[PGSM] My 2 cents (warning very long)
RRViper
For anyone who reading this, be warned that this e-mail is long. As anyone
whose read my writhing in a.h.s-m. in the Storytellers items, you'll know
that I can type a lot. So in case you've got time to kill, you may want to
try this at a later time.
Now that's out of the way, let's get started.
I'm going to start off with my opinions of the characters themselves, who
played them, and just general opinions. Also I think I'll give general
reviews of the Super Dance Lesson, and Kirai Super Live.
I think we all agree that we as fans of Sailor Moon we had high expectations
of the show and in my case, I wondered how it would turn out, which was why
I held off for a lot longer than I should of. Even though I know this is
way after the fact but since I believe in "Better Late than Never".
So "Here We Go" (sorry about the bad pun, but I couldn't resist):
Miyu Sawai plays Sailor Moon/Usagi Tsukino, and overall I thought the roll
was played well. I think of Usagi as our lovable klutz, a little cry
babyish, always late, and pretty na�ve, not to mention able to pack more
food away then the rest of the senshi put together (including the Outers and
Starlights). With live action, Miyu eating the way Usagi does wouldn't
allow her to keep her figure long, so that was minimized, as was her
klutziness unless she bumped into someone as part of the story (as with
Marmoru among others). Her naivet� was brought up a lot during the show,
although not always her fault, as the other senshi kept enough secrets from
her as part of the plotline. I was also glad to see that they kept her
tardiness as well. However, she was believable, and effective when being
around other characters, befriending them, putting them at ease, and in the
case of Mio Kroki, a willingness to forgive even those who did her wrong.
If Mio did half the crap to almost any other Senshi, she'd be planted on her
behind.
The verbal battles with Marmoru were about the same as the anime I enjoyed
the verbal battle when they finally introduce themselves by reading their
name badges.
It took me a long time to get used to her not having the blonde hair and
odangos of Usagi that I know from the anime. As Sailor Moon, it looked
right overall. The transformation sequence sort of worked for me; however
the costume, the stances, and overall movements as Sailor Moon were about
what I expected. By "almost", the costume was about dead on to what I
expected, the stances and battle phrases worked for me overall, but I
expected a little more fear from her in her first battles other than Act 1,
at least until she got used to the powers more.
As Princess Sailor Moon, I've got 1 word for you: W-O-W. Talk about an
exact opposite of Usagi. Confident, unforgiving, cold, calculating, and raw
power made for an impressive (and deadly) combination. It made me wonder if
some of the scenes Miyu did as Usagi had to be redone in order to prepare
the shock value for the audience when Princess Sailor Moon finally arrived.
Overall I loved how Miyu played the role, and with all the aspects of it did
a great job.
Chisaki Hama plays Ami Mizuno/Sailor Mercury. Introvert doesn't even begin
to describe this character. This version is Ami is primarily interested in
the simple approval of her mother and to become a doctor, but as a loner,
she desperately wants friendship, but then doesn't really know how to handle
it when it becomes available through Usagi. During the series, she does
become more confident, especially after the Dark Sailor Mercury arc. The
scenes with Naru and Ami were nice to see some confidence building as well.
Although my only question is why her glasses weren't around more often. She
looked good in them.
I found it interesting that they did decide to go into her back-story more
than in the anime. The episodes with her mother were interesting to watch
when Ami finally chose to make a stand.
As Sailor Mercury, her transformation sequence was one of the rare times you
actually got to see that beautiful smile of hers, and I was hoping to see it
more often in the show, but no such luck. And I loved the evil grin she got
to do before the first Dark Sailor Mercury transformation; you just knew
something bad was about to happen. In fact, I was hoping that after the arc
was over it would help out with later battles and confidence in everyday
life.
Getting to the Sailor Mercury uniform, I'm not sure where to begin here. I
like the wig's design but was it just me or is it too light in color. As
for the uniform, the uniform seemed to fit rightly in the early episodes but
seemed odd in later episodes. Maybe it was just me. The attacks where ehh;
The Aqua Mist and Aqua Storm I didn't buy it all, although her creations of
swords and her use of them as well countered that problem, although I'll
just chalk the regular attacks to problems with the special effects. The
Dark Sailor Mercury uniform was to say the least interesting and combined
with the attitude used made for a frightening combo. I have to admit
though; I was expecting her visor to appear sooner or later and was
disappointed when it didn't show.
Overall, the performance was good, but the attacks needed some work, but
Mercury is usually a defender for a majority of the attacks in the anime and
let the other Senshi do the damage, so I wonder if it was good idea to stray
from that. I also wondered if Chisaki found the role difficult to do.
For Raye Hino/Sailor Mars, it was acted by Keiko Kitagawa. I think Keiko
enjoyed the role, and it showed through her work. As Raye, she looked and
acted the part; in fact probably out of all 5 actresses who played senshi,
Keiko would win my vote as "Actress who looks most like their anime
counterpart."
The storyline here was also interesting. Loner due to a choice other than
her own (namely her father) and growing up alone, trust is a word that is
not in Raye's dictionary.
Even when she became a Senshi, she wanted little to nothing to do with Usagi
or Ami, and was more than willing to be at odds with the others when she
felt right to do so.
The relationship with Usagi differs from the anime; Raye doesn't get into
the 1-Upmanship with Usagi, but rather sticks to her guns, no matter who it
ticks off, Makoto and Minako in particular. However, Raye does show that
she does care in her own way. Actually the main bonding with Raye looked to
be more with Minako, as the best way I can describe it is friendly rivals.
It did make me wonder if anyone at the temple watched over her, since there's
no Grandpa in the picture. I doubt her father did, and the scenes that
were shown between them were "car wreck" material to me in the fact that you
felt bad watching them fight it out, but you couldn't tear yourself away
from it. Add to the fact Raye doesn't show much emotion normally that when
she does is like a dam bursting and the floodwaters laying waste to
anything. And the scenes after Raye finding out the results of Minako from
Artemis.again, wow. Let me put it this way: it takes a lot to get me to
tear up and it even got me.
As Sailor Mars, this was one I had a love/hate relationship with; loved the
attacks, hated the uniform with the hair. The "Youma Taisan" looked like it
could do damage, and her talismans from being a priestess were a welcome
sight. The Burning Mandala looked pretty darn cool, and it was too bad that
it came so late in the series. As for the uniform, it didn't seem balanced
with the body. I don't know if there was extra hair involved or the ribbon
looked out of place, but something bugged me about it. The transformation
sequence was believable though, and smooth, in fact I buy it more than Usagi's
or Ami's.
Keiko overall did a great job as Raye, and pretty good as Sailor Mars.
Myu Azuma played the role of Makoto Kino/Sailor Jupiter. Like Raye, Makoto
is also let alone due to the deaths of her parents, as well as other people
leaving her during her life, but it doesn't turn her cold like it seems to
do to Raye. Determined, yes, but not hard-hearted. Even when Usagi meets
up with her is almost straight out the anime, but even while guarded Makoto
is friendly towards Usagi. So in a way, Makoto is more of a loner due to
her reputation and due to her belief that no one wants to stay with her
where Raye is a loner more by choice. I thought Myu did a good job showing
how to be a tomboy and be feminine by not being feminine. The scenes with
Motoki were great in drawing out Makoto, and it was nice to see her start to
like him. I loved the scene where Makoto's idea of remodeling involved a
sledgehammer. And tell me you didn't want to give her a hug after she was
out in the rain in Act 6.
As for the bond with Usagi, Makoto was willing to help out Usagi whether if
it was involving homework, training, or going so far as being Usagi when
needed.
The Sailor Jupiter transformation sequence is probably my favorite of the
bunch; everything matches up, no wasted movement, no awkward movements, and
hey, I miss the little part the Makoto in the anime wears the ponytail. My
only complaint is I wish the hair were longer in the ponytail, but oh well.
The pose at the end with lightning all around looks great too, so great job
on the special effects there. As for attacks, the Supreme Thunder again is
a hit; it's believable in doing damage. The Flower Hurricane was ehh, hard
to buy and I was glad I didn't see it too much.
Overall I'd say Makoto other than Usagi changed the most during the series,
and the results were nice to see, and it's nice to see Makoto actually have
a chance at love for once. ^_^
When all that's said and done, I thought Myu did wonderfully as both Makoto
and Sailor Jupiter.
Last, but not least is Ayaka Komatsu as Minako Aino/Sailor Venus. Of all
the Senshi characters, this was the one that had the biggest makeover.
Anime Minako wants to be an idol, and her personality would be one I call
light and bubbly overall, which made her a great match with Usagi. This
Minako is solemn, detached, and sulky, even when she's playing the idol
role. It makes me wonder how she remains popular. Originally, I did not
see Act Zero before the rest of the series so I was surprised when hearing
how Minako knew Usagi was Sailor Moon (and how Tuxedo Kamen knew who Sailor
Venus was for that matter). Of all the Senshi, while everyone but Usagi
could be described as loners, Minako is a loner by her own choosing. Part
of it may be due to her illness, part of it gaining her Senshi powers first,
her memories and duties of her past, or all of the above. Even Usagi has a
hard time getting Minako to like her, although it may be due to being star
struck in her presence, and the fact that Minako believes Usagi is not
Sailor material.
One note I want to put in though: remember that Minako was primarily a
protector, i.e. a warrior in her past life, and was the first to gain her
Sailor Powers. Usagi was not brought up as a warrior, and of the 5 while
she may be the unofficial leader, Usagi has the least battle experience
mentally due to the lack of hardships when compared to the other 4.
What peaked my interest was the whole Minako-Rei battle throughout the
series. While at odds over whether the past has control over the present,
the two butt heads over everything. Now Minako brings Raye into her world
as a "punishment," then is annoyed when Raye takes over various things in a
game of 1-Upsmanship. Although when it comes to a head in the game show
with everyone else jumping into the fray, it is nice to see Minako laugh and
smile for once.
Another twist was the whole Princess thing. The series went on for a while
giving you the belief that Venus was the Princess until it was revealed that
Usagi was the Princess. Although the demeanor that Minako played right into
that belief, and for that I was impressed.
Notice though while everyone calls each other by their regular name when
they're transformed, Minako sticks to their Sailor names. In a way I liked
that; keep in mind you're fighting the enemy in disguise, so why would you
say your name of who you are?
The transformation for Venus is interesting, athletic, but it didn't get my
attention very much. However, Ayaka dressed as Sailor Venus was dead on. I
thought it was the most accurate of the bunch, and if Sailor Venus of the
anime went into real flesh and blood, you'd get this version. As for
abilities, her usual attack even though unnamed was probably close to the
Crescent Beam attack of the anime, and the Venus Love Me Chain worked as
expected, so in that aspect, I thought the Venus character was well that out
and Ayaka made it work.
I suppose I should mention Minako's death scene a little bit. Yes all the
signs were being shown, including the long walk in the white corridor, but I
was hoping that I was wrong, which wasn't the case. The whole setup was
affective, and kudos to the writers for setting this one up. All I can say
is if you didn't feel a bit sad about that letter scene, I'm betting you
never saw it.
At the end though Ayaka had to run the viewer through just about every
emotion in the book, which I'd expect would be difficult for any actress.
And while her role differed greatly from the Minako I know and love, I felt
she did an excellent job with both.
With the senshi covered let's turn to our other allies:
So let's begin with Marmoru Chiba/Tuxedo Kamen/Prince Endymion/Metaria
Endymion, played by Jouji Shibue. Sailor Moon's guardian, a jewel thief,
and all around mystery man, Jouji covered a lot of ground. As Mamrou, an
amnesiac who's trying to find himself, it's interesting as I said earlier
the verbal battles with Usagi. Yet when he finds out by accident Usagi is
Sailor Moon, he also realizes how much she cares for him and him for her.
The twist here is of course is Hina, Mamoru's childhood friend and fianc�.
This made for an interesting story plot for quite a while.
As Tuxedo Kamen, no roses to play with this time, but his ever present cane
worked well, and while I'm glad I didn't have to see his transformation
sequence, the corny version in the extras was more than enough to see. As
Prince Endymion, the knight costume looked great on him, and his ability
with a sword was realistic enough. His death scenes were good as well.
Overall Marmoru was possibly the character that changed the least of all the
"good guys," and Jouji played it well.
Finally we have Luna, a combination of a stuffed animal, a cgi creation, and
later on, a knowledgeable girl with a liking of various toys who can turn
into a Senshi as well. Played by Rina Koike, in a way she plays the roles of
mentor, fighter, and a little comedy relief thrown in there. Is it just me
or did the writers combine the characters of Luna and Chibi-Usa together to
make Luna for the live action? There are quite a few similarities here.
Overall, Rina played the part well.
General thoughts:
The good guys: Overall I liked them, and a great job was done by all.
The bad guys: I'll go into them in detail another time, but even though
they were "evil" I couldn't find myself hating them. Beryl and the Shittenou
were a joy to watch in action. In fact, the only one I actually loathed was
Mio Kuroki throughout the entire series and the only one I was glad was
destroyed in the Special Act
The others: It was nice to see that Naru and Motoki playing larger roles in
the show.
For the Super Dance Lesson:
Did anyone notice during "C'est La Vie" there were a few mistakes? I think
Venus was a little early on one of the windmill parts early in the act, and
you can see Jupiter clearly out of sync going into the closing. Probably the
biggest one though may have been done by Mercury at the middle of the
closing by starting late, and you could see the quick expression on her face
she knew it too.
The scene switches to the Karaoke Room, where Luna tries her dancing moves
without much luck. Bring on Usagi and Makoto to help out, which lead into
"Here We Go," one of Usagi's character songs, and Makoto and Luna show how
to do some of the moves for it.
After that, we switch to "Romance," one of Minako's character songs, but it's
Usagi showing the steps. Switch back to Makoto, Usagi, and Luna to dance
for us.
After that it's transformation time! Sailor Moon, Sailor Jupiter, and
Sailor Luna appear for Kirari Sailor Dream. However they don't show us how
to do the moves for this one.
For Kirai Sailor Live:
Man I would've liked to be there in person for that one, but ahh well.
The show opens up with five Senshi hidden in the shadows dancing to "Kirari
Sailor Dream -Memorial Instrumental Mix." When I was digging through old
messages, someone had mentioned that they were different than our original
actresses. I'm inclined to agree, assuming especially that not much time
passes between the end of the dance and the start of the first play scene
(about 45 seconds). However I didn't see any mistakes done during the
scene.
Enter Usagi, who as usual is running incredibly late. She exits and Raye,
Makoto, and Ami appear, telling us why Usagi is late. Minako appears as
well and the four leave together. As they leave, Usagi appears again in a
change of clothes, talks to the crowd, and heads out the other side. She
reappears first and the rest join her on stage.
I especially like the dirty look Makoto got from Raye when she said her line
about Sailor Venus. Note: This show takes place before Usagi knew that
Minako was Sailor Venus.
Ami notices the audience and everyone gets involved in a wave or two before
starting the first song, "C'est La Vie." You may notice Raye had a misstep
getting into position for the beginning of the second verse.
Next come the introductions, which leads into the second song with Raye and
Ami, "Sakura Fubuki," one of Raye's character songs. Looked flawless to me,
and each of them got a few waves to the kids on the audience as well.
They exit and Makoto and Usagi take their place for "Here We Go," one of
Usagi's character songs. Both have changed clothes for this one as well.
High energy for this one, and the crowd was in it as well. I didn't see any
missteps in this one either.
Usagi leaves and Raye and Minako to join Makoto for "Katagoshi ni Kinsei,"
one of Minako's character songs." Raye and Minako have also had a change in
clothes for this one. Overall very nice. Notice that they keep the pace
between quick and slow songs.
Which brings up "Romance," with Usagi, Ami, and Minako, and this is Minako's
other character song. Ami's had her change of clothes. Minako got caught
on a wave to the crowd and missed the motion on the 2nd verse.
The only note I was wondering here was why there weren't character songs
from Ami or Makoto. I'm guessing time constraints more than anything else.
We're about 36 minutes in and for a change of pace (or due to the ladies
needing a break, change of clothes, etc), it's the men's turn for some
action. The Shittenou arrive on the scene, Kunzite from the front row to a
huge round of applause, Nephrite about a third of the way up on the far left
(probably from the door behind him), and how Jadeite got about up about
three-quarters of the way to the middle of nowhere without being announced
was pretty good, even under the cover of darkness. Believing that Sailor
Moon is near, they come up with the idea to collect the energy from the
theater and also force her out into the open. They play with the crowd, and
the crowd is more than happy to play back at them. It's fun how all of them
work the crowd, and Kunzite chews out Nephrite and Jadeite in the process.
Zoisite also appears; playing an imaginary piano in his usual classical
music disappears and reappears with a little toy piano, which he then
proceeds to play music from other Japanese shows.
My note: I didn't get the joke behind this one, but if anyone knows the
reasons why the songs chosen here let me know.
Eventually the four decide a hostage needs to be taken in order to draw
Sailor Moon out, and Nephrite gets to do the deed. Some in the crowd
volunteer, but Nephrite chooses a little girl, who starts crying, poor
thing. Finally to get the plot moving again, Tuxedo Kamen arrives! Kunzite
makes notice in regards that he's supposed to be in London to the laughs of
the crowd. Tuxedo Kamen replies he's come back to save the audience and the
battle ensues under some cover of darkness with him winning this round. The
Shittenou retreat for now, and Tuxedo Kamen says he'll watch from the
shadows over the vent, leaving to a good amount of applause from the
audience.
Next we have Luna appearing, looking for the Sailor Senshi and getting
sidetracked for a minute while playing with a ball that appeared.
Introducing herself, she starts up "Sweet Little Resistance," complete with
8 Mini-Senshi. Overall, it was a great job that they did, and I can only
guess how much practice they had to put in to pull that one off. As the
song ends, Luna waves goodbye to them all, only to have Jadeite come in from
behind and capture her.
Sae appears, calling out to the Senshi in order to tell them what happened.
When they don't appear, she decides to use some stronger power, launching
into "Kirai Sailor Dream." Personally I like her singing it then in the
opening where the Senshi add their voices. Maybe for the Senshi it doesn't
fit their comfort zone *shrug*
With a familiar cry, Sailor Luna appears, much to the surprise of the
Shittenou who follow, and Luna gets a few licks before getting caught. My
only question is where did Luna hide that fan, unless it was Velcro or
something like that to the back of her uniform. Before anything drastic
happens, Tuxedo Kamen also appears, and Kunzite decides revenge is better,
almost striking Tuxedo Kamen you hear Usagi calling from the dark, and with
their battle cries, the Sailor Senshi appear on the scene. Under some cover
of darkness, the battle begins with each Senshi getting into a 1 on 1
against the Shittenou. Mercury gets Kunzite with the Aqua Mist, Mars gets
Jadeite with the Youma Taisan, Jupiter gets Nephrite with Supreme Thunder,
and Venus gets Zoisite with the Love Me Chain. Afterwards, the four join
with Sailor Moon for their group attack with the Sailor Star Tambos,
banishing the Shittenou from the stage.
It's convenient that Luna didn't stray too far as she picks up all the
weapons, leaving the Senshi free to do their next song, "Friend." The
location Mars had at about the second half of the song was too far stage
right, and it threw the balance off. Mars also had a slight glitch when
starting her hand wave a little early. Moon after the slight solo might have
been about a step or two too far to the right, as the balance looked off
again. Other than that it was quite nice.
Time to wrap things up. It's a finish with "Kirai Sailor Dream," where the
Senshi start with the first verse, and Luna brings Sae out to take over for
the rest of the song. I think Mercury maybe have ended up too far stage
left; the spotlight behind her basically blinds her out of the shot.
Between the second and third verse, Tuxedo Kamen and the Shittenou join the
group and the party continues. Afterwards, we get a lot of waves and thanks
as the curtain finally closes.
Final thoughts: not a perfect performance, but the crowd was entertained,
and nothing that caused any major problems. A good performance done by all,
and I'd sit down and see it again.