FightingSeraph's movie Reviews on Newgrounds

[Phase 9 Episode 3]

I say that this isn't bad for what it is.

While I haven't seen the other installments of this yet; I will say that I see something with some potential behind it. I have also noticed that you uploaded this as a video and to be honest video submissions should be treated like regular flash cartoons and games. However, I think that you should check out either Swift 3D or Milkshape 3D since those programs allow you to convert 3D models into vectors. Aside from this...

In terms of graphics, while far from the worst visuals on here; the style used in this is rather bland and uninteresting. I think you could look elsewhere for inspiration outside of anime, such as old cartoons. (It makes for good animation practice.) On the other hand, you do have a nice desert setting for your backgrounds. When it comes to the sound, I have to agree with Neophyte Ronin on the music. It just doesn't fit the seriousness of the plot and also worth noting is that there is better music in the audio portal (try some of the songs by Maverlyn, Box-Killa, and Nanashi). Plus, don't rip sounds from YouTube videos; it's unnecessary and the quality isn't worth it. As for the voice work, it gets the point across, but could have been done better. Then there's the content--interesting plot so far and the diologue is passable. However, the pace could be ten percent faster, but this isn't the Stick Slayer. Considering that this was based off of a novel, I don't mind derived projects as long as the actual product is good. On the other hand, I have gotten somewhat weary of them due to certain flash cartoons that had great animation, but turned out to suck hard dick.

What I liked:
-Interesting plot, characters, and diologue.
-Nice backgrounds
-Passable animation

What I didn't like:
-Bland art style
-Derived project, but as long as it remains good I'm not going to bitch.
-Unfitting music
-Voices could have been better.

Overall: Here's your seven, and if you do decide to continue this; consider doing the drawn animation in flash.

Kel-chan responds:

i wrote the the book this is based off of =D

I'm putting it out as anime because...frankly people dont read these days- when i went to the publisher thats exactly what he said- I write kind of wordy and its sometimes overly descriptive and the pace is quite slow...i had to correct the draft but i never got back to him so it never got published

[Troll Game]

Pretty entertaining for a compilation.

As much as I loved Morphemon Duelists; This was better animated and directed. Even though I haven't read your comic, that didn't detract from overall enjoyment.

Visually, it may not have the best graphics, but enough to get the point across. Of course, I like the style that was used, but the frame-by-frame looked rather stiff and jerky. I'd recommend that you look up Preston Blair's animation book sometime. The use of rotation tweening was kind of nice, but it shows that it just isn't your cup of tea. In terms of music, I liked those two songs that were used and personally have no problem with using music from your CD/MP3 collection provided that it isn't the only kind of music used. Then there's the content: As I said before, it was pretty entertaining for a compilation submission. I mean the direction, timing, and choreography is assloads better than what usually gets submitted here. Music videos may not be original, but there are times when generic can be a good thing.

What I liked:
-Great direction and timing
-Nice song selection
-Nice use of rotation tweening
-Original

What I didn't like:
-Stiff frame-by-frame

Overall: Here's a nine out of ten, and aren't you glad that you got the front page?

PiGPEN responds:

My goal in fbf is to be able to properly convey motion and weight with as few frames as possible.
I don't know if the "Stiff frame-by-frame" is just your personal opinion of using limited frames in general or that i didn't fully convey the motion and weight i should have with my frames... in any case i'll continue to try and do better in future animations (except when Morphemon2 comes out since i did all the animation in that already).

[Dangerhawks]

Finally...

...something from Tomas and Alan Guinan that isn't Eskimo Bob. I like how you guys made fun of how stupid and half assed cartoons were back then. (No offense) Now, let me get started...

In terms of art and animation, this really shows that you put tons of effort into making this over EB. Most of the characters were well drawn, although Dan and Hank's legs look flimsy when compared to the rest of their bodies. In addition to what Psycho Goldfish said about this being too animated to be considered authentic; all of those cartoons had really poor frame-by-frame animation whereas this used motion tweens. Speaking of which, I liked that water trail effect that Prof. Scorptopus had, along with the clever use of a linear gradient. When it comes to the sound; the voice acting was good and I loved those songs that were used in the intro and outro. The only problem is that there weren't very many sound effects, but considering that this was based on cartoons of that era, I'll let it slide. Then there's the content, which was very novel and well executed. Just how many flash cartoons make fun of cartoons that were made back then? Very few and one more isn't going to run the concept into the ground. I loved how you made fun of the lame-assed stories and cheap animation that was synonymous in those days. Kudos for having Dan use the Super Scope, which I thought was pretty funny.

What I do like:
-Not Eskimo Bob
-Novel Idea
-Funny at times
-Nice use of tweening
-Good voice acting and music

What I did not like:
-The fact that it was intended as a tribute than a satire.
-Dan and Hank's legs look quite flimsy.
-Too animated and tweened to be considered authentic.
-Could have been funnier at times.

Overall: Here's a nine from me, and as much as I want you guys to broaden your horizons some more. You would be better off if you'd let the 1980s go.

[MvC3: Hulk]

Funny promo!

However, I find it a bit ironic that you would make this after you told everyone else not to use music from their CD/mp3 collection and/or characters/resources from various video games. Look, unlike certain people who won't be named, I don't have problem with it personally. Aside from this gripe...

In terms of art, even though it's just a close up to the Incredible Hulk; I liked how this was cartoonishly drawn and the lip sync was pretty good considering that you and Wade aren't that great at drawing. Soundwise, I liked how you used xKore's song and the voice acting fit the Hulk like a latex condom. Then there's the content, which meets my approval. It's nice to see a Marvel/DC themed flash movie that isn't from Wogoat or Xennethy, and I thought that this was pretty funny even though dick jokes are overdone. As for people getting whiny and bitchy for the pedophilia reference; keep in mind that Ben Spurgin did a sprite animation set to Gwar's Baby Dick Fuck, and Rats on Cocaine creator Dean Packis created Father Tucker which revolves around rape jokes.

What I do like:
-Underused subject
-Funny
-Good art and lip sync
-Nice voices and music

What I don't like:
-People will accuse you of being a hypocrite.
-Overused joke (try female ejaculation for a joke next time)
-Not as well animated as Mindchamber's Cap. America promo

Overall: Tom, I'm giving you a nine for proving that you haven't lost it.

[TONGS]

I may not have seen the other...

...Blockhead cartoons, but for something so outdated; that was kinda funny. Truth is, I usually ignore your flash, but I've decided to give you a chance this time.

When it comes to graphics, it may just be imported photos akin to something made back in 1999-2001, but I did like how you designed Blockhead himself. To be honest, I don't think that flash cartoons should have the best, but enough to get the point across. In the sound department, I liked the voicework and music; so no complaints in that criteria. As for the content, I thought it was kind of funny, especially at the end.

What I liked about this:
-Somewhat funny
-Great audio
-Passable visuals

What I don't like:
-Outdated as hell

Overall: An eight has been given to you, Mike Swain.

[Luminiscense]

Magnificent!!!

It's great to see a flash drama that isn't a motion comic, and even better for it to work in the best way possible. Even though I have been harsh on Kirbopher for Nin10doh, Brawl Taunts, and the Parody Rangers Movie; I still like him as a voice actor. With that out of the way...

Artistically speaking, this is up to par with Bitey of Brackenwood, Story of Khale, Ninja vs. Demon, and most Spike Valentine flash. The character animation is excellent and the color selection is top notch. In other words, this deserves to be rated higher than what's currently in the top ten flash. In terms of sound design, most of the time the Audio Portal usually doesn't have what people want, but those songs that were selected fit perfectly. Plus, the voice acting is superb and I wouldn't mind seeing Nowacking in more flash movies. Then there's the content, which is excellent in my opinion. The cinematography, direction, and pace would give Hollywood a run for its money. This is worthy of an award or two in that category alone. The story is also very good when compared with most high-end, high filesize cartoons on here, which usually turn out to be badly written and/or directed. Plus, the mood was perfectly set.

What I do like:
-Great art and animation
-Great voice acting and sound
-Excellent music selection
-Original
-Top notch direction and writing

What I don't like:
-It was kind of odd to choose WWII for the setting, but that's not affecting your score.

Overall: Here's a ten out of ten!

keepwalking responds:

Verry appreciated review! :)

[Nothing in Between]

Soothing

Even though I never have seen what you made before, this was a work of bittersweet art. Plus, I bet if you and Leeni keep at this; you two will knock James and Hania Lee down a few pegs. Aside from that, I'll start the review...

In terms of art and animation, I like the color selection that was used throughout the video and the art style in general. However, this doesn't have much frame-by-frame, but I do recognize good tweening animation when I see it. Kudos for some clever gradient usage; sure there are assholes who hate flash gradients, but anybody who puts them to good use surely knows what they're doing. When it comes to sound, I really like that song Leeni made with its soothing melody and clever sample selection. Much better than what's being plugged on the music channels if I do say so. In terms of content, it may not be overly complex, but it doesn't need to be that way. Plus, the direction and pacing are excellent for what you have done for that song.

What I like about this:
-Nice animation, color selection, and style
-Cool song
-Great direction and pace
-Original

What I don't like:
-The song isn't everyone's cup of tea

Overall: Here's a nice ten for what you and Leeni have done.

[Bobby Knobby]

Not bad for a pilot episode.

Sweetsweetback, it's been a long time since you posted anything, and for an attempt at a comeback, this is a viable first step at something with potential. Truth is, I think that you, Ryan (Johnny Rocketfingers), and James Jouni are sorely missed here and it's nice to see something from at least one of you. With that out of the way...

In terms of animation, it may be the same as Ren & Stimpy, but you put that style to use with excellent frame-by-frame and a clever use of a motion-tweened background. In other words, professional grade shit in my book! When it comes to sound, I really dig that background song that you made for this (I bet if you uploaded that onto the audio portal, it will do really well). However, the voice acting, while not bad by any means, could have used more energy. Of course, there's the entertainment value of this flash, which is the only other fault this has. For something so short, I think that this could have been much, much funnier. And this is coming from someone who thought that this was kinda funny. Plus, I think it's time you learned on how to make a replay button because having it loop isn't fitting for a one-shot cartoon.

What I do like:
-Fresh
-Great music
-Great animation
-Reasonable filesize

What I don't like:
-The voice acting, while good, could have used more energy.
-Having this loop isn't fitting for something like this.
-Could have been funnier

Overall: Here's an eight from me.

[Snarly Brown 2]

Still hilarious years later!

Evil Dave, it's been a long time since you last submitted something, and I admire the courage it took to upload this on here. With that out of the way...

Graphics: Even though not everything needs to be top-of-the-line, this flash still shows its age considering that it's mostly imports. On the other hand, I like the use of a texture fill when the Jeff Dahmer kitchen scene comes up.
Music: It may not have voices, but considering the time that it was made, it didn't need them. Plus, I like how you had the Peanuts music, Helmet, and some Mexican music for that pinata scene.
Content: For something so outdated, I was laughing hysterically at this. From the dumpster scene to the very end, it was a blast to watch.

What I like:
-Fucking hilarious and sick
-Nice sound selection
-Having the balls to upload this.

What I don't like:
-Outdated as fuck
-The fact that you haven't made anything new since 2002.

Overall: Here's a nine out of ten for still making me happy, Evil Dave!

[Gist of the North Star 2]

That was fucking hilarious man!

There aren't enough Fist of the North Star/Hokuto no Ken flash on this site; especially when compared with the innumerable ammount of DBZ/Mario/Sonic/Zelda flash. With that out of the way...

Visuals: It may not have the best animation, but I like the clever usage of tweening and Frame-by-frame that was used for this flash. However, there were times where the segments were off-center, and Kenshiro's frontal walk cycle could have been two segments per leg rather than one.
Audio: Nice use of the original version's BGM, and I appreciate that you had the balls to use Mike Egan's music from the Manga Entertainment dub. However, the voice acting was lackluster and I would recommend finding some fitting voices for the characters.
Content: Fist of the North Star is my all time favorite anime, and you did a great job at spoofing it. I mean those sight gags were superbly done, and the dialogue adds to it. Plus, the subject in question is underused which gives you guys some leeway in terms of creativity.

What I liked about this:
-Underused subject
-Good art and mostly good animation
-Nice music selection
-Funny as hell

What I didn't like:
-Weak voice acting
-Some of the segments look disjointed at times

Overall: Here's a nice nine for making me laugh.