From Dreamscape to Nightmare on Elm Street, the world of dreams has fascinated moviegoers. Director Satoshi Kon has done a lot of films with psychological themes, and in Paprika he merges those concepts in a thoughtful piece that explores what dreams say about us and what it might mean if others could peer into our own dream lives and see them objectively. While I found this film a little too similar to the rest of Kon's work, it's still a strong film worth seeing, especially if you've not explored the rest of the director's catalog. Click on the link to get my full opinion...

February 6, 2008

Well, I'm back, as promised, with my review of Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles. And it ain't pretty. While it was Robotech that brought me into the anime fold over 23 years ago, this is a sorry state of affairs that misses the whole gist of what the original was all about. I have to say that I'm truly sorry that this might have to be the requiem for a franchise that I have loved for a long time. Nevertheless, it has to be said: if this is the best they can do, Robotech should be put to bed permanently.

February 3, 2008

Hello all, especially New York Giants fans...I know you're having a happy evening! I wanted to do a brief update to a couple of minor things on the site. First off, you'll notice that Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles just appeared at the top of the "Coming Soon" list. I was just able to get a copy from a local library and will have the review up within the next couple of days. I hope to get to Paprika soon as well, but there's a bit of delay on my getting ahold of the disc. I promise it is forthcoming -- how could I skip a film by Satoshi Kon?

Meanwhile, most of the changes on the website are now good to go. You'll find a few things implemented that should make the site easier to handle. Want to link to one of my reviews? Not a problem -- you can do it directly now. Whereas once it would have taken you to the front page, now the entire frame set appears and the linked review is ready for reading. If you want to see the intro page -- the one you are reading right now -- just hit "Home" on the navigation bar. And thanks to my friend Bruce Carlson for working out some of the kinks in the HTML!

You've also probably noticed that my store links have increased on each page. I'd heard from a number of readers that you like RightStuf, but that because of their prices you rarely buy from them. Fair enough -- now there are links to Amazon, RightStuf, DVD Empire, DVD Planet, Buy.com, Best Buy, and AnimeNation. That's a lot of stores to choose from! Meanwhile, I've decided against any true banner advertising -- the only money the site makes is when you buy product through one of the links. I don't want it to be any more obtrusive than it already is. So I'd appreciate any support you can give by purchasing your anime through the site. It will certainly help me to keep things going for the future...thank you.