Anime Reviews: Angel Beats

Hey Guys! I'm Back! Today we are going to experience our first anime review! For this review, I have selected none other than the amazing Angel Beats. I decided to review an anime that I had just recently (3-4 weeks) watched. No doubt my favourite animes that I have watched (I have about 15-30 under my belt. Still fairly new to the scene) have been 1. Clannad+After Story, 2. Gurren Lagann, 3.Code Geass and potentially Hellsing Ultimate (watching it right now). I would like to get more used to writing reviews and perhaps even re-watch these animes again, before reviewing them, because honestly they deserve it. I don't want to take anything from Angel Beats though, because honestly it was very well thought out. I don't know how this is going to look but, I going to point out what I see as the biggest flaw, right away in the first paragraph. It was too short...!!!Now then onto the review.

Genre: Drama, Action, Comedy
Episodes: 13

Steve: Hello Bob.
Bob: Hey Steve. How are you doing?
Steve: Not bad, You?
Bob: Pretty good. Say, do you mind if I kill you with this gun? (takes out a gun)
Steve: Nahh. No problem. I'm just going to be reborn into different world
*Both start laughing
Both: hahahahahhahhaHAHahahahahahahaHAHA
Bob: Yeah, right. (shoots Steve three times.) Well that was fun.

Though not really related to the show at all, it does have a little to do with it. The basic concept is that when you are killed you end up in some sort of different world similar to Earth. Basically the story starts off with a young man who wakes up in a weird world and doesn't remember anything. He soon encounters Yurippe (Yuri) who informs him that he is dead and is now DEAD (lol I accidentally clicked the Caps Lock at the perfect time, so I'm leaving it in.) and that he cannot die anymore. She informs him that she is the leader of the Afterlife Battlefront, a group of teenagers similar to him who are fighting a war to defy and defeat God. As if things couldn't get any worse, suddenly a short white hair girl appears. Yuri says that she is the representation or servant of God in this world and she gives this being the name of Angel. Still not willing to believe that he is dead, he rushes in to confront Angel. After a few words on both ends, the man is frustrated and asks her to kill him. So... she does. Hours later, he wakes up in a hospital bed. Dying (hehe) to find out what in the flipping hell is going on, he goes to where he suspects to be the Battlefront. There he finds them, and they explain that they are leading a rebellion against God. Still thinking they are crazy, he starts to leave. But, then they warn him that though he can't die, if he gets near Angel he will be obliterated. With no choice, he joins the Battlefront. Finally all he has to do is tell them his name. He vaguely remembers his name to be Otonashi and thus the story to thwart God begins.

Story and Plot:

This section is divided into 2 sections: Story and Plot. Story: 5 points, Plot 15 points for a total  of 20 points.

Story: Focus on the actual story and what the main goal is.

Plot: Focus on the development of events and characters

Story:

There shouldn't be too many spoilers in this section. (I hope) The story of taking revenge against God is an odd one, but it works. The show has many characters and once again the biggest flaw is not being able to explore the lives of many of the characters, whether liked or not. Having said that, this section is for the story only and I think the story is pretty original and highly intriguing, though not the most realistic. Then again if I was looking for something realistic, I might as well give up anime all together. Am I right?

Score: 3.9/5

Plot:

When we look at the plot and advancement of the story and  character arc/stories, we see 2 different sides. One side is filled with twists and turns (though not always the best ) and the other lacks much detail. I am of course talking of the story and characters in that order. Like many 13-episode animes, the plot seems rushed and every episode seems to leave the viewer with unanswered questions. Starting the second episode is another intro to some of the characters. It's not until the third episode that we uncover some of the true problems of the story. The plot is changed when the mysteries behind some characters are revealed. Revealing some characters to be truly good or evil. While the final few episodes are a struggle to defeat this evil and lead to a heart-breakingly good last episode and ending. While none of the plot twists are absolutely crazy, like SAO (Sword Art Online) they, or unexpected, they are enough to keep the plot interesting. (I almost typed consistent there.) The plot is not really consistent with the introduction of some characters, but it does do a good job of introducing a new character and then not making the a scarecrow the rest of the group afterwards. The plot is littered with many jokes and a lot of comedic displays. An example could be one of the more main characters (Important enough to get his back story covered), Hinata, always to Otonashi weirdly. 

Otonashi: Thanks a lot man, you're a life saver!

Hinata: Ahh. No problem. To be honest I think I'm actually pretty fond of you. (winks)

Otonashi: Are you gay?

Hinata: No way!

This is a running joke throughout the show and gets to be a really funny one at times. Also, if this doesn't tickle your fancy, than how about students getting launching into the ceiling with rocket boosted chairs. Finally, if that doesn't satisfy you, how about scenes of characters dying off one by one in the overclichéd epic fashion of save yourselves/go on without me. Yep, this series comedic effect is great and one of the bigger highlights of the show. As for the dramatic part of the story, the story has many dramatic parts to discover. Once again these parts will involve people sadly (or maybe not sadly?) being obliterated at the end of their story arcs. These parts are dramatic and touching, but are only present at these times. I didn't really feel any real emotions for many of the characters until they were introduced and had their arc end tragically or happily in the same episode. (In which when it ended happily/semi-happily, they just became a random supporting character.) Which brings us back to the biggest flaw of it being too short. The plot feels rushed and many twists feel out of place and many, many characters are not developed enough.

Overall it is a averagely advanced plot, but has a lot of great comedic moments, with a few powerful and enjoyable dramatic scenes. (Including the ending)

Score: 12.4/15

Animation and Sound:

To be completely honest, this is probably my worst department. When watching an anime I don't really pay much attention to the animation or sound of the anime. Ahh, who cares, onto the review.

Animation: 10 points, Sound 10 points for a total of 20.

Animation:

 The animation is done by P.A. Works and Aniplex. What does this mean? I really don't know. Shows you how much I know about companies that make anime. Anyways, while watching the relatively new (2010) anime, I didn't notice anything bad about the animation. I feel like the animation was crisp and cool and they did a good job animating some of the battle scenes. What I really liked about the animation was when they changed settings, let's say they go to the roof, there would be a short red banner at the bottom stating where they were. This was a fun addition that really gave it a weird but good feeling to the whole show. The animation with the band, "Girls Dead Monsters", is very well done, with many colours and a true feeling of a concert. Finally the ending is very well animated, with much of the setting really helping with the atmosphere of the events.

Overall: There is really much to say except, well executed and and colourful and lively.
Score: 9.1/10

Sound:

Sound. This series is known for having perhaps one of the greatest soundtracks in anime history. And I can't lie the music in this show is superb. I liked many of the songs in the show including the amazing opening, the songs from Girls Dead Monsters, and of course the ending and closing songs. The voice acting. Generally I really don't mind the voice acting in a dub. Though recently I've begun to notice what real bad voice acting is. Having said that, I have only watched this in the dub and I find terrible voice acting to speak of. A lot of the characters have fitting voices; though some might be somewhat annoying.

Overall: This series' soundtrack definitely deserves mention as one of the best and the voicing is pretty good and without much flaw.
Score: 9.3/10

Characters:

Generally speaking, the characters in a series are what keeps the audience engaged and watching a series. If presented well, it gives the audience somewhat to connect. This series' biggest flaw comes back to haunt it in all its glory: The series was too short. Many of the characters' stories were very well explained and thought out, but the problem is only a few are explained. Out of the about 15 or so more important Battlefront members only a few of them actually get there story explained. Some of the characters-T.K. for example- never get there pasts explained.This is frustrating, because of the many personalities and different possibilities of pasts that could have been explored. This becomes increasingly frustrating as the show moves into the final few episodes. I will let you guys figure this out yourselves. Otherwise, those with there pasts explained  are very warm stories and stay true to the plot of the show. (Especially the last episode and ending)

Overall: There isn't too much to say about many of the characters, as they aren't really developed at all. But, those who do have story lines or sub arcs have relevant and entertaining content to offer.

Favourite Female Character: Shiina and Yuri (Cuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuu-te)

Favourite Male Character: Matsushita the Fifth

Least Favourite Character: Ooyama

Score:15.6/20

Enojyment:

Ahhh, my favourite section a review. The Enjoyment. This is where my personal opinion is reflected the most. This is truly the most important part of the anime. How much you enjoyed it. This section may be lengthy or short, who knows? All I know is that this part is worth a juicy, tender, sizzling, mouth-watering, 30 points.

I thoroughly enjoyed much of this anime. This is the section where this series and I would think 13 episode series would shine the most. Usually in 13 episode series, many plot elements are revealed and character development are revealed in each and every episode. Cliffhangers are a must in these series. This series was very entertaining with me wanting to come back for more every time. 

The comedy was very well executed and many interesting characters were introduced. It was an extremely entertaining 13 episodes, with 2 exceptions being that I wanted a sequel and some of the backgrounds of some of the characters. The lack of this character development proves costly in watching the last few episodes. Some of the events prove to be anti-climactic. While probably not a good idea, I would like to see a sequel. I feel like they left just enough in the end that they could potentially make a sequel. (Heck, they already announced a Code Geass R3, so why not try and make another Angel Beats. Similar concepts...Kinda) Maybe they could make some OVAs with some stories for the other characters, that would certainly be epic.

Overall: Very interesting in almost every way, but still missing some character development.

Score: 27.7/30

Ending:

Ahhh! At least we have coming to the ending. This section is worth 10 point and without looking deeply into the individual aspects of it, I would give it a 10. But, that would be unprofessional, so let's go onto the review.

The ending is very well executed and makes a lot of sense. I felt like it was very touching and really did well to explain the bigger questions that appear in the later episodes. I feel like the ending put a pretty good wrap on a great series, but the tiny 20 seconds extra really teased me and made me want more for the series. Anyways, I won't spoil anything and might is well stop it here, just in case a spoil anything else.
This is what I thought, until I looked back on it. Looking back, I found that this ending introduced a huge plot whole that really wasn't coherent with the rest of the show. I still feel the powerful ending, but I must give it a lower score for this sole reason. Actually, I think I'm giving a higher score than others might have. There a re seriously those who hate it because of the ending. I just feel that if the beginning was changed to accommodate the ending it could have been much better.
Overall: An excellent closing for an excellent series, until you re-think it a bit.
Score: 7/10

Final Score:

Score: 3.9/5

Score: 12.4/15

Score: 9.1/10
Score: 9.3/10
Score:15.6/20
Score: 27.7/30
Score: 7/10

Total: 85/100

Overall, this was a great series with a lot going for it. I definitely recommend watching it! Feel free to leave comments here and discuss what you thought about the series and maybe even this review. Anyways, look forward to my next anime review that includes the "Flaming Haired Blazing Eyed Hunter", hopefully coming out this month. As always, don't forget to vote in all of my polls and Comment, Follow, Enjoy and CYA!