me. Good news though - a sequel is underway and is due to start production in early 2006. Otherwise, if you see it on its own and not read the original manga, it definitely wins for best Japanese film of the year. It's just that good.

Best Indie Production (Japanese):
KANARIA (CANARY)
I hadn't gotten around to reviewing this one yet, but I have seen it. It's a very interesting take on the world post-1995 Aum Shinrikyou Sarin Attacks and how cults have affected Japanese religious and secular life. This film was absolutely marvelous in the way it handled these sensitive issues, and I would personally love to meet the director to pick his brain. I'll have a full-length review coming soon, I promise.

Best Adaptation (Japanese):
None for this year. :(

Best Gay Movie (Japanese):
Again, none for this year. Stupid Japan!

Best Silly Fun Movie (Japanese):
STACY
Even though it was made long ago in Japan (2001?) it was only distro'd in the states this year due to gore and rating concerns. It was an awful awful horror film about Schoolgirl Zombies that Eat Each Other and Everyone Else but I loved it. This is the stuff I live for: horrible B movies that really should have made it into the mainstream.
RUNNER-UP:
None. ;/

Best Discovery (Japanese):
BLUE
Made in 2003 but not to come to light until 2005, this story is a very laid-back approach to girl love in high school. A lot of reviewers either hated it or didn't even bother reviewing it, but I happened to like it. The pace was very slow, very relaxing, and it seemed more realistic than some of the other films out there by Japan about this subject. Full review coming soon.

And finally...

Best Gay Film (OTHER):
HU DIE (BUTTERFLY)
Made in Hong Kong in late 2004 and debuting in 2005, this film haunted me for days after I watched it. I cried, I laughed, I remembered my own experiences. Yeah I know, we have two other gay catagories, but this one deserved one on its own.

Ito Yuna - MTV Advance Warning Special/Bioclens CM premiere

2005-12-25T18:53:00.000+09:00

Well, to prove that Ito Yuna (REIRA from NANA) isn't just a one-trick pony, MTV has put out the ADVANCE WARNING special on the making of her new single, "Pureyes", coincidentally the new themesong to the contact commercial from Bioclens.

How do to feel about this? I'm SO happy Yuna's being given another shot at singing. I mean, I love "JOURNEY" and "ENDLESS STORY" but she needs new songs. She wrote this one herself, and talked about it. Gushed, more like. But it gave me this sweet feeling in the pit of my belly - she's so passionate about her work, and you can fairly feel it radiating off of her.

I can't wait for "Pureyes" to come out. For real.

Mai-Otome 12

2005-12-24T20:55:00.000+09:00

"KAMEN BUTOKAI?! (MASQUERADE BALL?!)"

Summary: Mashiro's gone stratgically missing at the worst possible time - the yearly Castle Masquerade Ball! Arika is chosen to take her place instead for the sake of the latest visiting prince - Tokiha Takumi. But something about this prince isn't right, and Shizuru's the only one who figures it out...

Review: Wow, this episode got confusing. But hey - Mai is FINALLY introduced into the Otome world! That's pretty awesome. It makes me really excited for the next episode, as it seems like another one of those cornerstone important type episodes. Too bad that won't be until two weeks from now. :<

The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe

2005-12-24T19:56:00.000+09:00

Summary: (imdb) During the German air raids of WWII, the four Pevensie children -- Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy -- are sent out of London to take shelter at the country home of eccentric Prof. Digory Kirke, who happens to be the owner of a curious wardrobe. Peering into this wardrobe one day, Lucy finds herself in the snowy land of Narnia, which is mired in never-ending winter thanks to the magic of the evil White Witch, who has proclaimed that it will be always winter but never Christmas in the mystical land. Eventually the other Pevensies find themselves in Narnia, and the four children learn that they alone are the key to breaking the Witch's eternal winter. But while three of them trudge through the snow with some helpful Beavers to join forces with Aslan, the mighty Lion, the fourth takes a more treacherous path and falls in league with the Witch...

Review: Oh wow. I never really read the books as a child, but this as a movie was absolutely gorgeous. Just everything about it. I think I need to see it again, and again, and again. I'm absolutely speechless at how good that was. I think I need to go read the books now. o_o; New fandom. Awesome. I can't WAIT until the roadshow here in March. I'm totally going - MARCH 4, 2006!!

Final Review: A+

ARIA 12

2005-12-24T10:35:00.000+09:00

"SONO YAWARAKA NA NEGAI WA... (THAT GENTLE WISH IS..)"

Summary: Aqua is now in the deep of winter, and starting to see light on the other side of the tunnel. While going to sightsee Aqua's oldest bridge, Akari meets a girl from Manhome, and become friends. Together they go with her students to the bridge to watch the return of the water to the canals of Neo-Venezia.

Review: One more ep to go. Not working again! Naughty Aria Company. But I guess if no one's coming in for business, you have to take a break, eh? Still, a nice peaceful episode. You get the feeling that spring is coming soon at the end of it.

Paradise Kiss 11

2005-12-24T10:08:00.000+09:00

"STAGE"

Summary: The Yazagaku contest is finally here. Yukari walks the stage for the Parakiss crew, and begins the process of freeing herself from everything that binds her.

Review: Breathtaking episode. They really did the manga justice with the scene where Yukari walks the catwalk for the show. Really gorgeous stuff. I'm still swooning over the use of colour and everything. It looks like ANIMATION will be able to finish the manga with justice in the final episode next week - I was worried for a minute there, but they seem to know what they're doing now. Wonderful. I hope they get hired to do the NANA anime, due out in April.

Kimura Kaela - YOU (PV)

2005-12-24T09:54:00.000+09:00

Oh wow, and I thought the PV for "BEAT" was crazy.

Anyway, love the song. I really really hope there's going to be an annoucement for the second album soon. I must admit, I miss the hot pink hair with the black heart shaved into it. :( I really loved that hair on her the most. The brown ringlets are cute and are very KAELA, but at the same time, it's going to take some getting used to.

Kaela, you are the best. :D

Jigoku Shoujo 12

2005-12-21T16:01:00.000+09:00

"KOBORETA KAKERUTACHI (THE SPILLED FRAGMENTS)"

Summary: A teacher in love with his student. That student emailing a mystery friend for advice, and asking Ai to destroy her lovesick teacher. But when the student finds out that the teacher is this mystery friend, will she still drop him into hell - even if it's at his own request?

Review: Good episode. I loved the twist at the end. This was one of the better episodes of the series imo. Also it looks like Sony threw more money at the Jigoku staff - the use of colour was even more beautiful than usual for this episode. I mean, WOW. o_o;

Angela Aki - Kokoro no Senshi (Warrior of the Heart) PV

2005-12-20T20:31:00.000+09:00

Wow, I wasn't expecting a new single so soon. Either that or more time has passed than I thought.

Anyway, I really LOVE this song. The video is a bit boring, but that's Angela's style to be stuck to her piano. XD Anyway, this song really shows off her vocal range more so than "HOME" or the "ONE" album. I am now indecently excited for this single. It's got a winter theme, but it's not so obviously overpowering as some of the other ones out there at the moment.

Angela for the win for 2006!

Best of 2005: Anime

2005-12-20T19:43:00.000+09:00

BEST MANGA TO ANIME ADAPTATION:
MUSHISHI
This was a hard one, guys. You have NO idea. But with all of my other considerations (Honey and Clover, Loveless, etc), there was always something not quite absoltely in harmony with the original source. But with Mushishi, as of so far, nothing has been out of place and modifications made have served to actually illuminate parts of the manga that were vague or lost. This show is what adaptors should strive for.

RUNNER-UP:
Honey and Clover
Near perfect adaptation, but with one or two filler episodes.
Loveless
Gay cat boys and girls. See above comment.

BEST CONTINUING ANIME:
Mai-HiME
Started in October 2004 and ended in February of this year (thereabouts), Mai-HiME was one of those shows you either loved or hated and either way couldn't get enough of. Now with a theatrical movie on the way, a second season on air, and merchandise up to your armpits it's become one of the most praised anime in the last five years. And it should be. It has a lot of typical elements but with a twist. That twist continues to keep me interested, even now.

RUNNER-UP:
Gankutsuou
Coming in at a tough second, Japan's take on the Dumas classic. One of the first times that Gonzo has earned respect from me as a studio, too.

BEST NEW ANIME:
TRINITY BLOOD
Even though this might be technically an adaptation from the novels, the anime took an entirely different direction from the original series of books. Again, more respect for Gonzo than I've had for awhile. At first I thought I would hate this series since most vampire-related series I've seen have really sucked and had so many typical elements, but this one just blew them all out of the water. Story, graphics, music, everything. Trinity Blood takes it for 2005.

RUNNER-UP:
Kamichu!
A refreshing, relaxing summer series. Haven't had one of those for awhile. Nice pacing too.

BEST OAV:
Saikano: Another Love Song
A very much needed explaination and backstory to one of Japan's most beloved works. Just seeing things from Shuu's side did NOT help, but now we have two other POVs as well: Misaki and Chise. I cried throughout the ending of the second episode. >>;

RUNNER-UP:
None. :(

BEST NEW STUDIO:
ANIMATION/NOITAMINA
They're the ones behind the adaptations of Paradise Kiss and Hachikuro. They're extremely faithful with their work, and an entirely new studio to have two hit shows in 2005. That's pretty impressive, I should think. I look forward to their 2006 works too!

Best of 2005: TV

2005-12-20T19:09:00.000+09:00

BEST NEW TV SHOW (ENGLISH):
HOUSE
Hands down, best of 2005. Period. Even though the show technically aired at the end of 2004, the bulk of episodes aired was in 2005. This show, like some of my other seminal favourites (Dark Angel, The X-Files) has made me cry, laugh, howl, and wet my pants - sometimes several times an episode, and sometimes all at once. It's got humour, tasteless jokes, serious business, and a just plain amazing cast and crew that never ceases to surprise me with its talent. OH, and did I mention one of the only female roles (out of three major ones), Cameron, is TOTALLY CAPSLOCK?

RUNNER-UP:
Point Pleasant
This show SHOULD NOT have been cancelled. Then again, Fox takes the hatchet to a LOT of shows that they don't give enough time to. Luckily they were given their 13 scheduled aired episodes and now put entirely to DVD. Then again, when you take into account the content (religious themes), I can understand why the network got antsy and shut it down.
Wonder Showzen
Think of the most offensive things there are currently in US culture. Okay, now think of a kid's show. Wonder Showzen would probably be the bastard child of both. And it needs to get back on network TV and off of seasonal hiatus.

BEST CONTINUING SHOW OF 2005 (ENGLISH):
Smallville
Going strong with season 4 and now season 5, these seasons with their arc storylines are proving to be the best for the show in its five year run so far. My favourite arc so far has been the Lana-as-Isabella arc, but a close second is Lex-Going-Bad-OH NOES arc which is happening this season.

RUNNER-UP:
None. Sadly.

BEST NEW DISCOVERY (ENGLISH):
A BIT OF FRY AND LAURIE
Hugh Laurie's work with Stephen Fry before he went on to do HOUSE. Hilarious stuff that I have no idea how it got past the BBC censors. They're kind of equal oppertunity offenders here. Four seasons, 26 episodes of work. Now if only they had it on DVD!

RUNNER-UP:
None.

BEST NEW TV SHOW (JAPANESE):
DENSHA OTOKO
It was a hit all over Japan in book form and movie form, but the story was best told through this short 11-episode TV drama series. The cast was excellent as was the adaptive screenplay episode by episode. It kicked the movie's ass and held consistantly at #1 ALL summer for Japanese television. It's the year of the Akiba.

RUNNER-UP:
Joou no Kyoushitsu
Teacher runs classroom like dungeon. Enough said.
Jouou
Aoi Sora's boobies make their first Japanese network appearance.

BEST CONTINUING SHOW OF 2005 (JAPANESE):
None.
Most Japanese shows are seasonal and last at most 12 episodes. It's really rare for them to have second or third seasons, unless they're taiga (historical period) dramas.

BEST NEW DISCOVERY (JAPANESE):
Vampire Gigolo (BLOODHOUND)
With a loose basis off of Kaori Yuki's manga of the same title, this show was made in 2003 or 2004 and was so awful and hilarious you couldn't look and you couldn't look away. At least I got a run for my money. I couldn't stop laughing the entire show.

RUNNER-UP:
DEKICHATTA KEKKON
One of Hirosue Ryoko's first dramas, and ironically enough, a story of what would eventually happen to her at age 23. Girl and Man have one night stand, girl gets pregnant, and from there both families fight the impending marriage.

Best of 2005

2005-12-20T18:43:00.000+09:00

It's that time of year again, folks! I'll be doing seperate entries dedicated to the best of 2005 via catagory: Music, Novel, Manga, Anime, Movie, and TV, as well as anticipated stuff for 2006. It all should be finished by the end of December. Have fun!

Television
Anime
Movies
Music
Novel
Misc.

A Bit of Fry and Laurie Season 3

2005-12-20T16:19:00.000+09:00

Summary: Fry and Laurie branch out into other realms of comedy (making fun of America now instead of just Australia and Canada) and get themselves into trouble along the way.

Review: Heh. Not my favourite season, but still some real gems in there. I think that "MY ASS" was my favourite sketch of the entire season. I could NOT stop laughing.

Favourite sketches:
"MY ASS"
"PATRIOTISM"
"MARMALADE"
"SPAGHETTI"

Tsuchiya Anna - Change Your Life PV

2005-12-20T11:20:00.000+09:00

Let's get the fangirling out of the way first.
OMFGANNAONABIKE:SLDKFJ:SDKFLJ:SDKFj;asdfjk ;asf OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG.

Ahem.

This video heralds Anna's entry into the Japanese mainstream market - even though the song is in English. And hey - her English continues to improve! The visuals are what we've come to expect from Anna - lots of decedance, flashy colours, leather, and fetishistic imagery. But the song itself is different from other stuff she's tried before - this is a hard rock girl power ballad (think "STRONGER"), whereas most of her other stuff had more punk/hardcore/Hole influences. I'm not sure what to make of it. It's a good song, but so different from what she's done before - so...yeah. A few more listens and I'm sure I'll be just as addicted as I am to her other stuff. For a first major single debut, I wasn't expecting this.

Single hits shelves on 1/18/06. Support Anna and buy the single!

Brokeback Mountain: Logo TV making of special

2005-12-18T23:55:00.000+09:00

Summary: The new film from Academy Award-nominated director Ang Lee. An epic love story set against the sweeping vistas of Wyoming and Texas, Brokeback Mountain tells the story of two young men - a ranch-hand and a rodeo cowboy - who meet in the summer of 1963, and unexpectedly forge a lifelong connection, one whose complications, joys and tragedies provide a testament to the endurance and power of love. This is the making-of special.

Review: Oh wow. I can't wait to see this film now. I'd been hearing about the hype everywhere, and it looks like it lives up to it. There aren't any release dates for Japan and that makes me very sad. :( God knows this country needs more hard gay cowboys. I think I'll just ask my mum to send me the books and stuff.

But what can I say? Heath Ledger/Jake Gyllenhaal are a very hot combination together. [fans self]

XXXHolic 7

2005-12-18T15:56:00.000+09:00

Summary: Watanuki's one step closer to getting his wish of not being able to see the ghosts that have been haunting him since childhood. When Doumeki saves him from a ghastly spider's web and gets his left eye injured in the process, Watanuki exchanges the same eye for him and now can only see through his right eye. But what will happen when the "Spider of Darkness" returns to Doumeki's temple, or Yuuko's shop?

Review: Heh. "Hon no Mushi", eh? That was a dirty trick, CLAMP, having the Book Worm eat the solution to getting back both eyes for Doumeki and Watanuki. And implying that Himawari had something to do with it. Now I have to know what the hell's going on between those three and that evil spider.

Mushishi 9

2005-12-18T13:37:00.000+09:00

"OMOI MI (THE HEAVY SEED)"

Story from: Volume 3, Chapter 3

Summary: In one village, during yearly natural disasters, if a tooth grows in the roof of the mouth of a young woman, it's said to bring good luck for the coming harvest. At the end of the harvest and autumn, the tooth falls out, and the woman dies. Ginko comes to investigate the origins of this horrific ritual, and its ties to the local rice processing industry in the village.

Review: I never did really like this particular story from volume 3, if just for the squick factor. Ugh. Though interestingly enough, it seems like this story has ties once again to the Ikigami/sacrifice factor - girl dies for village's continued good rice harvest for the following year. Still, a bit too gross for my tastes. :/

Mai-Otome 11

2005-12-17T20:47:00.000+09:00

"HAPPY BIRTHDAY"

Summary: More about Nina and Sergay's relationship is revealed as Nina's birthday arrives. It's a special day for her, and she gets pissed off when Arika and the crew try to give her presents like normal children do. Also, we're introduced to more HiME universe characters that will ultimately impact the kingdom from here forward.

Review: Since it was Nina-centric, I'll do my review on that. Anyone else get the feeling that she has more than just a fatherly love for Sergey? I mean, come on. She gets ridiculously possessive of him; way more than an adopted daughter should. What is that smell? Could it be...reverse lolita complex? :O Still, finally more backstory and development on Nina's inner workings, since she hasn't been given much so far. Great episode!

A Bit of Fry and Laurie Season 2

2005-12-17T20:32:00.000+09:00

Summary: Season 2 of Fry and Laurie starts with a bang as new sets, new characters, and new sketches are introduced. Looks like the BBC fed them some moneys. :D

Review: Is it just me, or do they seem to try to push the envelope as much as possible even for british tv? This could NEVER fly in the states. This people, is quality television. Go BBC go!! I'm almost afraid to ask what's on tap for the final two seasons. Silly pottymouths.

Favourite sketches from this season:

"SWEARING"
"WITNESS"
"GIRLFRIEND'S BREASTS"
"CHICKEN"
"DAMMIT 1"
"DAMMIT 2"
"DAMMIT 3"
"DAMMIT 4"
"DAMMIT: LAVATORIES"

Paradise Kiss 10

2005-12-17T08:00:00.000+09:00

"BARA (ROSE)"

Summary: Isabella's backstory revealed! The dress nearly finished! George creates Blue Roses out of White! George gets even snarkier as the deadline approaches - letting Yukari take the full brunt of it. And Hiro comes to Yazagaku to see the Parakiss crew, bringing the story full circle from the prequel, Gokinjo Monogatari.

Review: Oh god I was afraid they weren't going to do this ep, but they did. Thank god. Isabella's backstory is essential to understanding George as a foil, and Isabella herself's troubles with her own body/sexuality/etc. They did such justice to Isabella's backstory and it makes me happy. This gives me hope that they'll keep the ending, since it was the strongest point in the manga. If not, well, they'll get hate mail. And lots of it. :D

ARIA 11

2005-12-17T07:49:00.000+09:00

"SONO ORANGE NO HIBI WO...(And on those orange days...)"

Summary: Back to work! It's still winter on Aqua, and now it's snowing. One day, while watching their kouhai train, Alicia, Athena, and Akira remember fondly about the days they trained together as friends.

Review: Oh poor Athena. She's an amazing undine and singer, but clumsy and just awkward. Lots of hilarious scenes with her this time around - like when she hit head during going under a canal entrance. I must admit though - it's nice to finally get more background development on the three water fairies and to have an episode where they're not on vacation. They were SO young, it was adorable! XD Only one or two eps left, and this makes me sad. :(

Mid-season hiatus news.

2005-12-17T00:42:00.000+09:00

Okay, so, turns out a good chunk of what I watch weekly is going on winter vacation until mid-January at least. So don't be looking for new episode reviews for the following:

House: "FAILURE" (Season 2 Ep 10) scheduled for January 10, 2006.
*OH GOD I AM FREAKING OUT BECAUSE I NEED A NEW EP FIX BEFORE THEN SDL:FLSDF

Smallville: No new episode title mention, hinted at coming back late January/early February 2006.
*We get one episode after a five week hiatus and then this shit? NO.

Rozen Maiden Traumend: "TOMOE" scheduled for January 12, 2006.
*NOT funny, Fuji TV. The others have Xmas break as they're American - what's YOUR excuse?

Mushishi: "Suzuri ni Sumu Shiro (The White That Lives in the Ink)" scheduled for January 7, 2006
*Same as above. WTF, guys? WTF?

Mai-Otome: After episode 12 ("KAMEN BUTOKAI?") on 12/22, "Akaneiro no Sora ni (In the deep red sky)" is scheduled for January 5, 2006.
*TV Tokyo, not you too?!?!?!

These shows have been placed on the "ON HOLD" section of their appropriate catagories until they come back from network haitus.

The rest for now seem to be airing through the end of December - Mushishi is assured as they've laid out the schedule (their staff is so nice :D) until mid-January at least. Aria, Otome, Jouou, Jigoku Shoujo, and Parakiss are scheduled to air until the end of December, but after that it's unknown if there'll be a hiatus. As for Fry and Laurie, since it's been off air for awhile, that's a matter of me watching the entire series at my leisure.

Guh. Don't even get me started on the manga release dates. Even though we're coming up on quite a few release dates within the next month (Loveless 6, Mushishi Guidebook, Rozen Maiden 6 just to name a few), it'll be hard since there will be another six month wait between releases. Jesus.

Rozen Maiden: Traumend 9

2005-12-17T00:10:00.000+09:00

"IMASHI (COMMANDMENT)"

Summary: The Alice Game begins in earnest, and even though Shinku, Hina Ichigo, and Suiseiseki have no intention of fighting Barasuishou and Suigintou, they still lose Souseiseki and her Rosa Mystica in battle.

Review: This episode was so sad - even with the usual comedy thrown in with Kanaria and Hina Ichigo, it was sad. No more Souseiseki. :( So, who's going to be come Alice now is the main question. That and why Shinku had to defend herself against Barasuishou's attack when Suingintou's didn't affect her at all. Hmm. Also looks like they're delaying the final two episodes until January - since the show's website says the next episode will be aired 1/12. :/ DAMN.

NANA 14

2005-12-15T18:42:00.000+09:00

Summary: Takumi's cheating on Hachi with other women - Hachi knows, but as long as she's "Number One in his heart" that's fine with her. Blast is currently enroute to Osaka to perform a live at a radio station. Ren's gotten himself a cocaine habit. Yuri's run away from the production dorms, causing her manager to go on a manhunt to find her whereabouts because she ran out on her contract - effectively costing the company hundreds of thousands of yen. Miu and Yasu continue to develop their relationship via email - but without her knowing that he's now seeing famous model Shion on the sly. Their manager hires a new worker, Suzuki - who's actually Nana's old friend, Misato! - and has her live in the talent dorms - and in Miu's room! Shion takes a liking to a Blast fan and gives Nana her letter - with the exact name as her old friend Misato, though far younger! Meanwhile, Reira stays with Ren to help him through these tough times, talking about his upcoming marriage to Nana, and an innocent hug outside catches the paparazzi's eye and gets the picture sent to Nana. Ren thinks that Nana loves Yasu, and he has a plan to "oust him from her heart" - also saying that lately he's had the desire to murder her so she can forever be "only his". Finally, we're taken back in time to when all members of Blast and Trapnest meet in high school, setting the stage from here on out.

Review: How does Yazawa Ai manage to pack THAT much drama into one volume that's around 200 pages? Jesus Christ. Doesn't surprise me that Takumi's boning other chicks - he seems the type to be doing that. Same with Ren and the newly minted cocaine habit. I'd like to find out more about Shion and why she was with Yasu, though. I have a feeling that will be covered in the next volume - and it looks like Ren's going the Sid and Nancy route if you know what I mean. This was such a quick read - the pacing just flew by and in a good way, that barely an hour had passed and I was already finished with it. ;-; Looks like another six months until we get the next volume, too.

Nodame Cantabile 2

2005-12-14T22:51:00.000+09:00

Summary: There’s a new kid in town, and Nodame had better be on guard. Her new rival plays timpani like a dream–and has the hots for Nodame’s crush, Shinichi Chiaki. Plus, a wretched old man has his eyes (and hands) on Nodame. It’s a lot to handle, for a girl who has trouble just keeping her room clean. . . .Shinichi has his own problems. A famous conductor starts a new orchestra at school, and Shinichi finally gets his chance to conduct. But he soon discovers there’s more to the craft than just following notes on a page. Could this hard lesson unexpectedly turn his life around and change his destiny?

Summary: So, I can't figure out if the new kid is male or female. They call her Ryuutaro and something else. I'm really confused. She looks like a boy, sounds like a boy, but isn't? I'm assuming that Ninomiya made this character androgynous on purpose, but it's still hilarious when Chiaki gets all freaked out and homophobic around him/her since he can't even figure out what he/she is.

XXXHolic 6

2005-12-14T21:47:00.000+09:00

Summary: Watanuki takes a welcome break from his grueling service to the time-space witch Yuuko, only to find himself mixed up in the strangest parade of the Japanese magical world. But a slipup reveals that Watanuki is a powerless human! How can he survive the festival without being eaten by its dangerous participants? Then Watanuki meets a woman who grieves for her lost son. Since Watanuki is an orphan, the two form an immediate bond. But what will Watanuki do when he realizes that his wonderful new friendship may very well kill him?

Review: I'm still not entirely sure why seeing that woman was sucking the life out of him (literally), so I may have to reread things to get a better feel for it. Also, for the Gods' Banquet - CLAMP and Mushishi have seemed to cross over the slightest bit (with Manna vs Kouki, etc). Very interesting stuff - but it's the chicken-egg question - who wrote what first? Or did their ideas just correllate randomly? Anyway. I want to find out more about the birds that can only be seen at the full moon - they look like they're from CLOVER. :D

House 31 (S2 E9)

2005-12-14T20:36:00.000+09:00

"DECEPTION"

Summary: With Foreman being House's supervisor, the team must figure out if a woman who cried wolf too many times is really ill.

Review: First off, congrats to Hugh Laurie for getting the Golden Globe nomination he well deserves! Let's hope he gets it!

Second. Another A++++ episode. Why does it not surprise me that House plays the ponies? Anyway, lots of fun snarking from both House and Foreman, and even House/Cameron. I don't know how to react to that as I'm not into that pairing, but the motorcycle scene sure was cute. And House screaming "SHUT UP!" every five seconds at Anica during his Munchausen's talk was so hilarious. This entire episode was just really, really, REALLY good. I kind of hope that Foreman doesn't get Department Head - though it would make for more fun snarking bitch fights. As for the comment of Foreman being House's bitch - well, as we see in the end of the episode, it's definitely Wilson instead. House makes him buy tic tacs for him and keeps the change. XD SEASON 2 FOR THE WIN, PEOPLE!

Houseisms:
House: Sorry, what was that? My hearing's been off since that Ricky Martin concert. Some cholo kicked me in the head.
Foreman: You were right.
House: [cups hand around ear] WHAT WAS THAT?

Dr. Chase: Gambling doesn’t take away (House’s) pain.
House: It does when I win.

House: Chase killed that woman and Foreman’s in charge?
Dr. Cuddy: Yeah, we have a pecking order here. If Cameron kills someone, Chase takes over. We have a flowchart in the lobby.

House: You probably shouldn’t have sex for a while.
Hailey: For how long?
House: On an evolutionary basis, I’d recommend…forever.

House: At the end of ‘The Boy Who Cried Wolf,” the wolf really does come. And he eats the sheep, and the boy, and the parents.
Dr. Chase: The wolf doesn’t eat the parents.
House: It does when I tell it.

House: I love the smell of pus in the morning – it smells like victory.

House: (shouting down the hall from Diagnostics) HEY WILSON! GUESS WHAT FOREMAN JUST DID!

Dr. Foreman: What do you expect me to do, House? Quit? Cry?
House: Actually, I expect you to act like what you are - my employee, my subordinate, my bitch.

Dr. Foreman: Dr. Wilson, can I talk to you about something in confidence?
Dr. Wilson: Of course.
Dr. Foreman: It’s about House.
Dr. Wilson: Oh, then no.

[edit] Looks like new episodes are on hiatus again. Here's the following schedule for the next few weeks:
12/13/05 (Tu.) 9:00 PM (HOU-209) Deception (New)
12/20/05 (Tu.) 9:00 PM (HOU-106) Damned If You Do (Repeat)
12/26/05 (Mo.) 9:00 PM (HOU-107) Fidelity (Repeat)
12/27/05 (Tu.) 9:00 PM (HOU-201) Acceptance (Repeat)
12/31/05 (Sa.) 9:00 PM (HOU-203) Humpty Dumpty (Repeat)

Heh. They're not reairing "AUTOPSY". Probably because Chase kisses a 9 year old girl? DAMMIT. BACK ON HAITUS FOR ANOTHER MONTH. NO. D: Looks like the next episode, "FAILURE" will air on 1/10/06.

CLOVER PV

2005-12-14T20:30:00.000+09:00

CLAMP fans have been waiting for the release of this video forever. And now it's here - though in no official capacity. As this was obviously a VHS rip, the quality is definitely not of today's digital subs, but that's okay. It doesn't take much away from the awesome beauty of CLAMP's work.

One day we might see an official release of this, but it's unlikely. For a short anime kind of thing, at almost 7 minutes it leaves the desire for more. Tsubasa was a nice idea for an anime, better for a manga, but CLOVER should have been done instead.

The song is gorgeous, too. If anyone can tell me who did the vocals, go and leave a message here. I'm curious now.

Zwei - Fake Face PV

2005-12-14T20:21:00.000+09:00

Zwei's best PV so far didn't hit the Japanese airways until two weeks after their latest single was released. No reason was given. But that's okay - I got to see the full thing at the live on December 2nd. (Note to self: post that up later).

Anyway, I love this song, and I love this PV even more. It all works perfectly and harmoniously together. The imagery is very stirring - to me, at least. I've had dreams like this one where there's been two of me, so it resonated very deeply.

That and Ayumu in one's bed can't hurt. ;)

This is now my current favourite song from them, ever. I can't wait for the new album, "Zeta" to be released next week.

Le Portrait de Petit Cossette

2005-12-14T13:25:00.000+09:00

Summary: Eiri works at his uncle's antique shop, and one day stumbles across a glass. Upon touching the glass, he receives visions from what he finds out to be a girl, Cossette, haunting the glass. She's been searching for over 250 years for someone who could see her, and now she needs his help.

Review: Oh god, was this manga a trainwreck. As with the case with Mai-HiME (minus the blatant male fanservice), once again the anime was way better than the manga. Guh. It was just SO TERRIBLE. ;-; As much as I love loli angst, this was just bad.

Final review: F-

Jigoku Shoujo 11

2005-12-14T13:07:00.000+09:00

"CHIGARETA ITO (The Torn Thread)"

Summary: Megumi and Hajime once again get involved with the Jigoku team as Kataoka Masaya, son of a currently running LDP candidate, who wishes revenge on Inagaki, a man who's been running a journalistic smear campaign on him. Will Masaya give into his baser instincts and pull the red thread?

Review: Agreeing with Garten here - third episode in a row that Megumi and Hajime have been made prominent cast members. Perhaps they're here to stay? Wasn't too interested in this episode aside from this fact.

Nodame Cantabile 1

2005-12-14T12:59:00.000+09:00

Summary: The son of a famous pianist, music student Shinichi Chiaki dreams of studying abroad and becoming a conductor like his mentor. Unfortunately, his fear of flying grounds his lofty plans! As he watches other classmates achieve what he has always wanted, Shinichi wonders if he should quit music altogether. Then one day he meets fellow student Megumi Noda, also known as Nodame. This oddball girl cannot cook, clean, or even read a music score, but she can play the piano in incomparable Cantabile style. And she teaches Chiaki something that he has forgotten: to enjoy his music, no matter where he is.

Review: A friend that's a classical artist recommended this manga to me - and I liked it a lot more than I thought I would. I usually stay far, far away from traditional shoujo fare, but perhaps Nodame's totally insane character (think of a female Morita) is just too attractive to pass up. I really like what I've read so far, so I guess I'll keep reading for now (and there's 13 volumes total - so it makes the pain of waiting for the next volume of Mushishi a little easier to bear).

2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

Mushishi 6

2005-12-13T21:19:00.000+09:00

Summary: In this volume, Ginko travels and meets a woman who caught a falling star and is now prone to be whisked away into the air by it at any given time, a Mushi that lives in seashells and slips into the ears of listeners thus taking away their voices, a man who can kill with his right hand just by a few seconds of touch, a snow Mushi that has wormed its way into a boy effectively making him a human snowman, and finally a boy whose father accidentally started to brew Kouki through flowers collected in local fields - making others think he's a Mushishi.

Review: This whole volume was really good. I got a bit squeamish at the story of the man who could kill with touch - that on some kind of subconscious level just freaked me out. The seashell story was really sad - that girl's father just was so abusive and unhelpful. And the Mushishi convention with the fake-Mushishi was just hilarious but interesting - accidentally brewing Kouki? I suppose stranger things have happened. The hard part now is waiting for the seventh volume to be released. [wibble]

Stories in this volume:
"Tenpen no Ito (The Threads of Natural Disaster)"
"Kiezuru Kai (The disappearing shell)"
"Yoru wo Naderu Te (The Hand That Lessens the Night)"
"Yuki no Shita (Under the Snow)"
"Nozue no Utage (The Banquet at the Borders of the Fields)"

AQUA

2005-12-11T18:41:00.000+09:00

Summary: (ann) April 3rd, 2301. After 150 years of terraforming, planet Mars has become very aquatic, with water covering over 90% of surface area, thus it has been renamed to "Aqua." A young girl named Akari Mizunashi arrives the Aquarian city of Neo-Venezia, an exact replica of the old Italian city of Venezia (Venice), hoping to become an Undine, female gondolier and tour guide. After landing her job as an intern at Aria Company, she works hard to sharpen her skills, makes new friends, and tries to adapt the laid-back lifestyle at Aqua.

Review: This is the prequel to the popular ARIA, and it certainly doesn't disappoint. The feel to this manga, much like Hachikuro (another slice-of-life genre series) is very relaxed, slow but appropriately so. It's very calming to read. I like how Ariashachou is way more selfish, fat, and dumb in this version - it makes for some very funny comedic scenes. I can say now I prefer the manga art to the anime, as the manga art does really give you this feel of being on Neo-Venezia - all being right with the world.

Final Rating: A+

Related:
ARIA the ANIMATION (anime sequel)

Wilde (1998)

2005-12-11T15:56:00.000+09:00

Summary: The story of Oscar Wilde, genius, poet, playwright and the First Modern Man. The self-realisation of his homosexuality caused Wilde enormous torment as he juggled marriage, fatherhood and responsibility with his obsessive love for Lord Alfred Douglas, nicknamed Bosie. After legal action instigated by Bosie's father, the mad Marquess of Queensberry, Wilde refused to flee the country and was sentenced to two years at hard labour by the courts of an intolerant Victorian society.

Review: Stephen Fry (Of Fry and Laurie) as Wilde! How perfect is that? I was really impressed - he really did his part for this film by memorizing all of the long speeches Wilde actually gave at his trial. A really wonderful movie, in all respects. I think Wilde would himself would be proud of how Fry and Jude Law did him justice in the end. :)

Final Rating: A++

Mushishi 8

2005-12-11T13:22:00.000+09:00

"UNASAKA YORI (From the Borders of the Sea)"
Story from: Volume 3, Chapter 2

Summary: Ginko meets Shiro, a man who lost his wife after she mysteriously disappeared in a foggy mist by boat two years earlier. Ginko eventually figures out that this was the cause of a Mushi of the Sea - one attracted to those who have lost all hope and wish to escape. Michihi, Shiro's wife, reappears when they find that the time is right for the Mushi to appear once more, only to find that she has become the embodiment of the Mushi and not human any longer...

Review: I'm surprised - they actually added more to this story than what was in the original manga. If memory serves, Shiro doesn't settle down into the village until AFTER he encounters Mushi!Michihi again. But I really didn't have a problem with this change - if anything, it actually made the story more linear and easy to follow. Also, the colours used on this were just a great as usual, and an interesting approach was taken with the animation. There weren't as many black lines used nor outlines, so it made for a fuzzier yet more comfortable approach. It got confusing sometimes but otherwise was a nice change. Good work, Mushishi staff!

House 16

2005-12-11T00:08:00.001+09:00

"HEAVY"

Summary: House must fire one of his doctors and leaves them to think about it while they deal with an overweight 10-year old child who suffered a heart attack as the result of taking diet pills. House is also faced with a woman who won't accept surgery for a 30 lb. tumor because she wants to remain overweight.

Review: With this I'm officially finished reviewing season 1 and caught up all the way until this coming week's episode. YAY!

That aside, this is one of my favourite episodes of the first season, if not for just the snarkiness. But it does bring about some sour truths - 60% of Americans are obese (not just fat, but obese) and it's getting worse each year. I'm glad the writers finally decided to address this situation and bring it to the attention of the audience. Good job, guys!

Houseisms:
House: No, there’s no time to think! Say the first thing that comes to your head.
Chase: She’s fat.

Foreman: Have you seen the latest research?
Chase: Yes, I have. What I haven’t seen lately is a kid eating an apple or riding a bike. You Americans can’t even compete with the rest of the world in basketball anymore, unless, of course, it’s the type you play with a remote control on a big screen TV.
Foreman: Right.
House: Wait! Are you going to let him say that? He insulted our basketball teams!

Foreman: It’s some kind of game, House’s own version of “Punk’d”.

House: On what? Sharon’s plan for Gaza?

House 15

2005-12-10T23:56:00.000+09:00

"MOB RULES"

Summary: Just before mobster Joey Arnello spills the beans in federal court and enters witness protection, he collapses. Is he faking? A court order instructs House to find out – and fast. House and his team struggle to diagnose and cure Joey while Joey's brother Bill tries to slow things down and keep Joey from testifying. Meanwhile, Cuddy struggles to convince Vogler that House is an essential part of the hospital.

Review: Oh wow, Wilson and House need to "christen" the car. [snicker] Apart from that, it was kind of sad how Joey wasn't able to tell Bill he was gay. But in the end, it was great that he finally accepted it. If you love family, you do that. The mafia power was pretty awesome, though.

Houseisms:
Bill: Joey is not gay.
House: Maybe not gay, but certainly delightful.

House: But I have a theory. There is one chemical that, if ingested, it causes a person's estrogen level to increase dramatically.
Bill: What is it?
House: It's called...estrogen.

Dr. Chase: The hematoma caused the coma.
House: That's a catchy diagnosis. You could dance to that.

House: But unless I've been named as the fourth part of the Axis of Evil...

Smallville 97 (S5 E9)

2005-12-10T21:20:00.000+09:00

"LEXMAS"

Summary: Lex considers whether to turn an operative loose to obtain or fake damaging information against Jonathan to upset his Senatorial race. But when Lex is shot, he falls into a coma and is visited by the ghost of his mother, who shows him what his life could be like if he frees himself from his father. Meanwhile, Clark helps deliver Christmas presents.

Review: As horribly chiche this story was, I think it was one of the best of the season. Because unlike Scrooge, Lex wanted safety over happiness and so continues his journey down the Devil's Road. Had he chose happiness, Lana would have died giving birth to their daughter. But if he has safety and power, that sadness can't reach him. I can't say I don't understand his feelings - if I were in that situation, I would most likely do the same thing. Excellent episode.

House 14

2005-12-10T21:12:00.000+09:00

"CONTROL"

Summary: Billionaire entrepreneur Edward Vogler spends $100 million on the clinic and becomes the new Chairman of the Board. As a businessman, Vogler intends to turn the clinic into a profitable venture for his biotech venture and plans to eliminate the financially draining services of Dr. House. Meanwhile, a businesswoman who has it all – perfect life, perfect body, perfect job – finds herself inexplicably paralyzed. When he diagnoses her secret, House must risk his job and his medical license to get her a necessary transplant.

Summary: The Devil has come, and he's a rat bastard named Edward Vogler. Thank god he's only here for a few eps before Cuddy comes to her senses and drop kicks his ass. Also, more mysterious inner workings of House himself - why did he risk his license for this woman who's obviously killing herself slowly with bulemia? This question was never answered, but I believe he found something within himself on an unconscious level that resonated. That or he wanted to taunt Vogler in his wiliness.

Houseisms:
Dr. Wilson: Wear your damn coat!
House: It itches!

Vogler: That was my very first heart transplant committee meeting. Very exciting.
House: Trust me – Six Flags, way more exciting.

Dr. Cuddy: (to House) So if you ignore ethics to save one person it's admirable, but if you do it to save a thousand you're a bastard. All (Vogler's) done is taken your game and gone pro.

Dr. Forman: Do you ever watch Gilligan's Island and really really think they're going to get off the island?

House 13

2005-12-10T20:52:00.000+09:00

"CURSED"

Summary: A 12-year-old boy believes he's cursed after a Ouija board tells him he's going to die, and his father makes increasing demands on House as they try to diagnose the boy's pneumonia-like symptoms and incongruous rash. Meanwhile, Chase's estranged father, a renowned doctor from Australia, visits and House invites him to sit in, much to Chase's discomfort. When House diagnoses the boy's illnees, the young patient is forced to face the idea that his father may not be everything he believes.

Summary: More Chase character development! Hooray! This also sets the scene for "THE MISTAKE", where Chase is told that his father has died. Jeez. Poor guy - who ever thought the Wombat had so much angst? I mean, ex-seminary student AND having issues with his dad? :( [cuddles Wombat] Poor Wombat! Good Houseisms here too - and the Wombat got some good shots in edgewise. And it also goes without saying - this episode was pretty graphic with the medical maladies. Really good work by the makeup department, since it all looked real to me. Real enough to make me run to the bathroom and dry heave. :(

Houseisms:
Dr. Wilson: On the other hand, there is the ‘do unto others' thingy?
House: Then I should definitely tell him. I'd want to know.
Dr. Wilson: You want to know everything. There's also the ‘keeping your promises' thingy.
House: You never run out of thingies.

Dr. Wilson: Oh, this is where I give you advice and pretend you're going to listen to it. I like this part. Did Rowan ask you not to tell?
House: I promised I wouldn't. My fingers were crossed so I'm wide open.
Dr. Wilson: I was wrong – this is the musing out loud part. Do I actually need to be here?

Gabe: Who are you?
House: The little ones call me "Uncle Greg."

Dr. Cameron: You know, parents are never as bad as their kids think.
Dr. Chase: You like him so much, ask him out.

House: Are you saying that for the chance of a beautiful family moment, or is there some medicine involved.
Rowan Chase: It fits better.
House: Too bad. I was hoping for the other reason. I was going to go get my camera.

House 12

2005-12-10T20:47:00.000+09:00

"SPORTS MEDICINE"

Summary: A severely broken arm reveals a bizarre case of bone loss and ends the comeback plans of major league pitcher Hank Wiggen. House suspects Hank – with a history of drug abuse – is lying about using steroids, as his condition worsens. When Hank's kidneys start to fail, his wife offers to donate hers, but she would have to abort her early pregnancy. Forced into an impossible solution, and admitting failure as an addict, Hank tries to take his own life. House and his team must isolate and fix the problem soon if this pitcher's life, as well his career, can be saved. Meanwhile, Foreman dates a pharameutical representative and House is stuck with two tickets and ends up going on a "date" with Cameron...to a monster truck rally.

Review: Oh wow, that whole scene with Cameron and House at the Monster Truck Rally was so great and both insisting it wasn't a date to everyone. It was awkward and funny and just awesome. And poor Foreman being used by the drug rep to get to House - he just doesn't have much luck with the women, does he?

Houseisms:
Dr. Cameron: You asking me to go with you?
House: Sure. Sounds good.
Dr. Cameron: Like a…date?
House: Exactly. Except for the “date” part.

Dr. Cameron: I was the first person (House) ran into. He just asked me.
Dr. Chase: Yeah, like a date.
Dr. Cameron: Exactly. Except for the “date” part.

House: See? Steroid use shrinks the testicles.
Hank: I am clean, man - no steroids, no nothing.
House: Your lips say no, your prunes say yes.

House: And by better half, of course, I mean the one who struck out Sammy Sosa on three pitches and talks a lot less.

House: [meeting Hank] I'm Dr. House, and today is the coolest day of my life!

Mai-Otome 10

2005-12-10T20:39:00.000+09:00

"SORE GA OTOME NO ICHIDAIJI (That's the Otome's Serious Business)"

Summary: This episode had WAY too much stuff for me to keep track of, so here's Random's summary. Jeez. I got confused.

Review: It's nice to see more of the HiME characters coming into the Otome universe. So is Nagi going to be the bad guy AGAIN this season? Somehow I'm not surprised, but it still disappoints me a little. And what's going on with these Valley Descendents? flasdkj;. And of course, the loli moment. That was so great. That just made my day. Poor Nina - she wanted some of her adopted father's action. :(

Maria, Full of Grace

2005-12-10T20:22:00.000+09:00

Summary: Maria Alvarez (Catalina Sandino), a bright, spirited 17-year old, lives with three generations of her family in a cramped house in rural Colombia. Desperate to leave her job stripping thorns from flowers in a rose plantation, Maria accepts a lucrative offer to transport packets of heroin-which she must swallow-to the United States. The ruthless world of international drug trafficking proves to be more than Maria bargained for as she becomes ultimately entangled with both drug cartels and immigration officials.

Review: My god, what an amazing film. No words. It was so incredibly sad, because this is what happens daily in the drug trade. Catalina Sandino's first performance - and it was like she wasn't acting at all, as if she really were Maria. I cried at the end. I can't really put my thoughts coherently together to describe this film - please go and see it yourself.

Final Rating: A+

House 11

2005-12-10T08:29:00.000+09:00

"DETOX"

Summary: While trying to figure out why a young patient won't stop bleeding after a car wreck, House takes Cuddy's challenge and goes off Vicodin for a week in exchange for no clinic duty for a month. If House and his team can't determine the source of his patient's blood loss, the 16-year-old car victim will die in a matter of days. As House's withdrawal symptoms become more and more severe, his patient directives for his patient are more harsh and risky than usual, and Foreman and Cameron are afraid he may not be thinking clearly enough to save the patient's life.

Review: God, House does some retarded things just to get even with Cuddy. This one takes the Special prize. Even so, I guess detoxing made him realize that he IS an addict, even if he doesn't particularly want to do anything about it. No wonder Laurie got the Emmy for his role in this episode - he really shows off his versitility in acting with this. As if he really were detoxing. -__-; Also, good House/Wilson interaction here. I still don't know why Wilson puts up with him, but regardless, they're a good team.

Houseisms:
Dr. Cuddy: You know, there are other ways to manage pain.
House: Like what, laughter? Meditation? Got a guy who can fix my third chakra?

Dr. Wilson: You alienate people.
House: I've been alienating people since I was three.
Dr. Wilson: Oh, come on! Drop it! You don't think you've changed in the last few years?
House: Well, of, of course I have. I've gotten older. My hair's gotten thinner. Sometimes I'm bored, sometimes I'm lonely, sometimes I wonder what it all means.
Dr. Wilson: And everything's the leg? Nothing's the pills? They haven't done a thing to you?
House: They let me do my job, and they take away my pain.

Dr. Wilson: You learn anything?
House: Yeah, I'm an addict.
Dr. Wilson: Uh, okay.

House: (waves cane) Chicks dig this - it's better than a puppy!

House 10

2005-12-10T08:18:00.000+09:00

"HISTORIES"

Summary: Dr. Foreman believes an uncooperative homeless woman is faking seizures to get a meal ticket at the teaching hospital. But her homelessness strikes a personal chord with Dr. Wilson and he grows determined to keep her from falling between the cracks. Her worsening symptoms prove to be a complex mystery for House and his team, but the mystery of her identity and medical history may hold the answers to saving her life. Just as the team suspects she has contagious meningitis, the woman goes missing, only to be tasered by the police, who bring her back. But House deduces the taser may have proven yet another diagnosis, with dire results. Meanwhile, House has an audience of two medical students who are learning how to do case studies.

Review: This one was really sad. :( And Wilson wasn't lying for once about family connections to a patient. I felt so bad for him. As awful as this sounds, it was nice to have a patient die for once - not all endings are happy irl. The scenes with the med students were hilarious though.

Houseisms:
Julia: I thought you were supposed to be listening to our patient histories?
House: No, I'm supposed to be teaching you. If I can do that without listening to you, more power to me.
Chris: You're reading a comic book.
House: And you're calling attention to your bosom by wearing a low-cut top. Oh, I'm sorry – I thought we were having a ‘state the obvious' contest. I'm competitive by nature.

House: (to Foreman) If you don't get your rabies shots in, oh the next three hours, I'm going to have to make another affirmative action hire.

Dr. House: I don't need to watch The OC, but it makes me happy.

Paradise Kiss 9

2005-12-10T08:09:00.000+09:00

"DESIGNER"

Summary: Yukino (George's Mother) and Caroline continue to battle for supremacy in George's heart after Caroline goes back home to live with Mom. Her mother's condition for becoming a model? Finish school and pass your tests. She goes to Hiro for help for the tests, still unable to forget the days she lived with George. Also, Miwako and Isabella get their tiara confiscated by Hamada-sensei, thus sending them into freakout mode with the contest only days away - making the rest of the ParaKiss crew aware of the realities of working in the fashion industry.

Review: Good for Caroline for resisting George's wiles! This episode emphasized perhaps the best part in the manga - Caroline grows up and stops depending on others, stops following others blindly and begins to make her own choices and take responsibility. However - as Garten said, not much of volume 4 was covered here, which brings the concern of shafting Isabella's backstory in favour of time constraints. Which, quite honestly, would be awful, since Isabella's backstory is just as important, if not more so, than what's currently going on with George and Yukari. Her story determines the group dynamics for ParaKiss. I really hope this doesn't happen. :/

Rozen Maiden: Traumend 8

2005-12-10T08:04:00.000+09:00

"NINGYOUSHI" (THE DOLL MASTER)

Summary: Suigintou sits in the hospital church, remembering her last conversation with Shinku about how no one will be junked now. Megumi comes to her, saying it's bad news - her doctors say she has less time to live, and requests that Suigintou use the rest of her life as soon as possible, saying that since birth she's been junk anyway. Barasuishou appears and to seduce Suigintou into the Game, tells her that Rosa Mystica can heal Megu's illness. Hina Ichigo and Kanaria are still fighting for supremacy, and Souseiseki is troubled by nightmares of Father suffering. Suiseiseki can't seem to reach her emotionally. Souseiseki goes into her dream N-Field, into Father's house and sees him crying, where Barasuishou arrives and tells her to relieve father's pain and become Alice for him. Souseiseki makes her choice while Jun is with Enju, the man who so looks like father - explaining to him that if dolls have no love while made, they will be junked in the end. But the love given will last with them. Souseiseki comes to the rest of the Maidens, and informs them of her choice.

Review: Yes! More character development. It's nice to see Suigintou caring so much about Megu. Barasuishou and her medium are quite a pair - what will come of all of this? There are four episodes left, and I have a feeling this episode has set the pace and tone for those last four as they're hinting that Suigintou will be facing off with Souseiseki next week. Second-best ep of the season.

Mushishi 5

2005-12-09T21:10:00.000+09:00

Summary: In this volume, Ginko encounters Mushi from the sea able to grant rebirth/reincarnation to those who eat it, a Mushi who lodges itself in the eye of others - curing blindness and eventually causes insanity for those who have it, a Mushi that is fire and that buries itself into the stomach of the host - making them breathe fire, and a Mushi in an artist that creates landslides.

Summary: The fact that two chapters were spent (gorgeous colour pages I might add) on the first story (the sea Mushi) gives it more merit than the others. And it should, as it (next to the fire-breathing woman) was the best story in the volume. As a whole, Book 4 was better, but still gems as always to be found in Ushibara's work.

Stories in this volume:

"OKITSUMIYA (The Shrine of the Open Sea)"
"GANBUKUGANKA (The Good Fortune Eyes)"
"YAMADAKU KOROMO (The Clothes That Embrace Mountains)"
"KAGARINOKO (The Bonfires That Line The Fields)"
"AKATSUKI NO HEBI (The Snake of Dawn)"

House 9

2005-12-08T20:18:00.000+09:00

Summary: Legendary jazz musician John Henry Giles is checked into the clinic and when he's told he's dying from ALS, he signs a DNR to avoid a slow death. House disagrees with the diagnosis and goes against everyone's wishes when he violates the DNR to save Giles' life. The decision lands House in court, drives Foreman to consider taking another job, and results in Giles' paralysis worsening. But when the patient inexplicably starts getting better, the team has to figure out the mystery in reverse and find out why his condition is improving. Meanwhile, Dr. Foreman meets with an old friend who offers him a West Coast partnership.

Review: House Birthday Blogathon 2005 continues!! Great episode, more on House's emotional (or lack there of) devolution after his infarction 5 years ago. He obviously has respect for Giles, so it all worked really well. I applaud the writers for crafting this backstory development so well. Also, great revelations on how well Wilson understands House's inner workings, especially when it's nonverbal.

Houseisms:
Dr. Wilson: (to House) Some doctors have the messiah complex – they need to save the world. You have a Rubik's complex – you need to solve the puzzle.

Dr. Wilson: So your philosophy is, if they don't want treatment they get it shoved down their throat, but if it might cure their paralysis, Whoa, you'd better slow down.
House: Yeah, My old philosophy used to be ‘Live and Let Live', but I'm taking this needlepoint class and they gave us these really big pillows.
Dr. Wilson: What's your philosophy on employee relations?
House: That's a very tiny pillow.

Marty Hamilton: You enjoy working with Dr. House?
Dr. Foreman: Not the word I'd use . . .

House 8

2005-12-08T19:56:00.000+09:00

"POISON"

Summary: When a high school student falls victim to a mysterious but lethal poisoning, House and his team jump in to find out what is killing the teen. Given a low heart rate and a clean tox screen, House sends Cameron and Chase to the teen's home to find the hot new drug House is sure he's taking. They don't find any drugs, but think they've come up with the answers, until a second unrelated student is admitted with identical symptoms. With the boys' lives hanging in the balance, House and the team have to connect the dots – fast. Meanwhile, an 82-year-old patient has become enamored with House while he helps her figure out the basis of her renewed fascination with her sexual feelings.

Review: Oh god, I love this episode if not just for that crazy old woman with syphilis. "Cupid's Disease". I think I hurt myself laughing the first time I saw it. And that mother - kyouiku mama, anyone? Ugh, I wanted to punch her in her face repeatedly when she kept bothering the Ducklings about House and everything.

Houseisms:
Dr. Foreman: The kid was just taking his AP calculus exam when all of a sudden he got nauseous and disoriented.
House: That's the way calculus presents.

Georgia: I notice colors more. And music. I...I'm really hearing music. I'm eighty-two, and I'm supposed to be playing canasta with the other old ladies, but…now when I see a guy with a cute butt...I just can't stop looking at him. (looks at House) Or a sexy beard.
House: And you figure that enjoying cute butts is a sign of disease?

House: I assume "minimal at best" is your stiff upper lip British way of saying "no chance in hell"?
Dr. Chase: I'm Australian.
House: You put the Queen on your money. You're British.

House 7

2005-12-08T19:42:00.000+09:00

"FIDELITY"

Summary: Two men are out jogging -- one of them returns back to his wife and discovers her dead asleep and brings her to the clinic. The doctors are puzzled by her symptoms. They consider everything from tumors to breast cancer to rabbit fever. When all the treatments fail, House concludes she has African sleeping sickness. However, neither the woman nor her husband could possibly have ever been to Africa. The woman will die without the proper treatment, but neither one will admit to having an affair.

Review: This episode was particularly frustrating, she wouldn't admit to having an affair EVEN WHILE DYING. Guh. However, good plot development with Cameron here as she sobbed in the lab. That backstory was needed - it gave her character finally some more dimension, and she's become one of my most beloved characters now just because she's so damaged. It also goes to say that this episode was FULL of good Houseisms, so let's get to those.

Houseisms from this episode:
House: Ah...
Cameron: What?
House: Husband described her as being unusally irritable recently.
Cameron: And?
House: I didn't realize it was possible for a woman to be "unusally" irritable.
Cameron: Nice try, but you're a misanthrope, not a misogynist.

Dr. Wilson: I'm not gonna date a patient's daughter.
House: Very ethical. Of course, most married men would say they don't date at all.

House: It's a very sad thing, an uncalibrated centrifuge. It makes me cry too.
House: You can't be that good and well-adjusted.
Dr. Cameron: Why?
House: Because you wind up crying over centrifuges.

House: So what's her name and when do I get to meet her?
Dr. Wilson: There's nobody! Give it up!
House: Your lips say no, but your shoes say yes.
Dr. Wilson: They're French. You can't trust a word they say.

Dr. Foreman: How come (House) doesn't ride you guys?
Dr. Chase: He's got a crush on you. He just doesn't know how to show it.

Dr. Foreman: Why are you riding on me?
House: It's what I do. Has it gotten worse lately?
Dr. Foreman: Yeah. Seems to me.
House: Really? Well, that rules out the race thing. You were just as black last week.

Dr. Foreman: We looked at everything else
Dr. Wilson: Did you look at her breasts?
(Cameron glares)
House: Men...

Cuddy: (to House) You're ordering tests to cover your lechery. Interesting.

House: You want to look pretty. At work. (singing) Wilson's got a girlfriend . .

Dr. Wilson: Well. That's what breasts look like.

Samantha: (My breasts) were a present for my husband on his 40th. I figured he'd appreciate them more then a sweater.
House: How sweet.

House: As long as you're trying to be good, you can do whatever you want.
Dr. Wilson: And as long as you're not trying, you can say whatever you want.
House: So between us, we can do whatever we want. We can rule the world!

Dr. Wilson: I love my wife.
House: You certainly love saying it.

ARIA 10

2005-12-08T19:26:00.000+09:00

"SONO HOKA HOKA NA KYUUJITSU WA... (AND THOSE MANY OTHER NATIONAL HOLIDAYS ARE..)"

Summary: Winter has finally come to Aqua. Akari never really liked winter even on Manhome, and she doesn't like it now. Alicia and the others take her to an onsen built into and near the sea to change her mind.

Review: The onsen scenes were gorgeously animated. Damn. I wish a place like that existed IRL. And does it seem to anyone that it's been vacation only for the ARIA crew in the last few episodes? Not that I mind but I like the stories with interaction with the customers the most.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

2005-12-08T19:18:00.000+09:00

Summary: (imdb) Harry's fourth summer and the following year at Hogwarts are marked by the Quidditch World Cup and the Triwizard Tournament, in which student representatives from three different wizarding schools compete in a series of increasingly challenging contests. However, Voldemort's Death Eaters are gaining strength and even creating the Dark Mark giving evidence that the Dark Lord is ready to rise again. In the unsuspecting lives of the young wizard and witches at Hogwarts the competitors are selected by the goblet of fire, which this year makes a very surprising announcement: Hogwarts will have two representatives in the tournament, including Harry Potter! Will Harry be able to rise to the challenge for the Tri Wizard Tournament while keeping up with school or will the challenges along with Voldemort's rebirth be too much for the young hero?

Review: I've read the book, and now I've seen the movie. Without giving out too many spoilers, I'll just say that yes, this movie was good (they cast everyone pretty well), yes, it was rushed (700 pages of material in 3 hours?), and they did cut a lot out. But it was good. Damned good. I would like a Lord of the Rings type of treatment of these novels, but that isn't going to happen. I'm happy with what they gave the fans. That's what matters.

Final Rating: A

A Bit of Fry and Laurie Season 1

2005-12-07T23:25:00.000+09:00

Summary: A Bit of Fry and Laurie was an English sketch-based comedy. It starred Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, who also doubled as the show's writers. The show aired in 4 separate series' on BBC 2 between 1989 and 1995. This show came about due to the success of a special aired at Christmas in 1986. A Bit of Fry and Laurie received excellent reviews for it's innovative approach to comedy.

Review: Recognize that face? Yeah, it's Hugh Laurie, the same actor who does "House". This is his earlier work with best pal Fry. All the episodes have wonderful little gems of humour, but I still think I love the first episode best out of the first season. Especially the precursor and the sketch called "Bitchmother, Come Light My Bottom". It made no sense. And it was good.

For the sake of the argument, courtesy of the "A BIT OF FRY AND LAURIE" Scripts Archive, here are scripts to my favourite sketches of season 1:

"CENSORED (BITCHMOTHER COME LIGHT MY BOTTOM)"
"PRIZE POEM"
"JUDGE NOT"
"OPEN UNIVERSITY"
"COCOA"
"PARENT POWER"
"VIOLENCE"

Original Unaired Pilot
Season 2 (6)
Season 3 (6)
Season 4 (final season) (7)

Jigoku Shoujo 10

2005-12-07T23:14:00.000+09:00

"TOMODACHI (FRIENDS)"
Summary: Minami and Shiori became friends after Minami transfered to her school. But Minami was soon left behind in favour of "cooler" girls, and she never got over that hurt. She's depressed and wants revenge on Shiori. She asks Ai's help, and then gets her Hell Doll taken by Shiori. Shiori nails it to one of the trees on the grounds of a nearby shrine, and Ai's team nearly interferes only to watch instead as Shiori's rejected by the cool girls, and uses Minami's wish for friendship to gain revenge instead...

Review: This was one of the best of the season. No, seriously. It was perfect. It had a nice little twist at the end and of course we all knew that Shiori was going to Hell anyway. Also - the change of the Jigoku Tsuushin curse mark has changed - it's now at the upper left shoulder instead of the middle chest. Does location mean different forms of damnation? I wonder.

House: Season 1 DVD extras

2005-12-07T23:07:00.000+09:00

Oh those sneaksy hobbitses.

I finally got my copy today of season one as a birthday present - and I was surprised to find that the Australian Intro Special was basically an abbrivated version of the DVD extras. The actual ones were quite funny and had me rolling around. I kind of wish they had more extras on here (I couldn't seem to find commentaries on here), but it's all good. I'm satisfied with the way they handled this release.

On that note - no House this week guys. Sorry. I'm suffering withdrawl already, so it's back to season 1 to get my fix.

Mushishi 4

2005-12-07T23:02:00.000+09:00

Summary: In this volume, Ginko encounters one of a set of twins who loses her sister one day when helping an old man with his silkworms under a cover of silk, A bridge that only appears once in the middle of the night, a boy who sees spring Mushi in the deep of winter that make him fall asleep until spring, a mysterious bamboo grove in which ghosts of the past haunt one white bamboo tree, and finally a young lord of a village encounters a self-proclaimed "son of the mountain" in his youth - only to be changed forever.

Review: This was a GOOD volume. I mean, each one is a good volume, but I liked this set of stories better than volume 3's. As scandalous as this is. I enjoyed every single story the same, and they all rank high. I hope that "URO MAYU TORI" or "HARU TO USOBUKU" make it into the anime, somehow.

Stories in this volume:
1: URO MAYU TORI (The Cuccoon That Takes Emptiness)
2: HITOYO BASHI (One Night Bridge)
3: HARU TO USOBUKU (The Roar and Spring)
4: KAGO NO NAKA (Within the Basket)
5: KUSA WO FUMU OTO (The Sound of Walking Upon Grass)

Dark Angel

2005-12-04T22:54:00.000+09:00

Summary: As a child, Max was part of a highly classified genetic enhancement project. She and several other children were trained in a deeply secluded compound to use their superhuman powers. At a young age, Max and several others escaped the compound and made their way in the world. Now a beautiful young bike messenger and thief, Max is trying to find her lost "siblings" from the project, but at the same time, Max is trying to dodge capture from her former handlers led by Lydecker, and is aided in her quest by Logan Cale, an idealistic cyber-journalist.

Review: I still love this series to this day, and curse FOX for cancelling it in its infancy (Actually, FOX has a running history of doing this - "Greg the Bunny", "Point Pleasant" and so forth are good examples). I have no idea why I connected immediately with this show from its pilot in October 2000, but I did. It's still comfort watching material whenever I feel down, even if it is unfinished. It's definitely up there in my top five favourite shows of all time.

Final Review: A+++

House 0 (Unaired Pilot)

2005-12-04T22:50:00.000+09:00

"PILOT (UNAIRED VERSION)"

Summary: Plot is same as the aired version pilot, but with four extra minutes and scenes that were cut for the broadcast version.

Review: A lot of changes with this rawer version. First we find out how long the ducklings have been working for House (Cameron for six months, Chase for a year, Foreman just joining the team), how juvenile Wilson is (grabbing House's cane to stop from him from shutting the elevator door to make a point), how much crasser/sassier House is than what the FOX censors allow. The opening is also different, and I'm glad they changed it for the broadcast version - this one was a bit on the retarded side. I'm kind of sad they cut so much from the aired pilot, but c'est la vie. At least I had a chance to watch it and find more out about the Ducklings.

Mushishi 7

2005-12-04T16:04:00.000+09:00

"AME GA KURU, NIJI GA TATSU (THE RAIN COMES, THE RAINBOW RISES)"

Story from: Volume 2, Chapter 4

Summary: While traveling, Ginko meets Kourou, a young man determined to capture a rainbow and bring it home in his basket. He's from a small poor town near a fierce river, and his family are carpenters. After his father told him that before Kourou's birth he himself found a rainbow and took it home, Kourou sets out on a journey to prove his worth to the rest of the family and his village. Ginko concludes that it's a Mushi his father found. Kourou and Ginko continue to travel, only one day to see something that looks like a rainbow, but is said Mushi instead..

Review: I remember the manga chapter for this story was extremely short. Anyway, I loved the use of colour in this episode even if it wasn't a particularly exciting one. Hopefully next week's will be a little more exciting.

House 6

2005-12-04T02:58:00.000+09:00

"THE SOCRATIC METHOD"

Summary: Dr. House is intrigued by the symptoms of a schizophrenic woman, who displays mixed symptoms, including a tumor, but soon realizes the source of her problems isn't the obvious. House confronts his birthday and Chase confronts his past when the mother's son tries to keep up with her condition.

Review: Sasuga House. Damn. Great interaction with Cuddy this episode - it seemed like a contest to see who had bigger balls in the fight. Also with this episode we kind of see the beginnings of Cameron's crush on House to show at the workplace when she asks him about his birthday. It was kind of sweet how he was all freaked out that she knew and all, though. They're not my pairing, but it was still sweet.

Houseisms:
House: Love the outfit. It says "I'm a professional, but I'm still a woman." Actually, it sort of yells the second part.
Dr. Cuddy: Yeah, and your big cane is real subtle too.

House: You think I'm crazy.
Dr. Wilson: Well, yeah, but that's not the problem.

Hirai Ken - Pop Star (PV)

2005-12-04T02:50:00.000+09:00

How queer is this video? Seriously. Not that that's a bad thing - the song's awesome, the video is too.

Even though Hirai Ken keeps denying that he's gay, this video pretty much dropkicks him out the closet.

Ladies, set your tv sets to FABULOUS.

Best Artist Awards 2005: Nakashima Mika and Ito Yuna

2005-12-04T02:06:00.000+09:00

Brief opinions on the performances here:
-"Glamourous Sky" is a good song. However, it's best when it's not acoustic - it loses some of its punch and message without the hardcore guitars. Note that this is not a failing of Mika's voice, but just of the feel of the song entirely.
-"Endless Story" is great acoustic. If anything, it makes it more dramatic and enhanses the message.

Misc. stuff:
-Yuna, PLEASE release another single soon. Aren't you getting tired of singing that one damned song repeatedly? At least demand that you be able to sing "Journey", too. :/
-Thanks to the NANA boom Japan's currently under, this certainly helped bolster the numbers for the sales of both singles and everything related. They even had little charts to show it, and it was pretty clear where the target demographic was when who was buying the singles (though the part about quite a few guys buying the "Glamourous Sky" single was really surprising).

Honorable Mention:
Congrats to Yuna for being the year's biggest breakthrough act - maybe the biggest one in the last ten years! Americans represent!

Rumi feat. Ono - Gokuraku Toshi (PV)

2005-12-04T01:59:00.000+09:00

After nearly a little over a year of hiatus, Japanese indies rapper Rumi is back with a new video and a song that will make you want to shake your ass.

The song is good. The video is excellent - this is possibly her best one to date, I think. It blends images of Tokyo, she and Ono walking the streets, studio images, and more. It flows very coherently and it doesn't give me a headache to watch (unlike the video for "Chikusatsu"). Too bad this isn't a single - I'd die to get my hands on it.