The Wolverine

Image from: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1430132/

Name: The Wolverine

Release date (in Singapore): 25 July 2013
Watched on: 28 July 2013

Summary:
Being called back by an old acquaintance, whose life he had saved, wolverine went to Japan. However, his immortality was targeted the whole time by this old acquaintance who wishes to stay alive forever.
Summary by: AngelaAgness

Personal Ratings: 3
Some links form the front and the back. Overall, not a very interesting show as what I expected it to be. A lot of random talking and happenings in the front, but little action worth mentioning.
Twists here and there, but in the end it was all kind of what was expected. I like the way they actually showed some of the traditional yet up-to-date Japanese ways.

Recommended for:
Gender: Male & Female
Age: 15 and above
Ratings: PG-13

Natsume Yuunjinchou (Anime)

Image from: http://s1e1.com/2011/07/natsume-yuujinchou-sanfirst-episode-review.html

Name: Natsume's Book of Friends Natsume Yuujinchou 夏目友人帳

Season 2: Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou

Season 3: Natsume Yuujinchou San

Season 4: Natsume Yuujinchou Shi

Status: Completed

Episode: 13 (4 Seasons, 13 or 12 each)

Release date (for eng subs): -

Summary:

Natsume Reiko, had strong spiritual powers. She fights every youkai (Demons) she meets and make them write their names. To youkai, their names are very precious and contains their life itself. After many battles, the stack of names soon became a book, and was called "the book of friends".

Her grandson, Natsume Takashi, follows after her; being able to see Youkai, since young. However, due to his close resemblance to his grandmother, he is constantly being chased by Youkai who wants power, or who wants their names back. 

One day, while running away from a youkai, he broke a barrier. A strong youkai, Madara, appears. He, too, wants the book of friends, however the both of them made a contract stating that he would protect Natsume from any danger relating to youkai, in return, when Natsume dies, the possession of the book of friends would go to Madara.

As Natsume tries to give back as many names as he can, they slowly got attached to each other.

Summary by: AngelaAgness

Personal Ratings: 3.5

At first when I saw the picture I was thinking that it is going to be some old traditional show, so I was really reluctant to go and watch it. But after seeing that there were so many seasons, I decided it had to be really nice for it to have so many seasons.

Once I started watching, I really could not stop watching, until I was done with at least one season. I liked how not every story in this show is all about the book of friends, but also other incidents that helps Natsume change his perspective about both humans and Youkai. Even though this show seem to be lacking in in-depth thinking, behind all those simple incidents, however, as I watched, I realized that wasn't true. There is actually a lot of meaning behind everything in this show. Interesting story in each episode. They also sometimes link stories together, and I think it's very beautifully done.

A single episode type of anime. I think that the good thing about this anime is that you would never really know when the youkai or person would become part of the group. So there is that progress throughout the whole anime, in relation to both the human side and the youkai side.

The OST is really soothing. I thought that setting a theme and the atmosphere for the OST was a great idea. After 4 seasons, I really developed a meaning behind all those OSTs.

I thought they were quite good when it came to the emotions part. Even though it does not really bring out really strong emotions; like clannad or anohana, I could somehow feel something from deep within, even though their from the simplest actions that can be seen in any anime. The anime is not really in-depth or hard to understand, so I guess that kind of emotions flows through easily for the viewer. Natsume Yuujinchou just makes it possible for you to realize just how much we shouldn't take for granted and to treasure those simplest act of kindness. 

I think that they didn't actually show us much about Natsume's spiritual powers. I was really hoping that they could have use a form of measurement to measure his powers, and give Natsume more of that cool factor. Overall he is quite plain for a main character, and throwing one punch doesn't really allow us to gauge his powers. They just kept saying about how strong he is to be able to see youkai's clearly, but that doesn't really tell us much as a whole. 

However, I really liked how they did kept that "having high spiritual powers and seeing youkai are rare" part. In most animes, even though they say that some powers are really rare and things like that, there seem to be a lot of other people having that same power, so it really takes away that unique selling point after awhile. So in this case, whenever there is a chance that someone could see youkai, it really excites me, even though in the end they turn out to not be able to see much. 

One thing I really did not like was the fact that they keep saying that Natsume can see weird things since he was young, like almost in every other episode. They also kept on dwelling on his past, on how they always call him a liar and things like that. 

Some episodes can get pretty shocking and scary. Since the whole anime is pretty calming, those sudden scenes can be quite scary and shocking, it can really leave an impression and change the pace of the anime a little. But honestly, when I re watch this anime, I usually try to skip those scary parts.

The start of the 2nd season was great. I really liked that kind of nostalgic feeling, in comparison to the first episode.

You can actually see the progress when you compare the different seasons. Season 1 and season 2 are obviously closely related with the similar starting, and the difference in the ending really makes you see how Natsume has grown as a person (be it when it comes to ayakashi and when it comes to social relationship with people).

As for the 3rd season, it's more about Natsume getting closer to youkais and understanding them more, and also more about the true colors of the exorcist group. Honestly, I prefer this ending more then season 4's ending.

For the 4th season, it's a lot more on Natsume and his social skills; it mainly more about human interactions, lesser youkai.
The approach to the 4th season was really a lot more different then the first 2 seasons. There were a lot more things about the past, a lot more flashbacks, and a lot more flashback from a different perspective. I guess all these were to let us compare Natsume back when he was younger and the current him. But honestly, the drastic change of approach really made it seem quite foreign.
Hoesntly thought that there were a lot of cringing moments when it came to the 4th season. I'm not really sure if it's just me, but I thought that they could have done a lot better for the 4th season.

Really hope that they would continue to release specials (or OVAs), because I really like them. Natsume Yuujinchou is a really really good anime as a whole.

Art Ratings: 3

Weird way of drawing the eye lashes. Other than that, I really love the way they drew the cat~ (Super duper cute, It's all round and fluffy) 
I also liked how they choose a more simple art, to really bring out the calming part about this anime.

Recommended for:

Gender: Female & male

Age: 11 and above

My Ratings: PG

Gin no Saji (Anime)

Image from: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2013/04/17/silver-spoon-anime-character-designs-previewed

Name: Silver Spoon 銀の匙 Gin no Saji

Sequel: Silver Spoon 2
Status: Completed
Episode: 11
Release date (for eng subs): Every Friday


Summary:
Yugo Hachiken dreams of life separated from his family, so he takes the initiative by enrolling in an agriculture school. He thinks, with his talent in studying, no problems will arise no matter what kind of school he attends. He is proven wrong very quickly. Raised as a city boy, he is forced to uncover the inconvenient truth about agricultural life. Enjoy the story of Hachiken, as he tries to keep up with his new friends, farmers' heirs, who are already accustomed to the harsh world of farming. With no clear goals or understanding of farming life, how will Hachiken survive this new, cruel reality? The story of a sweat, tear, and mud-stained youth begins!


Summary from: http://myanimelist.net/anime/16918/Gin_no_Saji
Summary Source: MAL


Personal Ratings: 4
Really unique anime, talking about slice of life and life on the farm. 

I think this anime really gave me a lot of new knowledge about different types of animals and how the food actually ends up on our table. It also has a very interesting background for the main character's family and the story as to how he ended up there. 
I really liked how they showed the main character being some one who didn't like the school or the animals at first, but ends up being the one who loved them the most. 
The main character was also very different from the other students, being a city boy, he is different from most students that comes from families which owns a farm; so seeing the difference between the two groups were quite fun.  

They really went in depth enough, but not too deep to the point where it's hard to understand. I guess it's also because of the fact that most of are either in school or have already been through school before, so it's not hard to empathize with the main character.
This show is come what calming and unique. I loved the way they showed how he cared for the animals. The animals were really very cute. I also like the timing of the jokes they put in.

I didn't like how the main character kept talking and mumbling about failed dreams and what not. (but i guess that's part of his personality). 
Some parts were actually kind of slow and long winded. I hope they also show us the whole story about Hachiken's past.


Art Ratings: 2.5
Nothing special.
I actually liked how the simple art really goes well with the simple story line. 


Recommended for:
Gender: Male & Female
Age: 13 and above
My Ratings: PG

GJ Bu

Image from: http://myanimelist.net/anime/14811/GJ-bu

Name: GJ Bu GJ部

Status: Completed
Episode: 12

Summary:
Shinomiya Kyouya is forced to become a new member of the GJ, an unidentified club that dwells in a room of the former building of a certain school. Here he meets the club leader, Mao, a short girl with a big attitude; Mao's younger sister, Megumi, who has the heart of a bipolar angel; the recognized genius with a lack of common sense, Shion; and the always-hungry and mysterious Kirara. Time flies with these unique girls around.
Summary from: http://myanimelist.net/anime/14811/GJ-bu

My Ratings: 2
A senseless Slice of life anime. 
I did not really like this anime, but overall it's still watchable to a certain extend. Didn't liked how it was going towards the ecchi side. Weird personalities that don't really mix well. They also did not show how they grabbed the new member into the club. The only character that actually had a proper intro from the beginning was probably Geraldine (or they call her by some weird nickname, which makes no sense to me). Quite a dumb anime if i must say. They don't really talk about life, but more about the random senseless things that can only happen in animes.

Art Ratings: 2.5 
I just did not really like the way they drew the eyes and eye lashes.

Recommended for:
Gender: -
Age: -
Ratings: PG-13

Ao no Excorcist Movie

Image from: http://myanimelist.net/anime/11737/Ao_no_Exorcist_(Movie)

Name: Ao no Exorcist Movie 劇場版 青の祓魔師

Anime: Ao no Exorcist  Release date (in Japan): 28 December 2012
Watched on: 22 July 2013


Summary:
The atmosphere in True Cross Academy is lively and boisterous in the days leading up to the grand festival held once every 11 years. During this time, Okumura Rin is entrusted with the responsibility of suppressing the berserk Phantom Train. In the midst of his mission, he meets a devil whose appearance is that of a young boy.

Summary from: http://myanimelist.net/anime/11737/Ao_no_Exorcist_(Movie)
Summary Source: Official Site


Personal Ratings: 2.5
Honestly did not really liked this movie because there is not much of the main story line is involved. It was really dry since the beginning and only got interesting at the back. I don't see the point of putting in new characters that play a very little part in the movie. I think that the development was really slow, and then at the end it just suddenly speeds up all the way. It makes things a little confusing. I even slept in the middle on watching the movie. (or maybe I was just to tired). I think that the sudden happenings at the end of the movie was not explained properly. I was really lost at that point. I also thought that there would be more action action scenes, which totally did not happen.

I liked how from beginning to end, they refer to the past and link it back to the future. Even though I see that done in a lot of animes before, i just really like the way they did this one. I really liked how the effect that was used on the scene for the past. Really makes it stay in your head. They also used the past to build up suspense.


Recommended for:
Gender: Male & Female
Age: 15 and above
Ratings: PG-13

Despicable Me 2

Image from: http://www.ruthlessreviews.com/16348/despicable-me-2-film-review/

Name: Despicable Me 2

Release date (in Singapore): 4 July 2013
Watched on: 21 July 2013

Summary:
In a happy suburban neighborhood surrounded by white picket fences with flowering rose bushes, sits a black house with a dead lawn. Unbeknownst to the neighbors, hidden beneath this home is a vast secret hideout. Surrounded by a small army of minions, we discover Gru, planning the biggest heist in the history of the world. He is going to steal the moon. (Yes, the moon!) Gru delights in all things wicked. Armed with his arsenal of shrink rays, freeze rays, and battle-ready vehicles for land and air, he vanquishes all who stand in his way. Until the day he encounters the immense will of three little orphaned girls who look at him and see something that no one else has ever seen: a potential Dad. The world's greatest villain has just met his greatest challenge: three little girls named Margo, Edith and Agnes.
Summary by: Universal Pictures
Summary From: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1323594/plotsummary

Personal Ratings: 3.5
Really cute show. Minions<3. So irresistibly cute.
I like how this season have more minions inside it. When the minions all turned to the purple bad minions, I was so sad!! But then the antidote jelly gun appeared, and all the minions turned back to yellow. That part was really cute! I liked how they stayed with the same guy as the villain throughout the whole movie. However I don't find this movie as interesting as the first one, but really much more funnier. I liked how the kids really have unique characters that is shown in every thing they do. 
I think that this movie lack the depth. Well of course since its a kid's show. I think that they should have stressed more about Agnes wanting a mother, instead of just random love.

Recommended for:
Gender: Male & Female
Age: All Ages
Ratings: G

Recommended Anime: Summer 2013

Summer 2013

Shoujo:
Love Lab

Shounen:
*Danganronpa The Animation
Diamond no Ace
Free!
Hakkenden (Season 2)
Makai Ouji: Devil and Realist
Mirai Niki Redial (OVA)
*Silver Spoon


Spring 2013 (Now still on-going)

Shoujo:
-

Shounen:
**Attack on Titans (Shingeki no Kyojin)
To Aru Kagaku no Railgun S


View List of Recommended animes here: http://strawberryshortcake-reviews.blogspot.com/p/recommened-animes.html

* Highly Recommended for this season (Sequels not included)

Clannad

Image from: http://honya-ch.com/2007/09/29/clannad-invitation-dvd/

Name: Clannad

Sequel: Clannad: After story Status: Completed
Episode: 23
Release date (for eng subs): -

Summary:
Tomoya Okazaki is a third year high school student resentful of his life. His mother passed away from a car accident when he was younger, causing his father to resort to alcohol and gambling. This results in fights between the two until Tomoya's shoulder is injured in a fight. Since then, Tomoya has had distant relationships with his father, causing him to become a delinquent over time. While on a walk to school, he meets a strange girl named Nagisa Furukawa who is a year older, but is repeating due to illness. Due to this, she is often alone as most of her friends have moved on. The two begin hanging out and slowly, as time goes by, Tomoya finds his life shifting in a new direction.

Summary from: http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1118804/synopsis?ref_=tt_ov_pl
Summary by:  seifersythe


Personal Ratings: 2.5
I did not wanted to watch this anime because I think it was Harem, and the drawing really looked like the girls would be irritating.

Even though the anime turned out to be almost what I had expected, I think that the story line is strong enough to cover up for that negative part for the anime, though I think that each story in this anime is really similar. For some parts, I really think that its weird, and not logical.  
But I liked how there is a proper ending in the anime, but I don't think that there is a proper connection between the front part and the back part of the anime, but there is a proper connection in the front part for season one and the ending part for season two. I also think that they should have the other part of the story line in this anime more uniform. Because for people who just watch, they won't know what that story is for. I also think that the supporting characters should have more impact in the main story line, and not only for that case itself. The story also seem to be not clear of the past, and randomly added parts of Tomoya's memory as the anime progresses, and thus, it does not seem really well-planned. But I liked how everyone in the first few episode of clannad that Tomoya met, had a part to play in the anime in the later part of the show. I think that this really made the whole anime linked and pulled together.


Art Ratings: 1.5 
I really don't like this kind of art. Really makes the girls look to irritating. The hair also looks weird (a little to edgy), but I like how they animate it. I think the huge difference in the type of eyes and hair they draw really make the character look weird. (eyes draw with soft or rounded edges, while hair is drawn with sharp edges).


Recommended for:
Gender: Female & Male
Age: 13 and above
My Ratings: PG

Free!

Image from: http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2013/04/26/kyoani-confirms-sexy-swimming-anime-free

Name: Free!
Sequel: Free! Eternal Summer

Status: Completed
Episode: 12
Release date (for eng subs): Every Thursday


Summary:

Haruka had always loved water and swimming. He always was never concerned about winning or his timming when swimming. However, Matsuoka Rin is a the opposite. Since he came back from Australia, his only aim was to defeat Haruka. The story goes on between the two close friends as they became enemies.

Summary by: AngelaAgness

Personal Ratings: 3.5

I have waited for this anime for quite some time now. Honestly, after seeing all the teasers on this anime, I sort of had a picture on how this anime would turn out. But, it turned out almost opposite from what I actually thought it would be, and I really liked it. I think that the uniqueness of this anime, is that the main character of this anime is very unique as compared to the typical kind of anime that I usually see.

I really like how this anime is pacing at. I also really like how the supporting characters make the show funny.  I really like how their personalities make each other character's personality stronger and funnier. I really like the humor in this show. I love the idea of putting in the Grily names and the boyish names for all the characters that are really involved (even Nitori has a girly name "Ai"). I really want a second season or an ova to see how are their everyday lives like after the conflict had cleared out (especially about Haru's swimming).

I really think that this anime is more of a fan service than anything. It really reaches out to the fans a lot. But I think it's because if this that it felt like something was missing in the show. Like there wasn't a very strong storyline to it. The reasoning for Makoto being afraid of the ocean also seemed really sloppy.

Art Ratings: 3

I don't really like the way they draw the face, its to sharp. But other then that, I really like the way they draw and animate the hair and eyes. I really like how the texture of the hair of each characters really show a lot of their personality.

Recommended for:

Gender: Female

Age: 13 and above

My Ratings: PG-13