Laid-Back Camp Season 3 (2024)

Title: Laid-Back Camp
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: April 4, 2024
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure
Production Co.: 8bit
Director: Shin Tosaka
Starring: Nao Touyama, Yumiri Hanamori, Sayuri Hara


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the other seasons.

What is this about?
A group of girls go camping and do outdoorsy stuff.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the second season and when you just wanna chill.

Where does it take place?
In and around Yamanashi, Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I really enjoyed the other seasons.

How did I like this?
This season seems to go back to focusing more on the outdoor activities, which was nice. We also get more of Aya, whom we met briefly in past seasons. The girls also do a lot more on their camping trips, like biking and seeing the sights. And lots more food!

Have you seen Laid-Back Camp? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

 

Laid-Back Camp: The Movie (2022)

Title: Laid-Back Camp: The Movie
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours
Release Date: July 1, 2022
Genre(s): Anime, Adventure
Production Co.: C-Station
Director: Yoshiaki Kyougoku
Starring: Nao Touyama, Yumiri Hanamori, Sayuri Hara


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of the series.

What is this about?
The Outdoor Activities club reunites to open their own camp site!

When would be a good time to watch this?

After the first two seasons.

Where does it take place?
Takaori, Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I really enjoy the series.

How did I like this?
It was so nice to see the girls all grown up and still friends! And of course little Chikuwa!

Have you seen Laid-Back Camp? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Laid-Back Camp Season 2 (2021)

Title: Laid-Back Camp
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 7, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure
Production Co.: C-Station
Director: Yoshiaki Kyougoku
Starring: Nao Touyama, Yumiri Hanamori, Sayuri Hara


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

What is this about?
A group of girls go camping.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first season and when you just wanna chill.

Where does it take place?
Yamanashi, Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I really enjoyed the first season.

How did I like this?
It's not as laid-back as the first season, as the girls get up to more hijinks. It also focuses on all of the girls, so it'll bounce between some girls camping and some girls at work/home in the same episode, which makes things move much faster rather than the slower pace of the first season. However, I've come to really like these girls and it's fun to see what they all get up to.

Have you seen Laid-Back Camp? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Room Camp (2020)

Title: Room Camp
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 3 minutes
Release Date: January 6, 2020
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure
Production Co.: C-Station
Director: Masato Jinbo
Starring: Yumiri Hanamori, Aki Toyosaki, Sayuri Hara


Who would I recommend this to?
Laid-Back Camp fans who want more cute stuff.

What is this about?
Girls traveling around their town.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the first season of Laid-Back Camp and when you want some bite-sized fun.

Where does it take place?
Yamanashi, Japan.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I enjoyed Laid-Back Camp.

How did I like this?
These shorts are super cute, but would have made a fun full episode as well.

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

Laid-Back Camp (2018)

Title: Laid-Back Camp
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 4, 2018
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure
Production Co.: C-Station
Director: Yoshiaki Kyougoku
Starring:  Nao Touyama, Yumiri Hanamori, Sayuri Hara


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who need something to chill out with.

What is this about?
Girls going camping.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you want to chill and be cozy.

Where does it take place?
In and around Yamanashi, Japan.

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

How did I like this?
It's so cute and relaxing! And educational! I learned a lot about camping. I still would never go willing, but I enjoyed learning about it. And seeing the beautiful scenery. And yummy foods.

Have you seen Laid-Back Camp? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Yona of the Dawn - OVA (2015-16)

Title: Yona of the Dawn - OVA
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: September 18, 2015
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Pierrot
Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda
Starring: Hiro Shimono, Chiwa Saitou, Masakazu Morita


Who would I recommend this to?
Yona of the Dawn fans or those were were iffy on it.

What is this about?
Backstories of the Four Dragons.

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

Where does it take place?
The Kingdom of Kouka.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I liked the main series well enough, and it was short.

How did I like this?
These three episodes are the best of the series! They should have been part of the main season! They're kind of sad, but I felt like I really got to know these characters so much better!

Have you seen Yona of the Dawn? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Yona of the Dawn (2014-15)

Title:  Yona of the Dawn
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: October 7, 2014
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Pierrot
Director: Kazuhiro Yoneda
Starring: Chiwa Saitou, Tomoaki Maeno, Junko Minagawa


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of girl-led adventures.

What is this about?
A young princess must learn to fight to take back her kingdom.

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

Where does it take place?
The Kingdom of Kouka.

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

How did I like this?
It did get off to a bit of a rough start with Yona being a shouty heroine, and in fact, lots of characters were quite shouty. But it tones down as the story moves along and gets more serious. I really liked seeing how Yona was able to remain determined without ever becoming cruel, which is what drew her companions to her.

Have you seen Yona of the Dawn? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Fena: Pirate Princess (2021)

Title: Fena: Pirate Princess
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: October 3, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Adventure
Production Co.: Production I.G
Director: Kazuto Nakazawa
Starring: Asami Seto, Ryouta Suzuki, Takahiro Sakurai


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

What is this about?
A young woman escapes a brothel to become a pirate captain and find a lost island.

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

Where does it take place?
The oceans around Europe.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like pirates.

How did I like this?
I didn't like it at first, because Fena is an annoying shouty heroine for comedic effect, even though she just had her virginity auctioned off?!!? The tone was all wrong. I did settle in once I got past the first few episodes. However, it's not that exciting or interesting.

Have you seen Fena: Pirate Princess? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Zootopia (2016)

Title: Zootopia
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 49 minutes
Release Date: March 4, 2016
Genre(s): Animation, Drama, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Byron Howard, Rich Moore, Jared Bush
Starring: Ginnifer Goodwin, Jason Bateman, Idris Elba


Who would I recommend this to?
THE WORLD!

What is this about?
The first bunny cop takes her first case and tries to prove that predators aren't all bad.

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

Where does it take place?
Zootopia.

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

How did I like this?
 I love this movie! The themes of stereotyping and prejudice are not subtle, but done in such an accessible way. And everything makes me cry!

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

Pokemon 4Ever: Celebi - Voice of the Forest (2002)

Title: Pokemon 4Ever
Rating: G
Run Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Release Date: October 11, 2002
Genre(s): Anime, Adventure, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Pikachu Project 2001
Director: Kunihiko Yuyama, Jim Malone
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Rica Matsumoto, Rachael Lillis


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever is watching Season 4.

What is this about?
Pokemon poachers and time travel.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Right before the final four episodes of Season 4.

Where does it take place?
The Forest.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I was watching Season 4.

How did I like this?
I really liked this one! It seemed more grounded in "reality" rather than some random thing Ash and friends must face just because it's exciting.

Have you seen Pokemon 4Ever? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pokemon: Johto League Champions (2000)

Title: Johto League Champions
Rating: G
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: August 3, 2000
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Sci-Fi, Adventure
Production Co.: OLM
Starring: Veronica Taylor, Rachael Lillis, Eric Stuart


Who would I recommend this to?
Pokemon people.

What is this about?
Young Pokemon trainers make their way to another tournament, and the friends they make along the way.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever, but after Season 3.

Where does it take place?
Across the Johto region.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm still enjoying this series.

How did I like this?
It's Pokemon. It's fun. Not as many touching moments as in previous seasons, but still fully enjoyable.

Have you seen Johto League Champions? 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?

In the Land of Leadale (2021)

Title: In the Land of Leadale
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 5, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Adventure, Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: Crunchyroll
Director: Yuuji Yanase
Starring: Eri Yukimura, Kaori Nazuka, Tomokazu Sugita


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of lady lead isekai.

What is this about?
A woman dies while playing an MMORG and reincarnates into it 200 years later.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you have free time with nothing else to watch.

Where does it take place?
Leadale.

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

How did I like this?
It was cute, but didn't fully hold my attention. There didn't seem to be a focus, just Keina going from situation to situation, showing off her awesome powers.

Have you seen In the Land of Leadale? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level (2021)

Title: I've Been Killing Slimes for 300 Years and Maxed Out My Level
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: April 10, 2021
Genre(s): Anime, Fantasy, Adventure, Series
Production Co.: Square Enix
Director: Nobukage Kimura
Starring: Aoi Yuuki, Kaede Hondo, Sayaka Senbongi


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who likes cute girls doing cute things.

What is this about?
A woman dies and is reincarnated as a witch, but after 300 years, her slow life is being interrupted.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Soon, before the second season.

Where does it take place?
The Highlands.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I read and enjoyed the light novels.

How did I like this?
It's so cute! I liked the light novel when I read it a few years ago, but I liked the anime better! So many smiles!

Have you seen I've Been Killing Slimes? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Puss in Boots: The Last Wish (2022)

Title: Puss in Boots: The Last Wish
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 42 minutes
Release Date: December 21, 2022
Genre(s): Animation, Comedy, Adventure
Production Co.: Dreamworks Animation
Director: Joel Crawford, Januel Mercado
Starring: Antonio Banderas, Salma Hayek, Harvey Guillen


Who would I recommend this to?
Everyone.

What is this about?
An adventuring kitty is on his last life, so must hunt down the Wishing Star to avoid death!

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

Where does it take place?
The Dark Forest.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I like the first one, and heard amazing things.

How did I like this?
What was that animation style?! OMG! It's so good! It's like a 3D storybook! The story is really good too. Totally fitting for Puss to want to avoid Death at all costs. It made me cry multiple times.

Have you seen The Last Wish? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)

Title: The Super Mario Bros. Movie
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 32 minutes
Release Date: April 5, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Illumination, Universal Pictures, Nintendo
Director: Aaron Horvath, Michael Jelenic, Pierre Leduc
Starring:  Christ Pratt, Anya Taylor-Joy, Charlie Day


Who would I recommend this to?
Nintendo fans.

What is this about?
Bowser's proposal to Peach goes terribly wrong.

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

Where does it take place?
Brooklyn and the Mushroom Kingdom.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I've been a Mario fan since forever. Peach and Bowser forever!!!

How did I like this?
It's so fun! It felt exactly like what a Mario movie should be like. Although it did really feel like a special episode of Bridezillas, where the groom is out of control. I am an unapologetic Bowser-Peach shipper, so I was loving it.

I did have two annoyances though. One: shouldn't the blue shell have hit Peach? Two: The Donkey Kong games have the BEST soundtracks, so why replace the music?!

Have you seen The Super Mario Bros. Movie? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Peter Pan & Wendy (2023)

Title: Peter Pan & Wendy
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: April 28, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Adventure
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: David Lowery
Starring:  Alexander Molony, Ever Anderson, Jude Law


Who would I recommend this to?
People who like to hate-watch things.

What is this about?
Nothing.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Never.

Where does it take place?
Neverland and London.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney and I always have hope.

How did I like this?
I did not. To be fair, I don't like Peter Pan in general (except Hook), and the original Disney animated film is one of my least favorites of all-time. But I had hope. False hope, but still hope. I liked Tinkerbell and Smee and that is it. Which is sad, because I've always loved Captain Hook, but I don't think Jude Law was given much to work with here. Just let him be evil! He doesn't need to be sympathetic! Just entertaining!

Have you seen Peter Pan & Wendy? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

The Lost City (2022)

Title: The Lost City
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 52 minutes
Release Date: March 25, 2022
Genre(s): Romance, Adventure, Comedy
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Aaron Nee, Adam Nee
Starring: Sandra Bullock, Channing Tatum, Daniel Radcliffe


Who would I recommend this to?
Action RomCom fans.

What is this about?
A novelist and her cover model live the adventures she had been writing about!

When would be a good time to watch this?
Date night. Girls night. I need something funny night.

Where does it take place?
The Lost City of D.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it looked fun.

How did I like this?
It's so funny! Just the right amount of jokes. It never went too far, which doesn't for work for me, but it also didn't hold back. I just love the whole premise as a Romance reader. The romance was super fun and cute and not something I would have ever expected. It's just a good time.

Have you seen The Lost City? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Thor: Love and Thunder (2022)

Title: Thor: Love and Thunder
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
Release Date: July 8, 2022
Genre(s): Adventure, Sci-Fi
Production Co.: Marvel Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Taika Waititi
Starring: Chris Hemsworth, Natalie Portman, Christian Bale


Who would I recommend this to?
Anyone who already likes Marvel movies, or thinks Thor is hot.

What is this about?
How Thor got his groove back.

When would be a good time to watch this?
After the other movies?

Where does it take place?
Asgard and beyond.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Thor is hot. So is Kat Dennings.

How did I like this?
Cancer jokes...not really funny...maybe I'm just sensitive because of my mom, but....cancer jokes? Powering through Stage 4 cancer because I'm a strong woman!!! No, thanks. I will cure my cancer with Thor's hammer! What?!?!

Other than that, this movie is ridiculous. In a fun, this makes no sense kinda way. Nudity.

Have you seen Thor: Love and Thunder? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pinocchio (2022)

Title: Pinocchio
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Release Date: September 8, 2022
Genre(s): Adventure, Fantasy
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Robert Zemeckis
Starring: Joseph Gordon-Levitt, Tom Hanks, Benjamin Evan Ainsworth


Who would I recommend this to?
The next wave of Pinocchio fans.

What is this about?
A wooden puppet comes to life and learns what it takes to be a real boy.

When would be a good time to watch this?
On a dark and stormy night. Total autumn vibes, not end of summer.

Where does it take place?
Italy.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because it's Disney.

How did I like this?
They kept Honest John as a fox?!!? I assumed they were making everyone human! YES! But also, why are Pinocchio and Jiminy so bright?! The movie is kind of dim and toned down, but they're animated quite brightly. They stick out a bit too much.

Overall, it's a pretty straight-forward adaptation. Not much was added or taken away. It's very familiar and also brought something new. But where was the Blue Fairy during most of this?

BUT...Sharktopus. That is all!

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