It has been a long wait for the fans here in the Philippines since it was announced that there will be a movie of "The Irregular at Magic High School", and it has been years since the first season of the anime was last aired. And just to watch the movie, we even went from one city to the next because the cinema that shows the movie was just limited.
Synopsis
Many months have passed since the events of the first season. The “irregular” elder brother Tatsuya and his talented younger sister Miyuki realize that their first year at Magic High School is about to come to a close, so the siblings and their friends decide to spend spring break at a private villa on Ogasawara Island. Tatsuya and the others make the most of their brief vacation until a young girl named Kokoa appears before them. The mysterious young girl who escaped from a naval base tells Tatsuya her one wish.
Plot
Story Plot
I found the plot to be lacking and is too straightforward. That being said, being too straightforward with the story with a little amount of foreshadowing was a letdown. Even though I haven't read the novel yet, but with each scene and frame of the movie, I can quite tell what will happen next and what will go wrong. Making a movie that is easy to predict is somehow, well, will get a little boring.
What is at Stake
Though the general story is predictable, it can be said that what is at stake for the movie was quite huge. The problem arises when mankind wanted to build a more powerful and destructive way to best other countries. While it is a fact even in reality, in the world of Mahouka (The Irregular at Magic High School), with a combination of science and technology and magic, the effects are huge.
If in case the protagonist which was OP from the start fails to address the problem correctly and properly, geographical locations will be changed, and ideology of people will clash once again causing another great war. And this was reflected properly in The Irregular at Magic High School Movie.
Lack of Emotions
Our protagonist is an emotionless, overpowered, being who resurrects dead people. We all know that, but, in an honest opinion, what makes the story good is a balance of emotions. The movie lacked it. though emotions can be seen in the eyes of the characters, one cannot just sympathize with how the eyes are shown. In this sense, it is a narration of a story that clearly focuses on tell and not show.
Plot Holes?
Don't throw shade here. Since I was not able to read the novel properly yet. There are a lot of frames and scenes where there are characters showing up and made me confused as who they exactly are.
There were also some backstory flashes of Tatsuya and Miyuki, that made me wonder at first, "Was there a release of OVA or some sort before this movie that I don't know?"
This is a proof that before watching the movie, you should at least watch the anime first and read the novel so as not to confuse yourself. Like me.
Music
Just from watching the anime, I am expecting that the music will be more enjoyable. And that expectation was half met and was a half disappointment. True, the battle music was enjoyable and with the proper timing and animation, the music really blends well and you can feel it a little bit. I also enjoyed the other parts where the music was mellow and lively as well. Since it is Spring break and the setting was on an island, it really feels that it fits the part correctly.
However for some other parts, it is somehow "does not fit the mood" thing which was not noticed only by me, but to the person who was with me when we watched it.
Animation
Positive
One thing. The animation leveled up. But not to the point that you can expect things great. While the details of the background and other characters are finely on point and unique, plus with the glyphs and runes that was really detailed to every nook and corner. I can say I can give it 3 out of 5.
Negative
In a fantasy setting where there is an OP Protagonist, it is clearly to better show it to the viewers. It is subpar compared to the battle animation of the Fate Series. I was surprised how the animation was improved compared to the anime series, but what made me sad is the lack of the battle scene.
Overall Review
Recommendation: To watch (especially for the fans of both the anime and the novel)
Is there a secret Ending? If you are patient, then you will know.
Running Time: 90 Minutes (1.5 Hours)
Overall Score: 3/5
In any case, if you haven't read the novel like me, there will be confusing parts but will be easily understood if you have a good story pick-up skill that is needed when an anime or a movie is released that is purely based on the novel.
Overall, The Irregular at Magic High School The Movie: The Girl Who Calls is a great piece of work. Even though it is not that stunning or awesome that you want to watch the movie again, it is still recommended if you feel the lack of proper ending of the anime.
As for me, I may want to read the novel now since I have other novels finished up. If you are curious about my current read of the novel or looking for other novels that seem to be interesting, then read my previous post about it. "Click Here" if you're interested.
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