Delightful way to spend two hours. A very large portion of the movie I had a huge smile stuck to my face.
Simple but effective. Conflict introduced, conflict explored, conflict resolved in a satisfying way. Doesn't say or try to imply anything particularly deep or thought-provoking, but it doesn't need to.
Doesn't require an intimate knowledge of the game's characters or storylines to enjoy, though there are very minor callbacks and having a general idea of what goes on in the game definitely doesn't hurt.
Movie has a slight Leo/need focus (This makes sense narratively and I'm not bothered by it).
The production of this movie is filled to the brim with passion and appreciation for artists and musicians, with an obvious focus on Vocaloid producers. It's practically bleeding with it.
Movie original discography brings its best, as expected. All five of the unit songs are evocative of their groups and their aesthetic. That said, Fire Dance is definitely my favorite. They really start that portion of the movie with a deafening bang that the rest of the songs can't measure up to in the same way for me.
Relationships are a healthy mix of friendship and GL crumbs, with a small serving of family and BL crumbs on the side.
The movie is carried on the idea that music has the capability to save and change lives. This is a theme that resonates deeply with me, but it likely won't be as impactful if you disagree. The film itself definitely whole-heartedly believes in it, which might be enough to convince you, at least for a bit. People find solace and hope in the simplest things, no matter how mundane they may seem. Oftentimes, it really is that easy.
Praises:
Genuinely clever way of incorporating existing songs as inserts: not just Gunjo Sanka, but the clips of songs from other producers as well.
Song choreography was energetic. Felt refreshing compared to the choreo in the 3DMV's in the actual game which can be... lackluster at times.
Tsukasa's presence essentially being dedicated to comic relief. Objectively the best use of his limited screentime in a movie that's supposed to be more or less evenly focused on each character.
Amazing cinematography, especially in the scenes in depressed Miku's SEKAI. Reminded me of Revue Starlight at times.
Complaints:
Members of groups didn't intermingle at all. Even when they're all summoned at the same time to depressed Miku's SEKAI, they literally cannot perceive anyone outside of their group. I thought this was kind of a shame given that something I like about the game's storylines is the interaction of characters between groups that extends to music collaboration and being a part of the "friends with the Virtual Singers" club.
(Minor) Akito seemed to take priority over Kohane as a leader figure in certain VBS-focused portions. Give the spotlight back to my hamster, damn it. /j
(Minor) Balance between groups was ALMOST perfect, MMJ and WxS could've used just a teensy pinch more focus each. I suppose that's the downside to the movie being slightly Leo/need focused (which I don't mind, again).
Theater Experience & Miscellaneous:
English subtitles by Deven Neel. I enjoyed them and appreciated the song translations. I thought it could've done with some proper karaoke styling because I'm a fansubber myself and deranged, but it was a solid 7/10 overall.
Everyone in the theater looked like they belonged in the GSA, including me and my girlfriend. That is a high compliment. There were two teens cosplaying as Rin and Len in the audience that were in front of us in line to buy tickets.
I was worried because there was a Lot of yapping during the pre-show, but the audience was very well-behaved. I was very grateful for this after hearing the horror stories of what happens in the showings of the Minecraft movie.
About two minutes into the movie the theater lights weren't dimming and we were all silently confused. A theater worker walked across the aisles to turn them off manually and we genuinely whooped and cheered in gratitude. The next time we would whoop and cheer would be during the after show when Miku is directly addressing us.
The song during the after show didn't feel the appropriate vibe to get up and be active, but I did clap in time. My girlfriend got out her shitty tiny Precure Miracle Light that barely works and waved it around a bit which was the closest we got to a glowstick.
Final Thoughts:
After we got out of the movie we got little cardboard flyers with serial codes on the back. If this doesn't give me ten thousand crystals upon redemption then I don't want it. (joke)
Why did they get Deco*27 to compose like ten songs for this movie. Do they have him trapped in the basement or something
I love you movies I love you music I love you Hatsune Miku
