My Little Pony Friendship is Magic part 18: We Don't Need No Stinkin Hiatus

[Dontrike]

(Yes it's been a while after I said "I'd check it out!" but that just means it's in my queue and I've had other stuff!)

[video=youtube;FHf0aQhbI_8]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHf0aQhbI_8[/vieo]

That was great. Honestly the first moment I'd say so far that's lived up to the standards of the movie; absolutely loved this song. Did they get cameo singers from G1 involved in this? It seemed heavily implied.

Rewatching that clip it really did show that initial promise that G5 showed right off the bat.

One you may want to put on your queue is My Happy Marriage. It's basically a Cinderella story if there was also magic, some specters, and if Cinderella was part of an ancient magical line that promises great power. Her family is easily hateable, but sweet damn is the main character extremely relatable, especially if you've gone through similar traumas.

Zom100 is looking like it has promise as well. A guy tries to do 100 things during a zombie apocalypse, where the first thing he does when it happens is quit his job and run happily as he's chased by zombies.

[Pendulous]

My Happy Marriage is good but the most recent episode annoyed me. The level of evilness has gotten so cartoonish that it's hard to believe anymore.

[Dontrike]

My Happy Marriage is good but the most recent episode annoyed me. The level of evilness has gotten so cartoonish that it's hard to believe anymore.

You'd be surprised how far an abuser will go just to get what they want, but I guess I can see how the latest episode would seem.

[Dontrike]

And finished watching the live action One Piece.

I'd say it's biggest issues is that it doesn't have the time to flesh things out and due to that needs concessions to hit the moments that matter, but in doing so it misses the subplots and contexts that make those moments into the BIG moments that they are

Some things are easily forgiven, but it feels weird that they rushed to do so while cramming in Luffy's Grandpa and Coby segments into each episode, which are a huge detriment to the episodes as they don't seem to add much of anything to this show as its own or even as an adaptation.

The writing is one of its biggest flaw, many times I as feeling the "Americanization" of this and while Oda, the creator, basically gave the okay on everything you can almost feel the concessions being made as they happened.

That's not to say the show does not have quality, there are many moments that are done well, the actors are mostly good with only some awkwardness, the effects are well done (minus a few), and of course the constant winks and nods through easter eggs and references are always welcome

BUT the fight scenes are pretty short, many are missing the contexts surrounding them to make them feel more important, two fights are straight up missing, two characters were cut, one is straight up missing, Zoro, Nami, and a few other characters feel muted, and Buggy the Clown goes back and forth between likeable and annoying that I feel like a god damned metronome. The main song they use during action sequences is exciting, though far less memorable than normal One Piece music, and it sounds like it's ripped straight from Pirates of the Caribbean.

At it's worst it's a 4, but at it's best it hits an 7-8. If it had those 2 episodes that were cut, the characters were a bit more lively, and the writing was a bit better this would have been an easy 7-8 consistently, but unfortunately it's not.

I foresee many arguments over if the live action Cowboy Bebop is better than this, and more so I foresee myself getting into many arguments over this shows quality.

[Powerogue]

I'd say it's biggest issues is that it doesn't have the time to flesh things out

In fairness, how much time are we asking for here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_...Piece_episodes

Also finished the G5 season and honestly it just kept getting better. Feels like they found their footing with the newer VAs and animation and I'm genuinely enjoying it.

[Dontrike]

In fairness, how much time are we asking for here? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lists_...Piece_episodes

It originally had 10 episodes, but was shrunk down to 8. That 2 episodes would have allowed for a lot, but of course spending 5-8 minutes an episode on Coby and Garp didn't help either.

Also finished the G5 season and honestly it just kept getting better. Feels like they found their footing with the newer VAs and animation and I'm genuinely enjoying it.

That part definitely felt better. G5 could still use some work, but I can't fault them for improving.

[Dontrike]

Watched the latest part of G5, and it may as well be called "Misty's episodes" as her small mysteries are explored with at least 4 episodes dedicated to her to various degrees. The final episodes ends with the villain breaking through, but much like Kung Fu Panda 3, she's been away so long no one is afraid of her or knows who she is.

With this part having a couple less episodes this definitely felt like a sequel to the last part more than its own. I'd say the last one is the best while the rest are fine, none reaching into sub par, but nothing too terribly memorable about them.

At the very least it looks like we're delving into the few mysteries about the world as we learn Twilight imprisoned Opaline and where the Breezies and dragons went to.

[Dontrike]

Forgot to post these. These are real and you can currently buy them for the next 27 days (in foil and nonfoil), with 50% of your purchase going to charity.

[Pendulous]

They'd fit pretty well in Unglued.

[Dontrike]

They'd fit pretty well in Unglued.

It's why they went with silver bordered again, like the last bundle of them, to have the wacky effects.

[Dontrike]

Finished Castlevania Nocturne and it certainly has the same quality as the original it seems to have an asterisk. From everything to the characters to the animation all have a "they're nice, but...." sort of thing where the characters seem a little the same and while they are nice characters none really stand out, though their backgrounds are all well constructed and you can at least see their motivations.

The animation, again while stunning, does seem to have less frames than the original and I question if whether that's an artistic choice or one made for budgetary reasons, perhaps both. Of course the fight scenes are well done and keep you entertained.

The story does feel rushed, it feels like a lot of what happens could have been saved for the second season and allowed to be built up rather than hitting us with two deaths, a character arc being fleshed out, three bad guys established, a good guy doing bad things for the sake of good, and the bad guy being super powered. That's not forgetting the basic premise of the story being established and the 4 subplots that are happening.

With how successful Castlevania was, and it being one of the best video game adaptations, it does feel strange that this wasn't given the time to breathe, but perhaps I'm proven wrong with season 2. It's still great, but it does feel slightly askew.

[Powerogue]

Finished Castlevania Nocturne and it certainly has the same quality as the original it seems to have an asterisk. From everything to the characters to the animation all have a "they're nice, but...." sort of thing where the characters seem a little the same and while they are nice characters none really stand out, though their backgrounds are all well constructed and you can at least see their motivations.

The animation, again while stunning, does seem to have less frames than the original and I question if whether that's an artistic choice or one made for budgetary reasons, perhaps both. Of course the fight scenes are well done and keep you entertained.

The story does feel rushed, it feels like a lot of what happens could have been saved for the second season and allowed to be built up rather than hitting us with two deaths, a character arc being fleshed out, three bad guys established, a good guy doing bad things for the sake of good, and the bad guy being super powered. That's not forgetting the basic premise of the story being established and the 4 subplots that are happening.

With how successful Castlevania was, and it being one of the best video game adaptations, it does feel strange that this wasn't given the time to breathe, but perhaps I'm proven wrong with season 2. It's still great, but it does feel slightly askew.

Still sounds worth watching to me, onto my watch list it goes. Loved the first series.

[Dontrike]

Still sounds worth watching to me, onto my watch list it goes. Loved the first series.

It definitely is worth the watch, it's still rather good, but it's clear that Covid had a big affect on it and is lower quality than the first one, everything from the writing, characters, and animation is better in the original. It's not a deal breaker, but you certainly feel it.

[Dontrike]

Recently watch Good Night World! and it's one the biggest roller coasters I've been on in a while.

4 legendary players of the MMO, Planet, have no idea that they are all playing with their family, one that has been shattered due to many reasons. What makes this show rather insane is that the first 5 episodes you feel like you know where it's going with potentially seeing the family reconnect through their love of the game, but suddenly episodes 6 & 7 go full on horror on you.

I wish I could describe how the show goes without spoiling some things, but all I can say is that the dad is easily my most hated character of the year, if not ever, 'cause holy shit.

[Powerogue]

"Let me guess, you're here to tell me Friendship is Magic. Is that it?"


"You needed time. We stayed away. But the world needs your loyalty again."

[Dontrike]

"Let me guess, you're here to tell me Friendship is Magic. Is that it?"


"You needed time. We stayed away. But the world needs your loyalty again."

The eighth movie in the trilogy after Rainbow died in the 5th.

[Dontrike]

Had a few binges these past few weeks.

Blue Eye Samurai - From the art to the writing and action this revenge story of a samurai looking to kill the four white men that impregnated their mother and eventually caused her suicide. From start to finish it keeps you engrossed and the bloody action helps you stay easily entertained with the red smears the samurai leaves their enemies in. A must watch.

Pluto - There's not much I can say about this without giving away the story, but it's a superb look at what it means to be "human" and the rights the robots would have in society along with the racism that would go along with it from being owned by a company. With it being a murder mystery you can easily see the ins and outs of what robots go through and how they live their lives. Definitely one to watch.

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off - Based on the book series we finally get an animated version of Scott Pilgrim after that 15 minute short that came out just after the Edgar Wright movie did. Once again we tell the story of Scott Pilgrim, a Canadian asshole that learns that he's an asshole while chasing after Ramona, another asshole. I can't say much about this without giving away the twist of this show and while I can get behind the major one that pushes the plot forward the ones at the end have me shaking my head. With that said the animation is damn near perfect looking like the book and it's great to hear every actor from the movie come back to reprise their roles, and I can only imagine how expensive that made this production after a few actors got far more famous. A decent watch, but if you're a big fan of the books this one will have you asking many questions.

My Daemon - This was a surprise to me. In a world where a nuclear holocaust happened in Japan creatures called Daemons have begun to appear. This is where we find our protagonist who finds a Daemon that he calls Anna, what can only be described as a C'thulu esque chihuahua that also happens to be a bag of holding. After his mother dies both he and Anna search for another Daemon that can supposedly turn back time in order to bring her back. The adventure shows how people react to Daemons, and while it's mostly with disdain where most either wish the creatures dead or use and abuse them and their abilities in order to accomplish misdeeds, especially the ones hunting Anna as one old man looks to use Anna to find a way to restore an entire island that vanished due to another Daemon. It's a little slow and a few story beats repeat a couple times, but the art style is just off of anime to keep you interested and the creature designs, especially Anna, are top notch.

Gamera - What can I say about another Godzilla kaiju show? Big battles, humans matter somewhat, and in the end it keeps you not bored. Nothing fantastic outside of the battles, especially the very last one.

Onimusha - Based on the Capcom games this was surprisingly boring. While it wasn't terrible there was nothing done in this that you haven't seen before, but at least the fights can keep you going a little, though you will be looking at your phone in anything that isn't a fight.

Wednesday - Saw this a couple months ago. The first half is Monster High and the second half is Scooby Doo. Gomez's personality was butchered and you constantly have to wonder why Wednesday wants to stop so much murder. Not sure why this was so popular, but at the very least if you're really into Tim Burton then you may get a kick out of this.

Akuma Kun - A paranormal murder mystery where Akuma Kun and his half demon friend solve mysteries while Akuma tries to solve the many mysteries of his life. It was a shame this was boring, for a show at like 10 episodes this feels like it was meant to be a full anime series with 24-52 episodes. The short run time shows when two episodes basically have the same plot. The ending is a tad surprising, but I won't be wondering where it goes next, if it does.

Good Night World - In the MMO Planet a family of four are the most legendary players within the game, but none of them realize that they are playing with each other. This one was a huge surprise. What starts at as some simple MMO shenanigans at first takes you on one hell of a roller coaster. Half way through this show takes a massive 90 degree turn into territories you wouldn't expect. By the end you can see why the family are the way they are and you sort of hate that one of them specifically gets anything close to a happy ending, though they sure as hell don't deserve it. A quick watch that will keep your eyes trained on it as you wonder where it goes next.

Captain Laser Hawk: Blood Dragon Remix - This was a bit of a surprise to me, having seen that one picture of Rayman (and if you've kept up with the internet you most likely know the one I'm talking about) I had to get around to watching it. I have to say that the Rayman pic is somehow not the most surprising, in fact it's almost tame. There's nothing truly deep about what's going on, but it's interesting that Ubisoft has a shared universe show and it's surprisingly entertaining. When you have the game Crazy Taxi being used for torture you have to wonder how the Rayman moment is the thing people focus on. A very quick watch at six episodes. I say give it a try.

[Pendulous]

I wanna watch that Scott Pilgrim anime, but I have like 15 shows this season I'm already watching. Could review the ones ongoing though.

[Dontrike]

I wanna watch that Scott Pilgrim anime, but I have like 15 shows this season I'm already watching. Could review the ones ongoing though.

If it helps it's only about 8-10 episodes, though the story is a bit rough at first you do understand the point of it. The ending was the real headcscratcher.

[Dontrike]

The newest part of G5 came out and it's rather short with this being the end of what can be described as this "arc." It's your usual MLP flair of defeating the bad guy, learning friendship is the key, and things like that. We see the return of one character and with that there is at least one issue. The character's design has worsened, though I can see why they did that to make it easier on the animators and to come up with less character models. With this focus on Opaline you do get a bit of her character, but nothing all that flashback-y past her being banished from the pegasus land at one point and her never quite learning about friendship.

The music is probably the best, with each being rather catchy, at least from a melody standpoint, so at the very least these 4 episodes have that going for it.

With the end of one "arc" we end up being introduced to a new set of ponies, though they are so similar to a G4 type that I have to wonder why come up with a new one, and we get our next villain though we only get surface level motivation. We'll see how it goes.

The main complaint I've had with this show mostly continues, I wish there was more animation going on for everyone at all times, rather than waiting for them to react in the next shot. Pip and Izzy are oddly the only two characters that have a lot of movement, which is great, but I do have to wonder why them specifically.