Frieren: Beyond Journey's End (2023-24)

Title: Frieren: Beyond Journey's End
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: September 29, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Anime, Series
Production Co.: Madhouse
Director: Keiichirou Saitou
Starring: Atsumi Tanezaki, Kana Ichinose, Chiaki Kobayashi


Who would I recommend this to?
Those looking for something cozy, but still with moments of excitement.

What is this about?
A thousand-year-old elf mage goes on a journey.

When would be a good time to watch this?
When you're in a cozy mood.

Where does it take place?
An unnamed fantasy world, all across it.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked good and is popular.

How did I like this?
 I really enjoyed it. The more bloody scenes caught me off guard, but overall this is really chill and cozy. It's quite slow paced, but never boring. I want to be Frieren when I grow up.

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

The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes (2023)

Title: The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 37 minutes
Release Date: November 17, 2023
Genre(s): Sci-Fi, Drama
Production Co.: Lions Gate Films
Director: Francis Lawrence
Starring: Rachel Zegler, Tom Blyth, Viola Davis


Who would I recommend this to?
Those who like villain origins.

What is this about?
A young man tries to pull his family out of poverty, but winds up compromising his morals and becoming and evil dictator.

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

Where does it take place?
Panem.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I enjoyed the book and previous movies.

How did I like this?
It was really good! It didn't feel as long as it is, which is good. And I think they did a great job of taking the gist of the book and condensing it down. I am still confused on the ending, but I generally struggle with open endings because I NEED TO KNOW what actually happened!!!

Have you seen The Ballad of Songbirds & Snakes? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Wish (2023)

Title: Wish
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 39 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Animation Studios
Director(s): Chris Buck, Fawn Veerasunthorn
Starring: Ariana DeBose, Chris Pine, Alan Tudyk


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever.

What is this about?
A king holds onto wishes and a girl wants to take them back.

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

Where does it take place?
Rosas.

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

How did I like this?
It's fine. Mostly, it just has no direction. Like, it has no idea what it wants to be. For example, the double animation style. I love them both, but not together. It made it hard to know where to look, and at times kind of gave me motion sickness. Then there's this awesome ballad, but why is sung between the king and Asha?!?!? Asha thinks everyone should be able to have the chance to see their wish fulfilled, but the king points out that some wishes could wind up badly, but this dichotomy is never explored. There's a lot of little things like that, which are great, but don't fit.

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

Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement (2023)

Title: Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 8, 2023
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Felix Film
Director: Hiroshi Tamadaa
Starring: Rika Nagae, Kaori Maeda, Rika Tachiban


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

What is this about?
A young woman is granted the power to jump between worlds, so she brings modern items to a middle ages type world to sell for a profit. And the friends she makes along the way.

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

Where does it take place?
Another world.

Why did I decide to watch this?
I like cozy isekai.

How did I like this?
It's so fun! While I'm generally not fond of shouty heroines, Mitsuha isn't so bad. In fact, I really liked her and her unapologetic capitalist attitude! She will do whatever it takes to upsell dollar store items to reach her goals! But then it takes an unexpected turn and I was super hooked! It's much more exciting than it leads you to believe.

Have you seen Saving 80,000 Gold in Another World for My Retirement? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

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?

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?

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?

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?

Farming Life in Another World (2023)

Title: Farming Life in Another World
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 23 minutes
Release Date: January 6, 2023
Genre(s): Anime, Series, Fantasy
Production Co.: Zero-G
Starring: Atsushi Abe, Shino Shimoji, Lynn


Who would I recommend this to?
Farming Sim players.

What is this about?
A man dies and is reincarnated into a Farming Sim.

When would be a good time to watch this?
As soon as you have time for something cozy.

Where does it take place?
The Forest of Death.

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

How did I like this?
I absolutely adored this from the very beginning! It's essentially exactly like a farming game, so I was very familiar with the progression. However, the mid point does introduce a pretty entertaining plot. I wasn't sure about that at first, but it fit and kept me invested.

Have you seen Farming Life in Another World? What did you think?
If not, would you watch this?

I'm in Love with the Villainess (2023)

Title: I'm in Love with the Villainess
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 24 minutes
Release Date: October 3, 2023
Genre(s): Anime, Comedy, Romance, LGBTQ+, Series
Production Co.: Platinum Vision
Director: Hideake Ooba
Starring: Yuu Serizawa, Karin Nanami, Aimi Terakawa


Who would I recommend this to?
I dunno.

What is this about?
A woman dies and is reincarnated into her favorite otome game, where she's actually in love with the villainess!

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

Where does it take place?
Bauer Kingdom Royal Academy.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's gay.

How did I like this?
I hated the first two episodes. I found Rae's over-the-top affections annoying rather than charming or humorous. However, the third and fourth episodes hooked me with more emotional plot threads. I'm generally not a fan of over-the-top humor or repetitive jokes, which are both used a lot in this series. But then the tender moments pull me back in.

Have you seen I'm in Love with the Villainess? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Pokémon Concierge - Season 1 (2023)

Title: Pokémon Concierge
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 20 minutes
Release Date: December 28, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: GAME FREAK
Director: Iku Ogawa
Starring: Karen Fukuhara, Eita Okuno, Fairouz Ai


Who would I recommend this to?
You!

What is this about?
A young lady starts working at a resort for Pokemon.

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

Where does it take place?
The Pokemon Resort.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It looked effing adorable.

How did I like this?
It's effing adorable! We need more shows done in this style!

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

The Santa Clauses - Season 2 (2023)

Title: The Santa Clauses - Season 2
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 30 minutes
Release Date: November 8, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Series
Production Co.: Disney Branded Television
Creator: Jack Burditt
Starring: Tim Allen, Elizabeth Mitchell, Eric Stonestreet


Who would I recommend this to?
Whoever liked the first season.

What is this about?
Mad Santa is on the loose!

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

Where does it take place?
The North Pole.

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

How did I like this?
I love Mad Santa! He's great! This season was really fun!

Have you seen The Santa Clauses? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Barbie (2023)

Title: Barbie
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 54 minutes
Release Date: July 21, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Comedy
Production Co.: Warner Bros.
Director: Greta Gerwig
Starring: Margo Robbie, Ryan Gosling, America Ferrera


Who would I recommend this to?
THE WORLD.

What is this about?
Fighting the patriarchy. And what makes us human.

When would be a good time to watch this?
All the time.

Where does it take place?
Barbieland and Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because Barbie is epic.

How did I like this?
I loved it! I smiled so much! And it had my kind of humor! And heart! And was part musical! And I have that dress! I'm a Barbie girl, unfortunately in the Real World.

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

Good Burger 2 (2023)

Title: Good Burger 2
Rating: TV-PG
Run Time: 1 hour 46 minutes
Release Date: November 22, 2023
Genre(s): Comedy
Production Co.: Paramount Pictures
Director: Phil Traill
Starring: Kel Mitchell, Kenan Thompson, Kamaia Fairburn


Who would I recommend this to?
'90s kids who grew up with Kenan and Kel.

What is this about?
Revenge with a side of burger sauce. And the friends we made along the way.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Anytime you need something goofy.

Where does it take place?
Los Angeles.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because the first movie is a classic.

How did I like this?
 It certainly has the spirit of the original! Gang's all here! And the plot feels very reminiscent of the first, not a direct copy, but it feels real for these characters.

I do have to say, I feel like they were trying too hard with some of the jokes, but that seems to be common across most adult reboots of kids' stuff.

Have you seen Good Burger 2? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Goosebumps - Season 1 (2023)

Title: Goosebumps
Rating: TV-14
Run Time: 40 minutes
Release Date: October 13, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror, Series
Production Co.: Factory Underground
Creator(s): Rob Letterman, Nicholas Stoller
Starring: Zack Morris, Isa Briones, Justin Long


Who would I recommend this to?
Grown-up '90s kids.

What is this about?
Freaky stuff happens to a group of teens and their teacher, after he moves into a house where a grisly death occurred.

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

Where does it take place?
Port Lawrence.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I'm a '90s kid who grew up on the Goosebumps books.

How did I like this?
It's so much fun! I adored how they mixed a bunch of different plots from the books into a semi-cohesive series about death and revenge!

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

Five Nights at Freddy's (2023)

Title: Five Nights at Freddy's
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Release Date: October 27, 2023
Genre(s): Horror
Production Co.: Blumhouse Productions
Director: Emma Tammi
Starring: Josh Hutcherson, Piper Rubio, Elizabeth Lail


Who would I recommend this to?
FNaF fans. The normies won't get it.

What is this about?
A down-on-his-luck guys starts working as a security guard for a haunted pizzeria.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now, spooky season, any time you want some fun.

Where does it take place?
Freddy Fazbear's Pizzeria.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because I fell into the FNaF rabbit hole and can't get out.

How did I like this?
It's so fun! It's more focused on the human, emotional side than the horror side, which suited me fine. I'm a baby when it comes to Horror, so I'm glad this was more tame. Yes, there are jumpscares, but anyone familiar with the games will be expecting that.

Have you seen Five Nights at Freddy's? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?

Haunted Mansion (2023)

Title: Haunted Mansion
Rating: PG-13
Run Time: 2 hours 4 minutes
Release Date: July 28, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Horror
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Justin Simien
Starring: LaKeith Stanfield, Rosario Dawson, Owen Wilson


Who would I recommend this to?
Those with spooky hearts.

What is this about?
A mansion...that is haunted...

When would be a good time to watch this?
Now. Or anytime during Spooky Season.

Where does it take place?
New Orleans, Louisiana.

Why did I decide to watch this?
It's Disney. Halloween Disney at that.

How did I like this?
It's so much fun! It's like they took scenes right from the ride and expanded on them! The stretching room! The hatbox ghost! Constance! Gang's all here!

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

Elemental (2023)

Title: Elemental
Rating: PG
Run Time: 1 hour 41 minutes
Release Date: June 16, 2023
Genre(s): Animation, Fantasy, Romance
Production Co.: Pixar Animation Studios
Director: Peter Sohn
Starring: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou, Ronnie Del Carmen


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of Inside Out.

What is this about?
Fire and Water come together.

When would be a good time to watch this?
Whenever you need something to do.

Where does it take place?
Element City.

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

How did I like this?
They tried to tell a story about the struggle of immigrants and discrimination, much like they did with Zootopia, but it didn't totally work. This was more like another Inside Out, but if Anger and Sadness started dating. I didn't get it at all. 

It was still pretty cute though.

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

The Little Mermaid (2023)

Title: The Little Mermaid
Rating: PG
Run Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
Release Date: May 26, 2023
Genre(s): Fantasy, Romance, Musical
Production Co.: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Rob Marshall
Starring: Halle Bailey, Jonah Hauer-King, Melissa McCarthy


Who would I recommend this to?
You.

What is this about?
A young mermaid longs to be part of the human world.

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

Where does it take place?
Under the sea. And the palace.

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

How did I like this?
I am crying. I cried. Crying. It's so cute.

The first few minutes did give me motion sickness though. That underwater CGI is rough.

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

Red, White & Royal Blue (2023)

Title: Red, White & Royal Blue
Rating: R
Run Time: 1 hour 58 minutes
Release Date: August 11, 2023
Genre(s): Romance, LGBTQ+
Production Co.: Amazon Studios
Director: Matthew Lopez
Starring: Taylor Zakhar Perez, Nicholas Galitzine, Uma Thurman


Who would I recommend this to?
Fans of gay romance.

What is this about?
The president's son and the prince of England fall in love!

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

Where does it take place?
Washington DC and London, England.

Why did I decide to watch this?
Because the book has been on my radar forever and it sounded cute.

How did I like this?
It was adorable! I really knew nothing going into it, so I was pleasantly surprised. It was funny and steamy and heartfelt.

The only annoyance was Madam President's accent.

Have you seen Red, White & Royal Blue? What did you think?
If not, would you watch it?