What’s new, everyone? If you’ve been following my reviews long enough, you know that one of my top reads of 2020 was Skyhunter by Marie Lu (Legend, The Kingdom of Back). With its eighteen-year-old heroine Talin Kanami devoting herself as a loyal Striker to her homeland of Mara’s mission of beating back the occupying regime of the … Continue reading My 2 Cents on Steelstriker by Marie Lu
Tag: Military
My 2 Cents on The Tomorrow War
What’s new, folks? When summer saunters in, so does its posse of big and loud blockbusters—one of which this year is The Tomorrow War, the action sci-fi flick that Amazon Prime began streaming on July 2. Skydance Media and Paramount Studios originally had it set for a theatrical release, but the pandemic eventually forced them to … Continue reading My 2 Cents on The Tomorrow War
My 2 Cents on Rebel: A Legend Novel
Six years have passed since 2013, which was when Marie Lu (Warcross, The Young Elites) wrapped up her YA dystopian Legend novel series by publishing the third—and what was intended to be the final—entry, Champion. Just recently, however, on October 1st, she released the fourth book, Rebel—a moving story that digs deep into the heart and … Continue reading My 2 Cents on Rebel: A Legend Novel
My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK
(SPOILER-FREE: Read on for an insightful overview of the web series if you haven't seen it yet) gen:LOCK from Rooster Teeth is the smartest, most character-driven, most compelling entry in the mecha anime genre, period. I'm happy to see how the indie animation studio Rooster Teeth has matured so much over the past few years … Continue reading My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK
My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK – Episode 8, “Identity Crisis”
(SPOILER ALERT: This is a full breakdown review for "Identity Crisis") "Identity Crisis" is the eighth episode of Rooster Teeth's mecha anime web series, gen:LOCK, released on March 9th, and lasts almost thirty-two minutes. A climactic battle interwoven with the recruits and their emotional bonds, the show's core theme of identity, and the vast swaths … Continue reading My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK – Episode 8, “Identity Crisis”
My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK – Episode 7, “It Never Rains…”
(SPOILER ALERT: This is a full breakdown review for "It Never Rains...") "It Never Rains..." is the seventh episode of Rooster Teeth's mecha anime web series, gen:LOCK, released on March 2nd, and lasts twenty-four and a half minutes. This is, simple to say, a slow-paced transition episode, but there are many terrific moments, including the … Continue reading My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK – Episode 7, “It Never Rains…”
My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK – Episode 6, “The Only Me I Know”
(SPOILER ALERT: This is a full breakdown review for "The Only Me I Know") "The Only Me I Know" is the sixth episode of Rooster Teeth's mecha anime web series, gen:LOCK, released on February 23rd, and is twenty-five and a half minutes long. Simple to say, this episode is thrilling from start to finish with … Continue reading My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK – Episode 6, “The Only Me I Know”
My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK – Episode 5, “The Best Defense”
This is an enthralling entry with a focus on character development for a traumatized gen:LOCK recruit, the gen:LOCK process itself, and a battle with an increasingly enigmatic Union mech.
My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK – Episode 4, “Training Daze”
This is the best episode so far, packing in everything that I wanted to see with the enthralling team dynamic, a focus on Valentina's gender-fluidity, and mecha action that starts out entertaining before it takes a sharp left turn into suspense.
My 2 Cents on gen:LOCK, Episode 3, “Second Birthday”
This is a conflictive episode for me, since it strengthens the team dynamic of the characters on one hand and presents a tiresome love triangle on the other.
2 Cents Critic 