Insomniacs After School (2023)

Title: Insomniacs After School
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: April 11, 2023
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Romance
Production Co.: LIDENFILMS
Director: Yuuki Ikeda
Starring: Konomi Tamura, Gen Satou, Haruka Tomatsu


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of high school romance.

What is this about?
Two students who can't sleep find comfort in their school's abandoned observatory, accidentally restarting the astronomy club.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need something sweet and probably relatable.

Where does it take place?
Mostly Kuyo High School and Kanazawa, Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded like my vibe.

How did I like this?
I really liked it! It's sooo sweet watching Ganta and Isaki come together, first as just two people who understand what it is to not be able to sleep, then as friends, then finally as something more. All the while finding ways to keep busy, find sleep and comfort.

Have you seen Insomniacs After School? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Romantic Killer (2022)

Title: Romantic Killer
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 26 minutes
Release Date: October 27, 2022
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Comedy, Romance
Production Co.: domerica
Director: Kazuya Ichikawa
Starring: Rie Takahashi, Mikako Komatsu, Yuuichirou Umehara


Who would I recommend this to?
I'm not sure.

What is this about?
A girl's life is interrupted by a being demanding that her life become a dating sim.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Ummm....

Where does it take place?
Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded entertaining.

How did I like this?
I hated the first episode. I immediately did not like the animation style; it just looks off. What's with the weird boob shadows?! Anzu and Riri are both extremely annoying! The over-the-topness is toned down a little in the subsequent episodes, but it was still not to my taste.

There are a few cute moments in later episodes, but then they're followed by something annoying again. And there's a sudden tone shift, with some pretty serious topics in the last two episodes, which was jarring. I liked them though.

Have you seen Romantic Killer? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Tangled (2010)

Title: Tangled
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 43 minutes
Release Date: November 24, 2010
Genre(s): Animation, Musical, Romance
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Nathan Greno, Byron Howard
Starring: Mandy Moore, Zachary Levi, Donna Murphy


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
A young woman isolated in a tower finally leaves to see the mysterious lights that only appear on her birthday.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Always.

Where does it take place?
The Kingdom of Corona.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally because it's Disney. Now because it's Valentine's Day.

How did I like this?
I've always been team Tangled over Frozen, so yes, I love it. Rapunzel is adorable and Eugene is the best! I can't hear "I See the Light" without crying though... Lots and lots and lots of tears.

Have you seen Tangled? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

How to Keep a Mummy (2018)

Title: How to Keep a Mummy
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 12, 2018
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: 8bit
Director: Kaori
Starring: Mutsumi Tamura, Keisuke Koumoto, Ai Kayano


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone who needs comfort.

What is this about?
A group of teens randomly obtain magical creatures as pets.

When would be a good time to watch this?
As soon as possible.

Where does it take place?
Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded too cute.

How did I like this?
It's sooooo cute! Mii-kun is the absolute cutest and I could not get enough of him! This show is just so sweet and comforting.

Have you seen How to Keep a Mummy? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Asteroid in Love (2020)

Title: Asteroid in Love
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 3, 2020
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Drama
Production Co.: Doga Kobo
Director: Daisuke Hiramaki
Starring: Tomoyo Takayanagi, Megumi Yamaguchi, Sumire Uesaka


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of cute girl anime.

What is this about?
High school girls hoping to find and name a new asteroid. And the friends they made along the way.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something cute and wholesome.

Where does it take place?
Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded super cute. I like space.

How did I like this?
It's very cute! I can't help but compare it to Stardust Telepath as they have extremely similar setups, but these girls aren't as compelling. I still enjoyed it though.

Have you seen Asteroid in Love? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Princess and the Frog (2009)

Title: The Princess and the Frog
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 37 minutes
Release Date: December 11, 2009
Genre(s): Animation, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Ron Clements, John Musker
Starring: Anika Noni Rose, Keith David, Bruno Campos


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
A hardworking young woman is turned into a frog along with a prince.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now.

Where does it take place?
New Orleans.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because it's Disney. Now, because it's underrated and adorable.

How did I like this?
This movie is sooo cute! Dr. Facilier is the most underrated villain. Top notch songs as well.

The only thing that annoys me was the misunderstanding toward the end, since Tiana knows there are two Naveens, but whatever.

Have you seen The Princess and the Frog? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill (2023)

Title: Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 11, 2023
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: MAPPA
Director: Kiyoshi Matsuda
Starring: Yuuma Uchida, Satoshi Hino, Hina Kino


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of cozy, fun isekai.

What is this about?
A man is summoned into a fantasy world, but his only skill is online grocery delivery, which actually turns out to be pretty useful.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you need something super fun and happy.

Where does it take place?
The Kingdoms of Veenan and Leonhardt.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded really fun.

How did I like this?
It's sooo fun! And the food looks delicious! There wasn't much of a plot. Just Mukouhda and Fel traveling around, fighting monsters, and cooking yummy things.

Have you seen Campfire Cooking in Another World with My Absurd Skill? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Meet the Robinsons (2007)

Title: Meet the Robinsons
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: March 30, 2007
Genre(s): Animation, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Stephen J. Anderson
Starring: Daniel Hansen, Wesley Singerman, Angela Bassett


Who would I recommend this to?
The world.

What is this about?
A young inventor tries to create a devise to keep his birth mother from giving him up for adoption.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now?

Where does it take place?
Mostly in the future.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Originally, because it was Disney and playing in 3D. Now, because I adore it.

How did I like this?
I love this movie! Science geek MC, time travel, dinosaurs, silly villain. It's got it all! Yes, I cried.

Have you seen Meet the Robinsons? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch! (2023)

Title: Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch!
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: April 3, 2023
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: EMT Squared
Director(s): Hisashi Ishii, Yuu Nobuta
Starring: Maki Kawase, Azumi Waki, Emi Miyajima


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the first season.

What is this about?
An overpowered bear girl goes on adventures to help people.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first season.

Where does it take place?
Crimonia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I liked the first season well enough.

How did I like this?
I definitely liked the bigger focus on action adventures over simple good deeds better. It's still not a favorite show, but it's very cute and fun.

Have you seen Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear Punch!? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear (2020)

Title: Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: October 7, 2020
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: EMT Squared
Director(s): Hisashi Ishii, Yuu Nobuta
Starring: Maki Kawase, Azumi Waki, Emi Miyajima


Who would I recommend this to?
Cute isekai fans, I guess.

What is this about?
A teenage girl gets trapped in her favorite VR game dressed as a cute bear.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you feel like something short and cute that doesn't require much brain power.

Where does it take place?
Crimonia.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It sounded cute.

How did I like this?
It's cute, but didn't really draw me in like I expected. I was kind of distracted by the fifteen-year-old sounding much older. And I wasn't interested in most of the plots; they were mostly just Yuna nicely helping people. I needed more cute bear adventure.

Have you seen Kuma Kuma Kuma Bear? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Chicken Little (2005)

Title: Chicken Little
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 26 minutes
Release Date: October 6, 2005
Genre(s): Animation, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director: Mark Dindal
Starring: Zach Braff, Joan Cusack, Garry Marshall


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever likes animated movies that aren't Disney, even though this is Disney.

What is this about?
After being an uber embarrassment, a small chicken tries to win his father's favor.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you run out of other things to watch.

Where does it take place?
Oakey Oaks.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was watching all Disney animated features, for better or worse. Originally because it was Disney.

How did I like this?
This is the most un-Disney Disney movie ever. Like it doesn't look or sound like Disney, but more like a knock off. The story is a super cute idea, but it's overall not very interesting or engaging. And the plot is super flimsy, since when Chicken Little could have showed his dad a piece of sky, he hid it, despite trying desperately to show him earlier in the movie?

Have you seen Chicken Little? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Stardust Telepath (2023)

Title: Stardust Telepath
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: October 9, 2023
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Studio Gokumi
Director: Kaori
Starring: Yurie Funato, Seria Fukagawa, Shiki Aoki


Who would I recommend this to?
You or anyone who felt like they simply didn't belong.

What is this about?
A high school girl wants to meet an alien, so she can finally feel understood.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon.

Where does it take place?
Earth.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like aliens. I was convinced I was an alien for a long time.

How did I like this?
I identified with Umika from that first scene! I too always felt like I wasn't understood or scene and struggled to speak up in class and knew I need to go to space to meet aliens who would get me! Other than that, it's just super cute!

Have you seen Stardust Telepath? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?