.hack//G.U. Trilogyby Sheena McNeilReviews may contain information that could be considered 'spoilers'. Readers should proceed at their own risk. Studio
Credits Grade: 4 The story opens with a fridging. Shino is killed in front of Haseo by a character called Tri-Edge (who, for some unexplained reason, looks like Kite). Haseo wants revenge, and after he fails to stop Tri-Edge a second time, he learns that he's an Epitaph User and has a hidden power that will allow him to defeat his foe. It's not easy to unlock that power, however, and in the meantime, he forms a fragile relationship with a new girl, Atoli, who has the same character design as Shino. While Haseo saves Atoli from her own demons, it's revealed that she, like him, is an Epithaph User. I started to get a bit interested in the potential new depth and growth of her character and how that might affect Haseo (who seems to have forgotten about Shino). However, she's immediately fridged upon their return to the normal part of The World, and by none other than Haseo's friend, who admits he's Shino's real killer. Cue Haseo unleashing his true power, beyond the release we saw before. Interestingly, Haseo's abilities seem demonic and are characterized by a red glow, while Tri-Edge and the other enemy are blue. I get that it's rage, but it sure doesn't make him look good ... or sane. Of course, Atoli's ghost appears to Haseo before his own death to "save" him, and he gets yet another new power and looks. Inexplicably, Haseo and his enemy switch blue and red during the final part of their battle, before going back to red for the end of the movie.By the end, we get some explanation of the bigger picture. This movie tries, but, really, unless you're familiar with the game, it won't be that enjoyable as you won't be able to follow and / or appreciate the story. I appreciate that the main villain isn't really evil, but I wish they would have explained why he appeared as Kite sometimes. The happy ending is a bit contrived, and I don't understand all of what happened. Then, after the credits, there's more, but it makes even less sense without being familiar with the game. Unlike other anime from the .hack series, this is all CG. It works pretty well for the action scenes, but the face close-ups and normal walking around are all stiff and flat. It comes across as a video game, and not necessarily a good one. The music is so-so. The voice actors fit the visuals -- not bad, but not very exciting or full of life. This release is Japanese only (stereo and surround options) with subtitles. The extras include "Parody Mode," which is somewhat humorous. If you watched this movie for some reason and didn't enjoy it, try watching these for a small pick-me-up; you won't need to know anything about the game, story, or characters. The other extras are promo videos, a making of special, and an image board gallery. I'm not familiar with the game, and as such, this movie was not very entertaining for me. In fact, it was both confusing and mildly boring. According to Wikipedia, this movie takes multiple liberties with the story, which may be at least part of the reason why it's hard to follow. There's definitely better stuff out there to watch. Also, other than a couple of lines that might provide insight into the overarching series, there's no reason to watch this for completion's sake. The whole thing is strongly mediocre. Written: June 16, 2015
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