Review of Akira

Plot: C+ *The overall story despite is interesting, but super confusing. I like the idea of the corrupt neo-Tokyo government and of the freedom revolution. But I didn't like how the important details of what the Akira experiments really were took a backseat to Tetsuo exploring his powers and the government, Kaneda, and the experimented kids having to find a way to stop him. I would have enjoyed this movie a lot more if Tetsuo's character didn't turn out to be such an ass hole that got powers and immediately tried to become a god. Visuals: A+ *The coloring of the movie was pretty to lookat and all of the bike scenes were awesome. And there is so much weirdness from the obscene amounts of blood and the film has so many explosions that it gives Michael Bay a hard-on. I loved every moment of these visuals and Akira is one of my favorite anime in terms of the visuals.

Voice Acting: B- *Like most anime, if there's a dub I'll choose to watch it, And I'm glad that I did because to this day I still shout TETSUO!!!! and in a far more flamboyant voice, KANEDA!!!! all the time haha.

Film score/Soundtrack: B *Outside of the weird breathing in the track "Battle Against Clown", the score is a good standalone listen. But in context, it is easily the highlight of the film. The fight and chase scenes are so exciting because of the music.

***Favorite Track: Kaneda***
(The drums are so catchy and it makes you want to go riding/driving!)

Characters: C- *This is where the movie really falters. I just can't get attached to any of the characters. Kaneda has some really funny moments as he is obsessed with Kei and gets himself into trouble when trying to woo her, but at the same time, he's part of a bike gang that kills, steals, and treat women like shit, so I can't say that I sympathize for them that much. (Although some of the dialogue was great like when he said Tetsuo was his friend so he should be the one to kill him. And how could you not like the DISCIPLINE!!!!! that they all got?) But still, since Kaneda isn't a very sympathetic character, it makes the kids sacrificing themselves for him a very uninteresting sacrifice with little payoff.

Cringeworthy Anime Moments: Basically any time Tetsuo talked smack. He reminded me of Goku going "Super Saiyan" and it annoyed the piss out of me. Him turning into a giant testicle due to losing control of his power was both gruesome and hilarious.

Opening Titles: N/A *There really weren't opening titles, but the beginning was pretty badass when Kaneda is playing as the gangs all get on their bikes and start riding and causing mayhem throughout the city.

Final Verdict: 9/10 *The trailer I watched said this movie was so important, that if it didn't exist, neither would The Matrix. I don't buy it. Ghost in the Shell I would definitely agree with because of how strong the influence is and that some of the scenes and imagery that they actually borrow. However, after watching this several times, I don't think it matters whether or not the plot is understood or if this inspired the Matrix or anything else. What is important is how visually striking this anime is and how fun it is to watch. This is an anime film that is extremely popular and sparks conversations because of how out-there it is. And I love it for that.