Macross II

Macross II was in the least one of the old-stylist animes I have seen in awhile. The movie runs in an episode lay out, which can get annoying. There are actually holes in the movie where commercials are supposed to be put in. Sadly, this takes away from the quality of both the VHS and DVD version of the movie.

     Overall the movie wasn't too bad, but a few long pauses and awkward moments haunt this movie to no end. The first thing I noticed was there is no digital designs, or touch ups or any digital artwork throughout the whole movie. Because there isn't any new style art it really makes the anime feel old, and let's face it, who wants to watch something that looks like it was done forty years ago. I have to say even the cover didn't look so great. So why pick up something that doesn't seem appealing? The idea behind that decision is that I noticed it was Macross II, and seeing is how there was a Macross I, I figured it has to be some what good. I wasn't entirely wrong, but it wasn't money well spent. The movements are edgy and it's not because of the style of art, it's definitely the quality. At some parts it really looked as if they wanted to end a scene just to be over with it. I find this a shame because so many animes are pressed for time (due to their one-hour limitation) that they create an anime so distorted it leaves you hanging. In Macross II, the anime has plenty of time to develop, but the writers wasted it with either the "We'll continue in a moment" sign or a series of dialogue that had no real value to the show.

     Voice acting had its ups and downs. I have to admit the main actor was pretty good. The supporting actors, however, could easily be compared to that of a dying pig. Women made the type of screams that would be mistaken for something you wouldn't want anyone else to know you were watching. Bottom line, the female actors really stunk overall. The main character had the normal self-righteous "I'll do whatever it takes to be the best" personality. I don't mind that type of character, but he wasn't that good of a character to begin with.

     If there is one thing I hate the most in this movie it is the music. It was an absolute work of CRAP. I don't know what idiot came up with that music but it doesn't cut it. It's off Que., it doesn't flow, and sometimes it's too loud and at other times you can't hear it. But, the music doesn't need to make the show interesting. Music is intended to add feeling to the scene, but at most parts this movie doesn't require that. Japanese vocals are used in the video with subtitles, which is ok, but the words don't really make much sense (in other words they sound like something a three year-old might sing) but it is nice to know what exactly is going on.

     Last but not least is the plot. I didn't see Macross I and I realize this probably hinders my understanding to an extent, but I can still explain the whole story in the first two minutes of the movie. The plot of a young news reporter trying to make it big off of an intergalactic war, does spark some interest. For those of you with serious A.D.D. don't even think about picking this anime up. However, if you think you can sit through a few dumb lines and commercial pauses, knock yourself out but don't expect a masterpiece.