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Reviews
Miracle at St. Anna (2008)
Don't watch Miracle at St. Anna because you want to see another War film
By mindself
If you need to watch a film about 'Buffalo Soldiers' I advise you to watch Spike Lee's latest Joint, excuse me, Spike Lee's latest Film, Miracle at St. Anna. It chronicles the the lives of four African- American Soldiers during the invasion of Italy by the Nazis.
If you never watched a Spike Lee film, then you're in for a treat. The Film takes place in two different eras. It switches back and forth from 1980′s to the 1940′s (around the time World War II was about to end.) The stories protagonists, Staff Sergeant Aubrey Stamps played by Derek Luke, Sergeant Bishop Cummings played by Michael Ealy, Corporal Hector Negron played by Laz Alonso, and Private First Class Samuel 'Sam' Train played by Omar Benson Miller, were perfect and are great actors for this war film. Most notably, Laz Alonso who was the main protagonist, was the best character in the film.
The film started when Hector Negron shot and killed a man in his job, at the Post Office, in 1983. After investigators searched his home for any suspicious reason why he shot a random man for no apparent reason, they stumble onto a 400 year old statue's head of Primavera. This is when the story and mystery will unfold. I would love to go deep into the film's story but it's one of those films where if I continue with the story after they found the statues head, I'll spoil it for you.
At first you're introduce to many characters, but you have the impression that all scenes and character couldn't possibly connect. Until you get into the story you start to unravel the mystery, then it all makes sense.
The story has many themes, in fact, (respectfully) too many. There's the theme of racism, in which Spike Lee is most notable of having in his films. War of course is the main theme, but it's much more then a war between countries, it's a war with race, a war with religion, it's a war with politics. And "Miracles". You can call them coincidence or fate, but the miracles in the film brings the thought that everything happens for a reason, there are no random things in life. I can't think of a film in where each scene is so important that you can't take one out. Even questionable scenes, scenes that you thought Spike Lee didn't need but need so to tell the story so it would fit together with the themes of being a miracle.
If I had to compare the film's pace and premises with another war film, then I have to say Saving Private Ryan. The film clocks in at 2 hours and 40 minutes, not including the 6 trailers coming before that. But it's very mystical and will challenge your belief in religion and miracles.
Spike Lee also beautifully directed the film. It has many of his trademarks which were very emotional scenes.
Don't watch Miracle at St. Anna because you want to see another War film, watch it for it's Miracles.
Avatar (2009)
If you're going to watch the film, watch it on IMAX 3D
By mindself
Last night was my first time.
I sat in row K and seat 33. The screen's about 5 times larger than the average movie theater and by the look of the the sound system, the quality will be clear. You can feel the anticipation as people waited patiently for the movie to start. The 3D glasses I wore fitted perfectly and didn't feel uncomfortable at all, it's like the glasses were never on. I looked below me to see the crowd gathering and the seats filling up. This was the first time I watched a film in IMAX, and in 3D for that matter. The tickets were a tad expensive, but I wasn't worried about that. I was worried whether or not the film will fulfill my expectations and hopefully not be a dud, but we are talking about James Cameron here.
As I sat in my seat, I was thinking that I haven't seen one film in the theaters that James Cameron has made. I was far too young for The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Aliens, or True Lies and I didn't get to experience the Titanic hysteria, because at the time I wasn't interested. Nonetheless, I did watch all his films on VHS and on DVD.
I remember earlier this year people of the entertainment community were claiming that Avatar was going to be the "game changer" in film technology, especially the science fiction genre. Whether that's motion capture, CGI, or how we view and listen to the film, everyone in Hollywood was buzzing about the next epic film by James Cameron.
I must say, this is a game changer.
James Cameron's keen eye is very refreshing and honest. His ability to tell a story that's very familiarize and not quite original is overlooked by how each shot is full of detail and full of labor. A labor of love. Like Speed Racer, the film's heavily relied on technique and the use of movie magic. The 3D isn't gimmicky but another depth in the film. It's as if the people or the environment are right in front of you. Especially when you're in the jungle of Pandora and when the plants and trees illuminate, it looks real.
The story itself is generic. It's how James Cameron execute the film that makes it unique. The story's similar to Dances with Wolves, The Last Samurai, or even FernGully: The Last Rainforest. It's ultimately about how a person's perspective change over time about the indigenous beings and their environment. To learn about them, they must be them. Jake Sully, played by Sam Worthington, is a Marine who is paralyze from the waste down and is brought to the Avatar Program because his twin brother, Thomas, died. They needed a genetic match for his brother's avatar so they asked Jake to take his brother's place and continue their research. The avatars look like the indigenous beings, who are called Na'vi. In time, Jake will befriend the Na'vi, respect their beliefs and learn from their life style. The antagonist are the human beings. The very reason why humans invaded Pandora because of a precious mineral called unobtainium. Unobtainium is the "McGuffin" in the film, meaning it has no purpose in the plot and it's just a decoy. Once you know that, you really don't care of it's use. Surprisingly though, the story has depth and a few spiritual themes about how we are one with nature and how we must respect our environment. Don't want to give too much away, but let's just say there's an epic battle between the Na'vis and humans at the end of the film.
As for the acting. It's top notch. James Cameron cast a familiar face and a couple of new ones. Sigourney Weaver, who was in Cameron's earlier films, was excellent and brought her A game. Zoë Saldaña's great as a Na'vi, even if you didn't see her as herself, she gave an impressive performance. Sam Worthington also gave an impressive performance as a human and Na'vi. Everything I've seen with him so far has been great. The minor characters played by Michelle Rodriguez, Giovanni Ribisi, and Joel David Moore, were also good in their roles. I thought the most outstanding performance in Avatar is by the main antagonist, Colonel Miles Quaritch played by Stephen Lang. Although we needed to hate him, he was too badass to hate.
The music's O.K. it's not inspiring, but it does move the film swiftly. I'll say there were 2-3 scenes where the music was benefiting . Other than that, it's forgettable.
Don't have to mention the CGI because it's absolutely remarkable. You can't distinguish what's real and what's CGI in majority of the film. Especially the scenes when the humans interact with the Na'vis.
Overall, If you're going to watch the film, watch it on IMAX 3D. Unless you can't afford to, watch it on 3D. The visuals are stunning, the acting is fantastic, the story is predictable but it's also fun. Watch the film solely for the experience. It has everything that anyone can enjoy. James Cameron is one of the few film makers who takes his time to develop a thoughtful and one of a kind film. Like I said, last night was my first time but I hope it's not my last. Here's hoping that film makers can learn a few things from Cameron.
The Book of Eli (2010)
Film isn't bad, but it does have flaws
by mindself
Denzel Washington is a versatile actor. He fought in the Civil War as Private Trip in Glory, He played the human rights activist, Malcolm X, in Spike Lee's Malcolm X, and he was the corrupt narcotics officer, Detective Alonzo Harris, in Training Day. He's an accomplished actor who's always charismatic and always finds depth in his roles, even if he's playing the villain. His latest role in The Book of Eli is no different.
The film follows Eli, played by Washington, as a lone wonderer protecting a book that may be the last hope of man kind. It's set in a post-apocalyptic world 30 years in the future. It doesn't explain what lead the apocalyptic event, but instead moves forward and leaves the audience guessing what happen, which I like. Throughout the film Eli is face with many challenges. Besides surviving without the needs of food and shelter, he is confronted by countless scoundrels who tries to stop him. Of course, Washington's ability to fight is never in question, so usually his attackers end up on the ground unconscious or dead.
Eli ends up in a small town run by Gary Oldman, who plays the antagonist, Carnegie. Carnegie is looking for the book which Eli has possession of. I don't want to connect the dots and make it too obvious but I think you know what's going to happen next. Eli refuse to give the book and all hell is broken loose. Also, along the way Eli is befriended by Solara, played by Mila Kunis.
The Hughes brothers wonderfully directed the film. The grey and dull palette that covers the film fits the mood of what a post-apocalyptic world should look like. I also like the touch of how the world looks like an old western film. Actually there are many references to old westerns. The way Washington walks through the town or how Oldman is the corrupted official running the town. All that's missing are some horses. As for the action, I must hand it to the Hughes brothers for the well choreograph fight sequences. You can't deny the people who brought us Menace II Society and Dead Presidents, the action here is amazing and exhilarating. There are couple of action sequences where I can't stop to think that the Hughes brothers were inspired by Hiroyuki Nakano and Michael Bay, yes Michael Bay. Nonetheless, they were awesome sequences, especially the Michael Bayesque Mexican standoff set piece. The story isn't bad also. It's written by the once game designer, Gary Whitta. This could have been a knock off from a Mad Max film instead we get somewhat an original story that is told with a good narrative and dialogue. Unless you're an atheist then you'll probably understand the religious content more. The score of Atticus Ross is also good. It's ghostly and hypnotizing which plays off very well in the film. The song "Panoramic" is a great example of how he captures the bleak tone perfectly.
Most of the acting is good, especially from Washington and Oldman. If anything, they saved the film from being too silly. You get a small but humorous cameo by Tom Waits. My only problem is Mila Kunis, she technically ruins it for me. Besides one set piece, Kunis is wasted and seem out of place. She seem like she's a model for Forever 21. Everyone has dry skin and dressed like salvages but Kunis manage to have great skin with make-up and clothing that's too fashionable. Not believable at all. She's not a bad actor, I just think she's miscast.
Overall the film isn't bad, but it does have flaws. If you can dismiss the plot holes and the ridiculous last act, which I love, than you'll enjoy the film. You can watch it for it's deep message, lack thereof, or watch it because Denzel is kicking some ass. Either way, you'll have a great time.
The Room (2003)
Cult Classic
by mindself
There are a lot of horrendous things in this world. Some of it we can tolerate and some of it is demeaning. But what if it's something we can enjoy and have fun with? What if it's the film The Room?
The film stars Tommy Wiseau, who also directed, written, and is the producer of, and it's about Wiseau character, Johnny, struggle and realization that he's caught up in a love triangle – and that's basically it. Really though, that's basically it. The film has a cult following as being the worst film ever made and you know what? They're right. Not only is it poorly directed, written and produce, it's also poorly thought out. That's the enjoying factor of it though. Like people say, no one goes out and make bad films purposely and I don't think Wiseau was intended to do so but this film is created like film 101.
First off, there's far too many sex scenes. The first four minutes into the film, you get a long and unflattering sex scene that's also very fanciful and amateurish. It makes Showtime channel's softcore porn look first-class. There's about four sex scenes that bares an unattractive woman and an unusual male rear end. Not tantalizing at all. Also during each sex scene there's horrible R&B music that seem to come out of the era of the 90s. This was made in 2003.
The actors seem to do a decent job – no not really, they're horrible too. There are no major stars just the usual up and coming actors and actress trying to make a buck. I mean, I can't act but I know when someone is trying, they seem like they're reading their lines instead of acting it out. I guess that's the joy of it though. Each scene is open when someone enters the room and ends when someone leaves the room. The dialogue comes as being very cliché and awful. Here are excerpts from the film:
Conversation between Johnny (Wiseau) and his best friend Mark (Sestero):
Mark: How was work today? Johnny: Oh pretty good. We got a new client
at the bank. We make a lot of money. Mark: What client? Johnny: I can not tell you, its confidential. Mark: Oh come on. Why not? Johnny: No I can't. Anyway, how is your sex life?
Here's another between Johnny and his 'future wife' Lisa (Danielle):
Lisa: Did you get your promotion? Johnny: Nah. Lisa: You didn't get it, did you.
As you can tell some of the the dialogue is also condescending and cringeworthy. Again, that's the enjoyment of the film. It takes itself too seriously that it's so funny. There's countless unintentional humor in this film. Whether that be the character of the awkward Denny, who I have no idea why he's in the film, to the numerous times of playing catch with a football (you'll see) everything is design as if he wanted to make the worst film of all time. I don't know if he intended to do so, but if it was, then the film would lose it's magic. It's great because it's bad, very bad. I would love to go into great detail but I really want you to watch it. I recommend the film just because it needs to be watch once in your life. You'll probably regret it, but I'm sure you'll have a couple of chuckles.
I had this thesis that this film is a huge metaphor. Lisa is "The Room" and Johnny is the "audience". Go in with that thought and it might blow your mind, literally.
SPOON!!!!! (you'll know what I mean when you watch it)
Inception (2010)
A Original Blockbuster
By Mindself
When it comes to studio blockbuster tent poles, this summer of films are filled with remakes, sequels, and adaptations of mediocre material. The public is itching for some sort of originality and volume, something to grasp and talk about in years to come. Almost ten years ago Christopher Nolan's Memento got critically acclaim for it's dark tale of obsession and themes of scarred memories. It also had a unique narrative mixed with a film noir style. After a decade of memorable films such as Insomnia and The Prestige, and the highly successful Batman film, The Dark Knight from two years ago, Christopher Nolan is now becoming a prosperous and renowned director in Hollywood. In my opinion he's one of the best directors in the past decade. In his latest effort, Inception, Christopher Nolan took those reoccurring themes of obsession and scarred memories and gave us again an unique narrative and style but this time he applied it with a summer blockbuster budget of $150 million (15x more than the budget of Memento) while satisfying the anxious moviegoers.
Inception is an unconventional heist film that's about an elite group of people, where each individual has their own unique ability, so they can go into a person's dream and extract whatever information or secrets that they may have and a give it to their client for their own self gain. It stars Leonardo DiCaprio, who plays the main protagonist Cobb, Joseph Gordon-Levitt as Cobb's assistant, Ken Watanabe as their client, Tom Hardy who also assist Cobb, and Ellen Page as the rookie in the group. All in which acted very well but most notable is Tom Hardy who played the badass Forger. What is also noticeable is the vast differences in the cast, whether that be race, gender, age, or their many years in Hollywood. Each actor or actress brought an amazing performance for a film, that at times, is difficult to comprehend.
Visually it's stunning and memorizing. Nolan knows how to cater to the crowd and he does it elegantly and unforced. His use of CG is unique because in some cases, he has the viewer fill in the blanks with their imagination. He doesn't take the effects for granted though. He also used practical effects, especially in a specific set piece that Joseph Gordon-Levitt was floating believably. His cinematographer, Wally Pfister, is also great. He didn't waste one frame and captured it's dark but at times hopeful scenery of several international locations wonderfully. I can't remember a film that attributes several locations and insert it as one of the plot devices. Nolan does it in every act of the film. Also the music by Hans Zimmer, who him and Pfister worked in most of Nolan's work, gave one of the highest energetic and at times suspenseful piece of composition of music this year. He also captured the mood and exhilaration of the film for each set piece with his music.
As for the flaws, couple of the characters accents did get in the way of the dialogue. Also there's a couple of questionable plot holes or arcs in the story that wasn't explained well enough to make sense. Nolan didn't hesitate in creating a mythology within the film. When he established the rules, he does it so fast and well, we question what's actually going on at times. The opening scene is the best example for this. No doubt there's a significant amount of exposition in the film. In which, you have to pay attention to every detail of the film, whether it's explaining what's a person's expertise is or setting the rules within a dream.
In all, if you're looking for a great time and want an intelligent but incredibly visualize blockbuster, then Inception is for you. Don't get it twisted though, not to over hype Nolan or the films credibility, it's a great film just don't expect it to make a whole lot of sense at times. Like I said, you have to pay attention to it's detail. Also he has all the intentions to set forth in making the summer blockbuster we all wanted, but it's disguised as being one of the most original and intriguing films this year. As you leave, not only will you asked yourself what just happen, you would like to watch it again in case something's missed.
check out artisticalliance.org for more impressions.
Angels & Demons (2009)
Book versus Film
By mia
The story starts when Dr. Vittoria and Fr. Silvano, and the Nuclear Research initiates the Large Hadron Collider and captures 3 antimatter in a special vial, without this vial if the anti-matter made contact or exposed with the matter this would likely explode like the "Big Bang theory" and one anti-matter can power up a whole city for many days.
Some Differences from the book: Book: Langdon received a phone call from the Vatican and went to the Geneva. Film: Langdon was currently swimming at the pool and one of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps told him about the Illuminati and asked his help in the investigation. Book: All of the cardinals were killed. Film: 1 cardinal lived. Book: Leonardo Vetra father of Vittoria Vetra was killed and the first who was branded with "Illuminati" Film: No scene about this. Book: Vittoria was kidnapped. Film: She wasn't kidnapped. Book: The assassin was killed by Vittoria Film: The assassin was killed in a bomb of the car when he got his last payment and ignited the engine of the car. Book: Camerlengo was the son of the late pope, conceived through artificial insemination. Film: Carmerlengo was adopted by the late pope. - Only the Swiss Guard was in the Book. The story is okay but it was a bit fast and some were cut-off that the people watching wouldn't understand the mysteries within the painting, the sculptor, etc. It had the same plot as the Da Vinci Code with a lot of mystery within the Church and Rome and problem solving, and talking too. They needed to go to the first sign / symbol / marker before they'll know what would be the next one. Langdon explained the mysteries about Illuminati, the meaning of the paintings, etc. As I know they where racing against time but the thing was the time of the scenes were always around 15 minutes before the deadline. But what happen with some of the scenes before that? Yup they've compressed the whole book in 2 hours and 30 minutes so they really weren't able to act all of it to a film. They've just got some good parts in the book which is still not enough to make the movie understandable. I understand the movie because I already read the book.
It had the same atmosphere and graphics as the Da Vinci Code except for the 1st and last part of the movie. Not all parts of movie was filmed in Rome but in Sony Pictures Studios in LA, California as the Roman Catholic seen the Da Vinci Code as offensive. I love the structure of library in the film which they film in Angelica Library in Rome, Italy (Wish I could tour in Rome). There was even some old car inside the archive library. And it still looks brand new. Is it still moving or just a model?
The acting was still the same, some doesn't have any expression in their face whenever they deliver their lines or maybe that was required to them. And some characters in the book were not in the film. Lead actor is Tom Hanks whatever you saw in his acting from his other films it's the same thing. He's a very calm guy.
I'm wondering if the book / film really pertain with some secret society that was against the Church. Many religions are against the Roman Catholic and other religion. But I've heard that there was a Black Pope in Rome but I'm not sure if it's really true.
Overall: I still like the book than watching it. I can really understand the mystery within them because it was clearly explain in the book. But still, I wanted to see and curious with the scenery, places, mysteries passage way, etc that what was described in the book.
Brick (2005)
A Modern Day Noir
By mindself
Brick, a film directed and written by Rian Johnson, is a modern day film noir set in a Southern California high school. It's heavily dialogue and relies on character development. A detective, who's actually a student played by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, is unraveling a conspiracy about his ex- girlfriends death. Again, the dialogue is heavy but fascinating. You have to realize that they are high school students portraying characters from a black and white detective film. So it does get unrealistic, but you can excuse that because Rian Johnson balance the drama and humor very well. By the end you're either satisfied or very confused, I for one had to watch the film again to get some scenes because I was distracted while watching it the first time.
Overall I have to recommend it, because Rian Johnson took two different genres and blend them nicely. Think of it like this: What if The Hills was written like The Wire. That would be interesting. Also the music is great, it's composed by Nathan Johnson, who is the cousin of Rian.
Sherlock Holmes (2009)
This film resembles a CSI version of Sherlock Holmes
by Marie Abaya
The Last week of 2009 and the theater was pack. It wasn't because of Sherlock Holmes just open but of Avatar. Everyone was lining up to see the new James Cameron film, but Audrey and I had a different film in mind. We have to admit that the line for Avatar look intimating, but the minute we enter the theater for Sherlock Holmes all that just wash away. I don't know the source material that well for Sherlock Holmes. I know growing up that he uses deductive reasoning and forensic to solve cases. He also has a sidekick name Dr. Watson and that they both solve cases together and frankly I'm happy I know so little of these Characters.
This new age film directed by Guy Ritchie and starring Robert Downey, Jr as Sherlock Holmes and Jude Law as his helpful companion Dr. Watson gives that new fresh smell in a old and forgotten story. I can't entirely get into details on the plot of the film but the basic premise centers around a man name Lord Blackwood coming back from the grave and terrorizing the streets of London. It's up to Mr. Holmes and Dr. Watson to figure out what Lord Blackwood is up too and how's he still alive after getting hung.
Guy Ritchie style of directing is a hit and miss for this film, at times you feel like you're in 1800's London chasing Lord Blackwood, but there are moments where you feel like you're on a sound stage in a movie studio lot. The one thing that Guy Ritchie succeeds in is the action sequences. The use of Holmes deductive reasoning in scenes that doesn't really call for it made you feel that you're Sherlock Holmes and figuring out ahead of time what's the next step. The story itself is very engaging and the use of flashback to make sense of scenes that wouldn't make sense without was fun and very "CSI"ish. I say this because the film itself plays out like a CSI episode. You'll get glimpses of items that are only going to make sense at the end of the film. Don't try to figure out the film before it ends, because the things they show you aren't what they seem to be.
Robert Downey Jr. acting in this film can be compared to Johnny Depp's acting in the Pirates in the Caribbean films. He became Sherlock Holmes and you forget that you're actually watching Tony Starks, another Robert Downey Jr. character from Iron Man, and watching at times a disturb but brilliant detective. Jud Law does a flawless job as his loyal sidekick Watson and they both bring a charm to these characters that made you really like them. Another notable performance came from the leading lady Rachel McAdams as Holmes witty and beautiful love interest Irene Adler. She does a fabulous job as the one female character that can stand up against Holmes.
The music from the film was also a wonderful addition. Hans Zimmer again shows why he's one of the top composers in the world.
Overall, this film resembles a CSI version of Sherlock Holmes. The acting is top-notch and if you're a Guy Ritchie fan then this film is for you. It balances the action and humor in scenes that many films are missing today.
Gakuen mokushiroku: HIGHSCHOOL OF THE DEAD: ACT1: Spring of the DEAD (2010)
Anime + Zombies = Awesome?
By Marie Abaya
The first couple of minutes of "Spring of the Dead" you're thrown into the action with fast cut scenes depicting zombie's heads bashed in by a baseball bat. Not only is HSotD (High School of the Dead) violent, but it doesn't hold back. The mix of fast pace action sequences, point-of- view shots from the zombie perspective, and shaky cam adds to the drama to this zombie apocalypse. Also, Ecchi (a genre of Anime dealing with sex, but in that soft-core kind of way) comes into mind with plenty of panty shots and believe me this episode has a lot of that.
This episode begins in the middle of the chaos that's in Fujimi High School. We join Takashi Komuro, our protagonist of the story, racing to the top of the roof with his child hood friend Rei Miyamoto and her boyfriend Hisashi Igō. After a couple of minutes of them defending themselves against the undead we are right away shown the Opening credits. The opening title screen for HSotD has the typical Jpop music playing while a montage of the main characters are shown. Like most Anime shows, the main theme song lyrics doesn't make sense with the series premise. This might be a cultural thing, because I sure didn't get it.
After the opening, we are now transferred back before the incident happened in school and Takashi is hanging out on the school's steps balcony as he thinks back to his child hood. The way this is portrayed is by cutting in-and- out of the flashback with the film being torn like an old movie reel, giving it a unique style. As this is happening we're introduce to Saya Takagi, childhood friend of Takashi, she exchanged a few words on the step balcony with him before the real mayhem happens. As she leaves Takashi notice a strange incident at the entrance of school gate. An incident that makes Takashi panic making him think of Rei's safety.He rush down the halls of the school to get Rei and warned her. After a couple of minutes of trying to convince Rei into coming with him, we hear the school's announcements come on. The announcement advised that students stay with their teachers because an incident has happen resulting in people being killed in front of school, this is the same incident that Takashi seen on the step balcony.
Takashi manages to convince Rei into coming with him, but she needed her boyfriend Hisashi to also to come along. The tension between Takashi and Hisashi is done really well. You get this feeling of jealously from Takashi as he hesitates to agree with the arrangement. As they work their way to the roof top of the school, the one place they figured out would be the safest place to stay, they are attack by one of undead. During the struggle, Hisashi is bitten and being a long time fan of Zombie films, we already know what that means. The scene ends with Takashi bashing the zombie in the head with the baseball bat and this is where we see the realization of characters as they figure out how to stop them.
On the roof top our surviving characters view the city in chaos. It's visually stunning to see the entire city in mayhem. Hundred of films portray this moment differently, but animation is the only way to get the epic scale of disaster that you can't do with film's limitations. We also view the perspective of other students in the school as they cope with this disaster that is brought upon their school.
The last 10 minute of the episodes deals greatly with morals issues that you can only encounter with when you know the world is going to end. The hard decision that Takashi has to make in killing Hisashi is the defining moment for the series. It gives the story that important lesson, that's it kill or be killed world now. You have to forget about your emotions and let human's nature for survival guide you.
As Takashi makes his decision, we hear a hunting melody that is familiar to 28 Days Later's theme "In the House .In a Heartbeat". This melody alone gave me chills as Takashi finally makes his decision. It was a great way to pay homage to another zombie inspired story. The Ending credits interrupt the tension and again we hear Jpop theme music. At my surprise, the episode wasn't even over yet. As the ending theme plays, the scenes fads into the roof top where our final two characters exchange words.
HSotD is a great addition to already over saturated genre. I haven't seen an anime series tackle this genre without any gimmicks. They don't use traditional scares, but scares one might have if you lose faith in humanity. Personally I love that they use a more traditional zombie that George A. Romero has created. You feel the tension when the characters are surrounded by two or three zombies. The pace of the episode is well done, you get a sense of character development in short amount of time, and makes you wanting more after it ends. If you're a huge zombie fan like me, then this series is for you, but if you think zombies are overdone by today's mainstream, I would still recommend you to give this a shot before you kill it.