Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles-Strictly for the Fan
Here Is What You Need To Know:
Oh you poor trampled upon Robotech fans, how you have suffered. There hasn’t been too much in the Robotech way since the original series went off the air. There was almost a 70 episode new series based on the Sentinel books, but alas that only made it into its infancy before being axed. If you are unfamiliar with the Robotech universe then you will be pretty much lost with Robotech: The Shadow Chronicles. I think that even the creators of The Shadow Chronicles would have to admit that this is really a film that appeals to the existing fan base. In fact, much of the backstory is only barely touched on for about a minute. In short, humans get their hands on alien technology and the alien bad guys don’t want to let them keep it. Now, the Robotech universe is certainly more involved than that, but this is really all you get from The Shadow Chronicles to guide the newbie.
What Was Cool:
-The animation is pretty good and definitely a step up over the original series.
-There are lots of nice space battles and the action keeps on a going at a fast pace.
-For a fan, like myself, it was great to see some of the old characters, such as Rick Hunter, alive and well-and old-that was weird.
-The Shadow Chronicles has some good voice acting that is consistent throughout the film.
-It was just plain cool to see Robotech alive and kicking.
What Was Stupid:
-Nothing was stupid, other than all the women having gigantic breasts for now reason, but the film is definitely too focused on the fan base. In fact, it is really, really focused on the fan base, as The Shadow Chronicles assumes that you remember characters from the old series and the even the books. You can follow the plot-sort of, but as a fan I knew I was missing much due to the fact that I couldn’t remember details from many, many years ago.
-A bigger budget is really necessary to do a project like The Shadow Chronicles correctly.
The Film's Real Genius or Geniuses:
Whoever figured out how to get The Shadow Chronicles actually made is a genius. The problems of The Sentinel era are hopefully gone.
Story C (The story is decent if you remember the previous television series well enough.) Use of Science A Acting B Portrayal of Women C (There are strong female characters, however, why do they all have to have giant exposed breasts? Why?) Visuals-Visuals and Special Effects B- (Not the greatest anime you will ever see, but okay.) Enjoyability Grade C+ (If you are a fan you will enjoy The Shadow Chronicles. If you are new to Robotech, you will be confused.) Home Theater/HD Factor B Gut Check (Level of Studio Executive Guts) A Overall Innovation C Overall Grade C+ (A good rental for the fan.)
A Little Fact About Cherie:
-I loved the original Robotech series, just in case you couldn’t tell. Why I even read some of the books. I firmly believe that Robotech still has a big future waiting for it. There is just too much of a fan base.
