FightingSeraph's movie Reviews on Newgrounds

[Enjoy Your Heaven]

Great effort, boring movie.

Not to be rude Curtis, but I just didn't find this to be funny. I know that you, along with James and Hania Lee will get upset at seeing this, and your fans will hate me for this; but I am going to be honest here.

In terms of art and animation, it's excellent in a way similar to Fox and the Mirror and Snow, Snow for Lucy. I'm not going to hold this against you for submitting this as a video file because I think video submissions should be treated like regular flash submissions. Then there's the sound, which I consider a mixed bag. On one side, you have great voice acting, but on the other, you have unfitting music playing, which is one of the major flaws of this cartoon. The music didn't match the situation that the main character was in and effectively killed the mood that you were aiming for. Of course, there's the content, which, like the last criteria, I have mixed feelings toward. Sure, it may be original, and being original is good, but only if the idea works. What prevents this from getting a high score from me is the lack of comedic timing/delivery. When it comes to jokes without punchlines, the timing and delivery are important. I think you need to learn how that works because that is what also affects this to where I wouldn't recommend this to anybody. As for the filesize, I'm not going to let that affect the score that I'm giving you, but I have seen flash cartoons that were much funnier and had a much smaller filesize.

What I did like:
-Great animation
-Good voice acting
-Original
-Nice choice of angles

What I didn't like:
-Unfitting music
-Unfunny. The jokes were delivered with next-to-no timing at all.

Overall: This may seem harsh, but the lack of such criticism is just jarring. However, I am going to be fair and here's a six out of ten.

[G.I.N.A part 3]

This is how sequels should be done.

This really shows that you have improved on your art and animation, Rick. Plus, you did a better job on the story than the first two. The first was an introduction to our heroine, the second gave us a bit of story to go with the action, and this one adds to both the story and the action. In other words, this is what Superhero Slayers, along with many other series, should have been.

In terms of visuals, you did a great job in that department with better proportions with the ninja, good use of 3d models, and much better animation. However, there are a few continuity mistakes that were made during production. One, that Kratos-esque telepath has his tattoo on his left eye the first time we see him in this episode, when in the next part it was on his right (just as it was in ep. 2). The other error involves her jetpack, is it just me or did it move down her back by two inches? Outside of those mistakes, everything's good in that criteria. Then there's the sound, which is a mixed bag in this department. One one hand, you have a great music selection with good sound effects to boot. On the other, while I think voices weren't bad, the voice actors could have used a few more takes just to get it right. As for those voices of the ship captain and the fat guy, their voices could have been more distinct as many others have mentioned. Plus, the voices could have been better recorded. As for the content, it's a lot meatier than the chapters that came before with some actual character development. Not to mention that the fighting was pretty badass all in itself.

What I do like:
-Great art and animation
-Superb direction
-Better story
-Great music selection

What I don't like:
-Continuity errors
-The voices could have been done better.

Overall: This series has still retained its level of badass fun for those who are sick of family-friendly animation, and I think a lot of people could leard something from you. Here's a nine out of ten.

[Press Start: Chores 1]

As funny as this series is...

...I think that you guys could upgrade the visuals a bit. Now, I know that flash on NG shouldn't have the best illustrations, but just to get the point across. However, I think you guys could add some more character views, more angles (considering that Keegan's truck had even worse artwork, but had shot variety to make up for that), and a few more frames for the animation. Of course, there's the monthly schedule you guys have to keep up with, which results in having to keep it the same. Outside of that, the voice acting, writing, and humor make up for the spartan graphics. Truth is, I will never give you guys a rating lower than six or seven, but I think it's time to improve the artwork for a bit.

What I do like:
-Funny
-Great voice acting
-Smart writing
-How you and Kevin depicted god was quite creative.

What I don't like:
-The spartan visuals are starting to get redundant.

Overall: Even though I'm a little weary of the graphics, you still have proven that good to great comedy doesn't need great graphics. Here's a nine out of ten.

[Dual Arms Verbatim Part 1]

Almost Perfect.

Nicholas, I think that you have something that would give Fallen Angel a worthy competitor and would put the likes of Minushi, Xombie, and whatnot to shame. However, I have to agree with een777 on the story though, it would have been better if you created a proper pilot episode. With that out of the way, on with the review...

In terms of art and animation, you have some good frame by frame with actual shading, nice use of swift 3D/Milkshape 3D, clever use of gradients, and nice painted backgrounds. As for the frame-by-frame stuff, I will agree that it could have used a few more frames in certain places, but at least you didn't cop out like Arrogancy, Chester Kwan, and those motion comic flashes (I hate those things). As for the characters, Unlike Rhete you and your friends did a good job drawing them. On the other hand, anime-style art is overused and you might piss off anime haters such as Oney, Hans Van Harken, Doug Sauncy (the Keegan's Truck guy), and TFX to name a few. Then there's the sound, which is a bit of a mixed bag. On one hand, you have a nice music selection such as the Fire Field theme from F-Zero GX (Show No Pain), Hitoshi Sakimoto, and other games. On the other hand, the voice acting is pretty bad. Not just in the recording quality, but the actual acting is reminiscent of English dubbed Voltes 5 and Mazinger. I think you need to get Sam Haft, Malamite Ltd., Druox the Shredder, Sapphire, G-Force, and a few others for this project. As for the content, you did a great job on the direction, the story, the setting, and the originality. However, as I, along with een, have said before: starting in the middle was a bad decision and I would like for you to come up with a proper pilot episode for this. The only other flaw that I could notice is how some of the Greek letters were used. When using Greek letters: Psi=ps, H is used as vowel, and X=H.

What I do like:
-Above-average art and animation
-Good story so far
-Nice music and sound effect selection
-Original
-Great mechanical design
-Top-notch direction and setting

What I don't like:
-Bad voice acting, a few more takes along with redone recordings would have helped this.
-Animation could have been a bit smoother in parts.
-Improper use of Greek Letters
-Lack of a proper pilot

Overall: In spite of this cartoon's flaws, I still think it was great. Here's a nine out of ten.

RPGsrok responds:

As I've mentioned, I spent at least one of the two years of this thing's producting asking myself why I wanted to do this episode 'next'. If you actually look at my work, this isn't the first Dual Arms I've made (though if you do look at my work, watch Precipice NOT NOCTURNUS - because being my first flash, it was crap), but yeah, I was a bit stupid going through the middle like this. I never thought of it as a pilot, and if I were to produce a completely different Dual Arms episode (after hypothetically finishing the second part of Verbatim) I would definitely go straight to the chronological beginning and do a proper 'pilot'.

I was using swift 3D, and honestly I think I suck. I've never had formal lessons in any animation per se, but especially need a lotta work in my 3D, and I'm not afraid to admit it. I also think ther's really no point to so-called "motion-comics" and I'm glad you see the thought behind my decisions. And as you said, the animation could be smoothed, but you can only do so much by yourself if you hope to finish something like this. I hope you can understand that, though it's certainly no justification for low quality.

Honestly, I dunno Rhete, but as for any critique on the 'anime-style', please understand that I have no intention of drastically changing my style to the western; I rather like anime myself. Again, I don't know all the users you're citing but I can say for my part that I hold a bit of DISDAIN for Oney and Hans, and so if they didn't like my work, I'd have no problem with that.

Another person had also complained about the voices, and I respectfully reply that there were some good performances in there. I acknowledge though that some actors could've done better both in terms of quality and acting. Again, I don't know the actors you're listing, and I also think it'd be presumptuous of me to just contact them and say "You, actor! Work for me! Thanks!" Nonetheless, I will do what I can to get good actors in the future.

You are the first person to reference the greek. I certainly used it liberally, and i was getting the letters from the atene font, which may not map perfectly. Not speaking Greek myself, (and c'mon, I'm using it to spell out ENGLISH), I'm perfectly fine with there being some errors in it, though I'm sorry it annoyed you.

Thank you for your faith in my work, and for being so kind as to review. I hope to hear from you in the future.

[Joe Zombie :: Episode 6]

I think it is time that you finished this.

I have to disagree with Doomhammr, Jazza, and other Flash zealots on this series and would like for it to stay the way it is. If you were to switch from stick figures to fully-drawn characters, that would ruin the continuity. As much as I like the Stick Slayer, I don't have anything against stick figures as long as the movie itself is good. With that out of the way, on with the review...

In terms of art and animation, the sticks may be simple, but they get the point across. Plus, I liked how you made them different enough from each other. As for the 3D models, the jets and the columns were excellent, but the trucks' wheels had no animation to them. Not to mention that you put gradients to Great use with those explosions. However, most of the guns could have been better drawn. Soundwise, the voice acting is excellent and the music you chose was top notch. I couldn't see any flaws in that department. Then there's the story and the direction, which I consider excellent. The pacing, the angles, the writing, and whatnot puts Xombie, along with several other popular series, to shame. Speaking of which, I'm going to compare that with this:
-It had above-average art and animation.
-It didn't have a decent plot.
-It had uneven pacing, as in cool fight scenes brought down with needlessly slow dialogue.
-It had bad voice acting. (I was laughing at how bad Dirge and Zoe's voice was.)
-It had a flimsy sense of continuity between episodes.

What I do like:
-Great soundwork
-Excellent direction
-Great, compelling story
-Nice use of 3d and gradients.
-Well-written dialogue

What I don't like:
-Guns could have been better drawn, although I did like how you did the rocket launcher.
-The fact that it's stickmen. Note: I don't have a problem with sticks as long as the movie is good.

Overall: As much as I like those Cyanide and Happiness cartoons, I think it's time for you to finish this one and for all. Rob DenBleyker, here's a ten out of ten for doing something so badass in spite of the fact that this is still a stick figure movie.

[Talking with Edward Elric]

Your stuff isn't bad by any means.

While this wasn't funny, but your drawing skills are an assloads better than most of the people on DA and similar sites. Plus, I like it when people use unused subjects such as Full Metal Alchemist. With that out of the way...

In terms of art and animation, it was well drawn, but could have used a bit more animation. However, where there was animation, it was pretty good. The sound, on the other hand, is a mixed bag: the music was appropriate for the mood that you set, but the voice acting is terrible. As for the humor, the joke may have been a surprise, but still felt predictable and repetitive. However, it's still better than Wacky Game Jokez 4 Kidz (why did Hot Diggedy Demon sign up for this series is a mystery to me), Stuck (Cool Dr Money = Asshole), and both of the Nin10doh! collabs combined.

What I do like:
-Underused subject
-Good art and animation
-Nice music selection

What I don't like:
-Bad voice acting
-Predictable joke
-Filesize is a bit too big for something so short.

Overall: I say keep at making flash because I see a lot of potential from you. And don't be afraid to do something other than comedy. Here's a seven out of ten.

[The boy]

Original, but bizarre.

At first, I found this to be quite touching, but when the first gunshot came; that ruined that mood that you set. Other than that, you did a great job on the direction and kudos for that score that you used. I also approve of the use of symbols instead of words, which did a better job at explaining things rather than having voice acting. If you had voices, that would have ruined that atmosphere that you set. In terms of graphics, they weren't the best, but they got the point across, which is how it should be on here. Plus, nice use of textures and masking, although you could have laid off of the filters for a bit. (Here's a hint: More blurred vectors equals more processing power required to render them.) As for the story, it may not be much, but the atmosphere you set compensated for that.

What I do like:
-Good tone
-Passable animation
-Nice pace
-Good sound selection
-Original

What I don't like:
-The zombie surprise was a bit of a mood killer.
-Not much of a plot, but in your case I'll let it slide.

Overall: Here's an eight out of ten and keep practicing. Many flash cartoonists could learn a lot from you.

[I Dream In Retro]

Now this is the best Videogame flash...

...I have ever seen. Plus, I like how you added live video to this as well. Truth is, I'm sick of Flash zealots and sprite haters who are whining or about to bitch at this just because of those two things. I say, fuck them in the neck, this site's slogan is "Everything, by Everyone" not "Everything for a bunch of snotty ass pricks who think they're always right." Sorry about that Mike, but I think that that little bit needed to be said. With that out of the way...

In terms of graphics, you did a great job on your custom sprites and importing the rest in there as well. I also like the scanline texture that you added to simulate an older model TV. As for the live segment, you did a good job directing that with a nice choice of shots, good pace, passable picture quality, and a great setup. Then there is the sound, which is the only notable gripe here. You have great sound effects and fitting music, but in the first and fourth sprite segments, the music finished before the movie did. If you are going to event synchronize music, you should have looped it because the music ending before the segment really takes the viewers out of the experience. As for the content, you did a great job directing those sprites and I like how you mixed the subjects up, many of which happen to be underused.

What I do like:
-Excellent job on the sprites, both ripped and custom.
-Great direction and pacing
-Fitting music and sound selection.
-Underused subjects.
-Good use of live video.

What I don't like:
-The music finished playing in two parts before the actual scene ended.
-The fact that it's another videogame flash. Note: I don't have a beef with videogame flash as long as they are good.
-The Mario 3 and Mega Man parts, while enjoyable, are overused subjects on here.

Overall: Mike R, you have set a new standard in sprite movies. I award you a ten out of ten for this brilliant gem of a flash.

OrinCreed responds:

I'm really glad people like and understand why I added the live action bit. When I first made it I was worried that would turn people away real fast. Your point about sprite movies is actually why it took so long for me to join here. I had heard all kinds of stories about sprite movies getting a lot of hate. I'm really glad I joined despite what I was told.

I'm not sure why the music is cutting out like that on you. I set the movie up to loop all music until a stop frame at the scenes end. Seems fine when I play it too. I'm wondering if it might have something to do with flash player. This movie seems to be pissy if it's not run in flash player 9. But what do I know I'm still a huge novice. :)

Thanks for the great crit. I really appreciate it.

[The Year of the Cat]

Funny...

..., but not as funny as Norse in the Ninth Ward or Big-Ass Bear. However, this is one instance where more effort into the actual animation wouldn't hurt. I know that it may be your style, but more and more people are starting to get tired. As for the sound, I liked the voices and the music, which were fitting for something like this. Truth is, I don't think that comedy should have great animation; just enough to get the point across. Then there is the humor, which I found bunny, but when compared to your previous stuff; it feels rather weak, especially when compared to Rats on Cocaine or Retarded Animal Babies.

What I do like:
-Funny
-Fitting sound
-Original

What I don't like:
-Tended to drag at parts.
-A little more effort into the art and animation would help considering that you have competition from Dean Packis and Dave Lovelace.

Overall: Marc M, in spite of this cartoon's faults, I still found this to be funny. Here's an eight for getting a few laughs out of this Louisiana man.

[-In Response-]

Incomplete, but well-written.

In spite of the incomplete animation and crappy sound quality, this is one of the better written flash movies around. What's even more surprising that this is from a member of the Lock Legion. I'm not going to let the Clock/Lock deal affect your score because I don't mind the Clock Crew or the Lock Legion as long as they produce good material and annoy the shit out of others. With that out of the way...

In terms of graphics, you are obviously in need of a few books on anatomy and animation. While the characters are better-drawn than what Rhete, Jerry Jackson, or Doug Sauncy (the Keegan's Truck guy); I think you could improve on your proportions a bit and the incomplete animation prevent this from getting a ten from me. In terms of sound, I like the songs from the Audio Portal you chose, which set a fitting mood I might add. Plus, the voice acting is great. However, I have to agree with Sir Davey (who happens to be a personal favorite of mine) on the sound quality. In terms of content, this is how an original cartoon on here should be done. You have a solid script and great diolog, unlike many high-rated cartoons which have above-average to excellent graphics, but lackluster to lame story, sub-par to inept directing, and weak diolog. If you go back and finish up the actual graphics and animation, you'll be set for greatness.

What I do like:
-Great script
-Great voice acting
-Good sound selection
-Original
-Respectable direction

What I don't like:
-Unfinished animation
-The sound quality on the voices needs improvement.

Overall: I see much potential from you as a writer, but your drawing and animation skills are in need of work. Here's an eight out of ten for what you have so far.