Synopsis
Kuromi is back, and more determined than ever to make it in the anime business. But all hell breaks loose when the boss quits smoking just when the workload bursts out of control. Can Kuromi overcome this almost insurmountable obstacle?
Review
Those who are fans of the first Animation Runner Kuromi will find that this sequel is a nice little touch to a neat title that gives anime fans a peek at how anime is… or at least the processes that it goes through in order for it to be released. In the first installment of Animation Runner, Kuromi had to lead her unique, slacking team to create an episode of anime. If putting together one episode was that difficult of a task, then you would definitely want to see what kind of havoc would develop when the crew has been given the assignment to create one episode for three different series; that is three episodes by the way for those who are bad at math.
How is Kuromi going to motivate her lazy staff? Well, she almost does not, because a hot shot animation runner comes barging in their studio and starts demanding things to be done by using strict methods… that works. Of course, since this hot shot animation runner is all about making the dead line, at the expense of the quality of the anime; we got a dilemma here. While Shihonmatsu is on the edge, going cold turkey from cigarettes, and the staff’s motivation runs low, it is time for Kuromi to take back Studio Petit, for the sake of her staff and for the sake of producing great anime.
Animation Runner Kuromi 2, pretty much sticks with the same formula as the first installment. Nothing much changed, and nothing much added. As I was watching it, it felt like it was a good bridge between the two OAVs, but that is about it. Certainly this show is about delivering fun to the audience and at times it does. However, the fun is not always there, there are some tense moments that make you wonder if this really is what you wanted to bargain for.
» The Pros
This piece makes a seamless transition from the first OAV. It certainly delivers an aspect of anime we do not see often. We have all heard about the stories of how anime gets produced, but now we get to see an anime version of how anime is produced... what better way to get the idea across?
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» The Cons
After the "getting excited" part from seeing how anime gets produced. The show comes off as pretty mediocre. I feel like the forty five minutes run time is not actually forty five minutes. It felt more like an hour and a half. Some parts are just slow.
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» Animation
8.5 |
A title simply cannot be called Animation Runner and have crappy animation. That would be criminal. Anyways, yes, the animation of this show is good. But if you are looking for a wow effect, then look on, because there is no need for a show like this to put on a wow effect for the audience. |
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» Sound
8 |
The sound is satisfactory. There was not anything special to catch my attention. It blended with the anime very well. Looking back at it now, I cannot even tell you anything that happened specifically that pertained to the acoustics department, other than the fact that both languages were good, and not annoying. |
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» Story
7.5 |
Nothing much has changed since the first installment, other than the fact that the studio is getting more work and the crew gets a bit of tough love for a change. Was Animation Runner Kuromi 2 better than the first? I would have to say no, but I guess if you liked the first one, you will get this one eh? |
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» Recommend
7 |
Animation Runner Kuromi 2 is simple. Either you like it or not. And most of the fans who will watch this are the "like it" fans. If you consider yourself the rest of the others, I suggest you not spend on this title. |
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» Other Information
Language: English/Japanese Dialogue with English Subtitles.
Extras: Alternate Angle Storyboard Feature, Interview with Creator Akitaroh Daichi, A Day in the Life of Kuromi!, Art Gallery, Sketch Gallery, Original Japanese Trailer, U.S. Trailers, Previews
Package: Kuromi is on the cover, revving you up for her new anime producing adventure! |