Movie Stakeout Reviews 01/05/20-07/05/20

All the latest Movieland investigations from detectives Dick Japowski and Joey Arizona.

Dick"s Japanese Journey. Welcome to Ani-may!
Bleach (2018)
Ichigo is a high school student with a high spirit pressure, meaning he can see ghosts. He then ends up becoming a soul reaper with a Final Fantasy-esque giant sword and must learn to harness his power to save mankind.
This is one of those titles I've heard but knew nothing about going into this completely blind and what a fun treat it was! I love a heroes journey and this is full of fun humour and great sword action that never let's up. Will I watch the anime? That depends how many episodes there are... Just checked and the the answer is 366 so probably not! Be an Otaku like me and stick with this Netflix movie!
First watch: 4 out of 5 sushi rolls

The Ani-zona Case Files
Mary and the Witch's Flower (2017)
A young girl discovers a mysterious flower in the woods which grants her magical powers. Later Mary is transported to a magical academy where the faculty marvel at her remarkable levels of ability. But when they find out how Mary obtained her power they conspire to take it for themselves.
Hiromasa Yonebayashi's two previous movies were made for Studio Ghibli, and it shows. The art style is identical, and the movie feels like a cross between Ghibli movies Spirited Away, Castle in the Sky, and Kiki's Delivery Service.
First watch: 3 Sushi Rolls

The Arizona Case Files
Rocket Ship (1936)
Flash, Dale and Dr Zarkov head to the planet Mongo to stop it's sadistic ruler from destroying the Earth.
Essentially this is several episodes of the serial edited together as a movie, and it shows. Terrible acting, occasionally inspired production, and probably the worst fight choreography you'll ever see.
At 67 minutes it still wears out it's welcome.
First watch: 1 Doughnut

Dick Japowski's Japanese Journey
Saint Seiya: The Movie a.k.a. Evil Goddess Eris (1987)
The knights Seiya save a young boy from a busy road. The boys orphaned teacher is very thankful. A shooting star falls from the sky. That star is a golden apple.. Cue dark knights, and a gripping story of will this apple get eaten by anyone?! This hero group who get their powers from the constellations is only something I've dipped my little toe into but I could see myself going up to my waist, as long as it doesn't leave me cold.
First watch: 3 out of 5 sushi rolls 🍥

The Arizona Case Files
Lilo & Stitch (2000)
An experimental super weapon escapes to Earth, pursued by his creator and his designated intergalactic government chaperone. The alien lands on a Hawaiian island where he poses as an animal shelter dog, getting adopted by a troubled young girl with an Elvis obsession.
If that synopsis didn't grab you how about this...Ving Rhames plays a C.I.A. agent turned social worker named Cobra Bubbles.
Rewatch: 4.5 Genetically modified Doughnuts

Have you witnessed any of the movies we've investigated? What's the verdict? Let us know in the comments.