I’m so sorry it’s taken so long to post this! I was simultaneously bitten by lethargic and busy bugs, and I haven’t been writing at all. But let’s have fun exploring what I did in January!
As par the usual, this is how I rate things!
- No redeeming qualities whatsoever visually, aesthetically, or as a story.
- It was so boring I could barely pay attention, or it frustrated me SO much I couldn’t finish.
- I had a headache, but I somehow made it through. This is also a category for when I absolutely DESPISE something I’ve watched or read.
- I could make fun of it. . . because of how bad it is or it lacked anything of real merit of substance.
- It’s not good, it’s not bad. It’s just blah.
- There were various interesting aspects, but nothing to really gush about.
- A solid story. Good characters, plot, and visuals. However, it’s not amazing.
- I genuinely enjoyed watching/reading it. I could see/read it again with friends.
- A great experience! As a film/show, it is visually stunning and has an incredible story that I could go back to multiple times. As a book, I could do the same.
- Near Perfect (nothing is perfect.) It has become one of my favorites. I could also write entire articles on it.
Movies
Wallace and Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl (2025) 8/10
Gromit’s concern that Wallace has become over-dependent on his inventions proves justified, when Wallace invents a “smart gnome” that seems to develop a mind of its own. As events spiral out of control, it falls to Gromit to put aside his qualms and battle sinister forces – or Wallace may never be able to invent again.
Synopsis via IMBD
This was a pleasant watch! I’m not a mega-fan of Wallace and Gromit, but I enjoy watching their movies occasionally. This particular movie was much needed because it helped me somewhat recover from the plethora of garbage coming out from Hollywood lately.
This truly felt like a Wallace and Gromit movie. Its story is straightforward, its humor is dry and witty, and its characters as enduring as they’ve ever been. Its animation was also quite impressive! I loved the boat chase and clever camera shots scattered throughout the movie.
I highly recommend watching this if you like the other Wallace and Gromit films or stop-motion animation.
Wallace and Gromit: Curse of the Wererabbit (2004) 8/10
It’s ‘vege-mania’ in Wallace and Gromit’s neighborhood, and our two enterprising chums are cashing in with their humane pest-control outfit, “Anti-Pesto.” With only days to go before the annual Giant Vegetable Competition, business is booming, but Wallace & Gromit are finding out that running a “humane” pest control outfit has its drawbacks as their West Wallaby Street home fills to the brim with captive rabbits. Suddenly, a huge, mysterious, veg-ravaging “beast” begins attacking the town’s sacred vegetable plots at night, and the competition hostess, Lady Tottington, commissions Anti-Pesto to catch it and save the day.
Synopsis via IMBD
This was a lovely watch after so many years! I probably last saw this 10 or so years ago when I compared it to Howl’s Moving Castle. I’m not a super-duper fan of this movie, but it has some impressive animation! For example, the bunny transformation took ages to perfect and looked fantastic!
A Grand Day Out With Wallace and Gromit (1989) 7/10
A Bank Holiday is coming up and Wallace and his dog Gromit are looking for something to do. Their plans are interrupted when they discover that they are out of cheese. In a moment of inspiration, Wallace decides to combine the two and travel to a natural source of cheese: the moon.
Synopsis via IMBD
The lack of nostalgia made this somewhat hard to truly enjoy, but I loved it for what it was! Stop-motion animation was still rather janky in the 1980s, so this was a wonderful step forward! My favorite part was when the machine on the moon could go skiing using the bits of metal left behind after Wallace and Gromit left.
Wallace and Gromit: The Wrong Trousers (1993) 8.5/10
Plasticine animation of Wallace and Gromit, inventors of all manner of useful devices. Gromit (a dog) finds himself being pushed out of his room and home by a new lodger who is actually a ruthless criminal (and a small penguin). The penguin is planning a robbery and needs to use Wallace and his mechanical remote controlled trousers to pull off the raid. However, Gromit is wise to the penguin and comes to the rescue.—Rob Hartill
Synopsis via IMBD
I loved watching this short! The penguin’s disguises were super clever, and the camera shots of Wallace going up the building impressed me. I also think this short pairs SUPER well with the new film.
Wallace and Gromit: A Close Shave (1995) 8/10
When Wallace and Gromit go over to wash windows, Wallace falls in love with a wool store owner named Wendolene. Meanwhile, Gromit is framed for killing sheep and is put in jail. So with help from the sheep flock and Wendolene, Wallace must get him out of prison.—Mike-2000
Synopsis via IMBD
So much murder! Well, sheep murder. This is also the first time Wallace falls in love with some random woman. I think he’s cursed to be a bachelor forever. That aside, the bulldog/robot villain was quite a twist for me! If anything, these Wallace and Gromit movies are NOT boring.
Wallace & Gromit: A Matter of Loaf and Death (2008) 9/10
Wallace and Gromit have a brand new business. The conversion of 62 West Wallaby Street is complete and impressive, the whole house is now a granary with ovens and robotic kneading arms. Huge mixing bowls are all over the place and everything is covered with a layer of flour. On the roof is a ‘Wallace patent-pending’ old-fashioned windmill. The transformation is perfect. Although business is booming, Gromit is concerned by the news that 12 local bakers have ‘disappeared’ this year – but Wallace isn’t worried. He’s too distracted and ‘dough-eyed’ in love with local beauty and bread enthusiast, Piella Bakewell, to be of much help.
Synopsis via IMBD
I’m going to be honest. I was way too invested in Gromit’s love story with the poodle. It’s a good thing it sort of worked out. Also, that crazy blond chick murdering hapless bakers was super hilarious! Her timely death falling with the balloon made me cry. . . from laughing!
Nausicaa of Valley of the Wind (1984) 8/10
Set one thousand years from now, the Earth is ravaged by pollution and war. In the Valley of the Wind lives Nausicaä, Princess of her people. Their land borders on a toxic jungle, filled with dangerous over-sized insects. Meanwhile, two nearby nations are bitterly engaged in a war and the Valley of the Wind is stuck in the middle.—grantss
Synopsis via IMBD
Honest to goodness, I do love this movie. However, it is not as good as the manga. This is NOT Miyazaki’s or his animators’ fault. The manga came out AFTER the movie was out and was drawn meticulously by Miyazaki. For the early 1980s, though, this is an impressive feat of animation. I especially loved watching the Om’s animation.
Transformers ONE (2024) 8/10
The untold origin story of Optimus Prime and Megatron, better known as sworn enemies, but who once were friends bonded like brothers who changed the fate of Cybertron forever.
Synopsis via IMBD
No surprise to me; this was a great movie! It is high time that Transformers fans got a good movie for their franchise. That said, I’m not much of a Gundam or mecha fan. I’ve tried, but (as I’ve said before) Sci-fi is the second hardest genre for me to get into.
My favorite scene was when Optimus Prime meets the other primes in the core and has his vision! The fight scenes were also quite impressive. What stood out to me the most animation-wise was the lighting. Goodness, I never thought I would think a Transformers movie is beautiful.
Shows
Blue Box (2025) 7/10
Taiki Inomata, a third-year student in junior high, attends Eimei Academy, an integrated school with a major sports program. Having joined the high school badminton team, Taiki tries to attend open practice as early as possible. But no matter how early he goes, he always arrives second in the gymnasium. The person one step ahead of him is Chinatsu Kano, a first-year student in senior high and Taiki’s crush. Chinatsu is the rising star of the basketball team, and the gap between her and Taiki could not be greater. Although Taiki is a decent badminton player, his popularity is nowhere near Chinatsu’s, making it even less likely for his feelings to be reciprocated. However, in a strange twist of fate, she ends up living in Taiki’s house.
Synopsis via IMBD
Honestly, I watched this because I like the manga. But. . . the backgrounds and janky 3D animation were too distracting. I hate the new trend in anime where they 3D render the backgrounds to cut on time. They don’t look good. Because I’ve trained myself to look past the main action, I noticed really quickly the animators cut corners.
The story is good, though! But read the manga instead. It’s basically this show without all the distractions.
Animaniacs (2020) 9/10
Animaniacs is reborn: the 2020 reboot of the classic series brings the Warner Brothers and Warner Sister Dot to the world of online-streaming. Keeping the spirit of its quirky predecessor alive, Animaniacs has been brought back for a new generation of animation aficionados.—Johnny
Synopsis via IMBD
I think this show is funny and nostalgic! I don’t have much more to say about it because I’ve talked about it many times.
Use For My Talent (2021) 7/10
Gu Ren Qi has a closed up personality and mysophobia. Shuang lost her mother in a car accident, and became a lonely person. The two became closer as they get to know each other, later they began to heal from their wounds.
Synopsis via IMBD
Watching this with my Economics students was hilarious. One student got hooked and wanted to watch the whole thing on his own. Another was so annoyed by the cliques, bad characters, and watery plot, she opted to rewrite it. I don’t mind this show. I don’t think it is peak cinema, but it doesn’t insult me in any way.
Books
Salaam With Love (2022) 9/10
Being crammed into a house in Queens with her cousins is not how Dua envisions her trip to New York City. But here she is, spending the holy month of Ramadan with extended family she hasn’t seen in years.
Dua struggles to find her place in the conservative household and to connect with her aloof, engaged-to-be-married cousin, Mahnoor. And as if fasting the whole day wasn’t tiring enough, she must battle her hormones whenever she sees Hassan, the cute drummer in a Muslim band who has a habit of showing up at her most awkward moments.
After just a month, Dua is surprised to find that she’s learning a lot more than she bargained for about her faith, relationships, her place in the world—and cute drummers. . . .
Synopsis via Goodreads
This book surprised me! I love books showcasing other religions and enjoyed learning more about Ramadan and Islamic culture! I also wasn’t annoyed with the plot, even though this book is for teenagers. In fact, there was one point where it made me tear up.
Abarat (2002) 10/10
Candy lives in Chickentown USA: the most boring place in the world, her heart bursting for some clue as to what her future may hold. She is soon to find out: swept out of our world by a giant wave, she finds herself in another place entirely…
The Abarat: a vast archipelago where every island is a different hour of the day, from the sunlit wonders of Three in the Afternoon, where dragons roam, to the dark terrors of the island of Midnight, ruled by Christopher Carrion.
Candy has a place in this extraordinary world: she has been brought here to help save the Abarat from the dark forces that are stirring at its heart. Forces older than time itself, and more evil than anything Candy has ever encountered.
Synopsis via Goodreads
I’ve gushed about this book to death! I was in the mood to read it and its sequels again, so stay tuned for Days of Magic, Nights of War, and Absolute Midnight!
The Cricket in Times Square (1960) 7/10
One night, the sounds of New York City–the rumbling of subway trains, thrumming of automobile tires, hooting of horns, howling of brakes, and the babbling of voices–is interrupted by a sound that even Tucker Mouse, a jaded inhabitant of Times Square, has never heard before. Mario, the son of Mama and Papa Bellini, proprietors of the subway-station newsstand, had only heard the sound once. What was this new, strangely musical chirping? None other than the mellifluous leg-rubbing of the somewhat disoriented Chester Cricket from Connecticut. Attracted by the irresistible smell of liverwurst, Chester had foolishly jumped into the picnic basket of some unsuspecting New Yorkers on a junket to the country. Despite the insect’s wurst intentions, he ends up in a pile of dirt in Times Square.
Synopsis via Goodreads
This was a pleasant children’s book! It was on my possible thrift store dropoff list, and I decided to give it a go! The good news is that it won’t be going to the thrift store. The meh news is that I didn’t absolutely love it. But I do think this is a wonderful book for children to read! It reminded me of those whimsical books like The Wind and the Willows (1949).
Jacob T. Marley (2011) 7/10
“Marley was dead to begin with . . .”
These chillingly familiar words begin the classic Christmas tale of remorse and redemption in A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. Now R. William Bennett rewinds the story and focuses the spotlight on Scrooge’s miserly business partner, Jacob T. Marley, who was allowed to return as a ghost to warn Scrooge away from his ill-fated path. Why was Marley allowed to return? And why hadn’t he been given the same chance as Ebenezer Scrooge?Or had he?
Synopsis via Goodreads
Here is another book that won’t be dropped off at Pioneer Book this summer! Again, I didn’t absolutely adore it, but I thought its message was quite heartwarming. I’ll read it again in winter around Christmas.
Comics
Nerd and Jock (2017) 7/10
Sometimes friendships go beyond stereotypes!
Synopsis via Webtoons
This comic unapologetically defies stereotypes! It has a good message on friendship and overcoming stigmas in society. However, the story kind of derailed when they both got girlfriends.
From Far Away (1993) 10/10
Noriko Tachiki has dreamt of a beautiful fantasy land for some time, though her friends think it is only her imagination. One day, on her way home, Noriko stumbles upon a bomb disguised as a paper bag that explodes right in front of her. However, instead of dying, she is transported to a mysterious forest full of strange plants and creatures.
As she begins navigating through the woods, Noriko is suddenly attacked by a giant, worm-like monster. Fortunately, she is saved by Izark Kia Tarj, a swordsman who does not speak her language. Lacking the strength to survive on her own, Noriko decides to follow her stoic savior, taking the opportunity to learn the foreign land’s language and be more useful to Izark.
Unbeknownst to her, Noriko is a crucial piece of an ancient prophecy. She is “The Awakening”—a being destined to unleash the greatest evil known as the “Sky Demon.” With influential people plotting to capture Noriko for her supposed powers, both she and Izark must fend for themselves and overcome a future laced with chaos.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
I’ve gushed about this under-appreciated manga many times! If you are interested in my once-upon-a-time review, go ahead and give it a look!
A Country Life With a Sexy King Country (2024) 5/10
The moment my engagement with my human trash fiancé was annulled, memories from my past life returned. I was formerly a hardworking agriculture researcher and a woman who went to farming college! After getting chased out of my family, I decided to stick to my strengths and live a worry-free and comfortable life while farming, but… “That’s my sword.” “No, it’s my hoe?” “It’s my sword!” “I told you, it’s my hoe!” Suddenly, a beautiful blond man—who looked perfectly fine on the outside—appeared to take the hoe I picked up from the ground away from me! This is the start of a farming romance where we’ll meet our loved ones as well as pick mulberries (kill two birds with one stone)~
Synopsis via Coffeemanga
This story went way too fast! Plus, I don’t know how a girl could be so dumb after transmigrating into another world she read and fangirled over. How could she not recognize the main king? But the love story isn’t so bad, so I didn’t outright hate it.
It Was Love At First Sight Mr. Villain (2024) 6/10
Duke Adler, referred to as the greatest man of the Asgard Empire, is as handsome as a sculpture. However, he is also a serial killer, playing the role of the villain in a novel. On top of that, Princess Charlotte, who was politically married to him, was fated to be murdered on their first night together. The predicament is that I am the princess fated to die at his hands on that night. “It’s a political marriage, and it’s not as if we want to see each other anyway, so let’s just meet on our wedding day.” It was evident that the villain was displeased with the idea of marrying me. Hence, I made a decision. “It was love at first sight. So, please go out with me!” With only six months left until the wedding, I resolved to carry out an undercover investigation by pretending to date him.
Synopsis via Manhwaclan
I’m not quite sure where this story is going. It makes it seem like the male lead isn’t a serial killer but . . . maybe they purposefully committed information. Anyway, if he really is a serial killer, I’m out. This series gave me a mini headache.
Useless Cinderella’s Feeble Attempt to Save the Kingdom (2024) 5/10
The Kingdom of Belveron flourishes with the power of water magic used by the Vilcast Family, earning it the title of “Land of Beautiful Waters.” However, Lara, the daughter of the Vilcast family, unable to use water magic, lived being treated with disdain by her family as the shame of the household. One day, a proposal of marriage from the Kingdom of Tulumhut, which is struggling with water pollution, arrives at the Vilcast household. The Kingdom of Tulumhut arranged a political marriage, investing considerable wealth, to save their homeland using the power of water magic. The other party is the 38-year-old bachelor “Former Crown Prince who has fallen behind.” However, the Vilcast family plans to force the useless Lara onto the marriage proposal, instead of her step-sister, Mary, who excels in water magic. Lara ends up marrying into the Kingdom of Tulumhut to save the nation as the “Goddess of Water.” What awaits Lara, who cannot use water magic?
Synopsis via Manhwuaclan
This series was going pretty well. Then, the inevitable sex scene came along. I was severely turned off by it because she literally was suffering from seizures after overusing her power. BUT the author used it as an opportunity to have a steamy scene between her and her fiance. She was like, “I feel so hot and can’t quite see straight. But be still my over-beating heart! Fiance man, you are so hot and I can’t hold in my desire anymore!” He was like, “Well, I know I promised to make our first night special and respect your boundaries, but screw it! You look super hot and I’m turned on despite the fact you were having seizures 30 seconds ago.”
Yeah, I dumped this series like a crumbling hot mud brick.
Koikimo (2016) 6/10
Once you fall for someone, you can’t stop the love. A strange encounter spurs the meeting of Amakusa Ryou, a high spec businessman who’s loose with women, and his high school sister’s best friend, Arima Ichika. From there he falls madly in love. On the one hand, he approaches her with almost too straight-forward methods, while she responds simply disgusted, insulting him without hesitation… and he takes it as her way of showing love.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This series fascinates me! I don’t know how it was approved as an anime or how the author got away with the content between a high schooler and a grown 27-year-old. But it isn’t like he does anything illegal. He’s just a stupid middle school boy who happens to be an adult. Oh well. As far as nostalgia reads go, this isn’t one I would really recommend to future me.
Bibliophile Princess (2018) 7/10
For as long as she could read, Elianna Bernstein—more commonly known as the “Bibliophile Princess”—has preferred the company of books to that of people. However, as a noble, it is her duty to find a suitor. Fortunately for her, Crown Prince Christopher Selkirk Asherald proposes a deal: he will protect her free time, and, in exchange, Elianna will be his fiancée in name only.
The years they spend together are bliss, as Elianna learns to open herself to others. But all good things must come to an end. For Elianna, who loves books more than people, ending their fake relationship should be no big deal. But as Christopher grows close with another girl, Elianna begins to realize that she is not as indifferent to him as she once thought.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
On one hand, I love the idea of some book nerd girl falling in love with a prince who allows her to read all she wants. On the other hand, this story lacks the substance of a grilled cheese sandwich. It is what you would call a comfort, candy read.
The Way of the House Husband (2020) 10/10
“Immortal Tatsu,” the legendary yakuza who single-handedly defeated a rival gang with a lead pipe, is a name known to strike fear in both hardened police officers and vicious criminals. Soon after his sudden disappearance, he resurfaces with a slight change in profession. Now equipped with an apron, Tatsu has given up violence and is trying to make an honest living as a house husband.
While adapting to mundane household tasks, Tatsu finds that being a house husband has its own challenges, from the battlefield known as supermarket sales to failures in the kitchen. Despite living peacefully, misunderstandings seem to follow him left and right. Gokushufudou follows the daily life of the comically serious ex-yakuza as he leaves behind his dangerous previous life to become a stay-at-home husband.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
Such fun! I love reading this manga. My mom actually got into it recently, which surprises me because she isn’t into comics or manga. But who could blame her? It has a cooky ex-yakuza killing machine being a house husband!
Kobato (2012) 7/10
In a certain city in Japan, one’s heart faintly shimmers above the rest—a seemingly odd and naive brunette named Kobato Hanato. Despite appearing to wander around, the pure-hearted girl aspires to fulfill one precious wish: to reach a particular place. But for it to be granted, she must learn how to heal the wounded hearts of the people and collect them in a magic bottle.
However, the world can be confusing for such an innocent girl. Her companion Ioryogi can be quite rough in teaching her common sense, especially for a talking blue dog plushie! Luckily for Kobato, a certain quaint place with a troubled history seems to be—and may be looking for—a glimmer of hope.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
This story isn’t as good as it was when I was a teenager/young adult. Sure, the designs and concept are well thought out, but its execution is limited. The authors should have fleshed it out more, as the anime does. Oh well. It is fun to read anyway for the nostalgia alone!
My favorite thing about reading this was the breathtakingly beautiful artwork!
Ouran High School Host Club (2006) 7.5/10
At Ouran High School, an academy where only the children of the rich and powerful attend, there exists a club consisting of the most elite of the student body: the legendary Host Club. Within the club’s room, six beautiful, bored boys spend their time entertaining equally beautiful and bored girls.
Haruhi Fujioka, a poor scholarship student, has no interest in the Host Club—until she breaks a valuable vase in their clubroom. After being mistaken for a boy, Haruhi is forced by Kyouya Ootori to work for the Host Club to repay her debt. Tamaki Suou, the princely leader of the club, eagerly takes her under his wing to teach her the ways of the host.
Things, however, are never quite so simple with the Host Club around. Even the most mundane events can turn into huge spectacles with the likes of prankster twins Hikaru and Kaoru Hitachiin, stoic Takashi Morinozuka, and sweet Mitsukuni “Hunny” Haninozuka. The crazy adventures of the Host Club are just beginning, and Haruhi must learn how to survive in the glitzy world of the hosts.
Synopsis via Myanimelist
The first part of this manga was meh. The second part was a good read! My favorite chapter is now when they go to Spain! Plus, Honey and Mori are now my favorite characters. I never thought that would happen. . .
Anyway! See you again soon when I also write my list for February! It will be shorter because I haven’t been consuming as much media.
From the Perspective of an Old Soul 