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Virtua Fighter


Episode 3: Utsukushiki Kyoutai Kenshi Toujou
(Brother and Sister Martial Arts Team)


Copyright: ©2000, SEGA/TMS, AnimeWorks
Length: 22 minutes
Rating: 3+ (suggested rating), PG (Parent's Guide Rating)
Format: Original Japanese Dialogue, English dub (VHS)


synopsis:

There's a steak-eating contest being hosted by Smile Steak and, of course, Akira goes to compete. Indy car racer, Jacky Bryant, and his sister Sarah are sponsored by Smile Steak. Pai's gone along in disguise to the contest. However, Smile Steak happens to be owned by the Koenkan. Meanwhile, the Koenkan are tearing up the restaurant, looking for Pai while Akira's obviously won the contest. Pai's found out and the Koenkan go after them. And that means Jacky and Sarah have to try to capture her. But they have to figure out what they should do.


capsule review:

Oh, how the narrator/announcer is getting annoying. The best example is when he announces the episode title. The acting continues to be good, particularly Akira and Jacky. We also get some references to Tae Bo (obviously an insertion into the dub) and Jacky has learned Jeet Kun Do (or however you spell it), the martial arts created by Bruce Lee. The bad guys consistently have below average acting, though.

The animation continues to be about average, but this episode has some quite good fight scenes. We still have the introduction of various attacks in these episodes, and I don't see them going away.

This episode is actually good. Best one so far, and it seems the plot is advancing again. New members of the group against the Koenkan, as well. The episode ends to be continued, so this is a two-parter. Akira's humongous appetite is still being exploited, mainly for comedy, and keeps this series light-hearted. While the plot of the episode is quite simple, it is showing definite direction. I don't know why, but I'm actually liking this series.
- JDA, 2001.03.17


café rating (english dub):

Story:

3 stars

[3 / 5] - While simple, this episode is advancing the plot well.

Direction:

3 stars		 [3 / 5] - Definitely seeing progress in the development of the story.

Acting:

3 stars		 [3 / 5] - An improvement. Akira's still good, and Jacky's a good addition.

Animation:

3 stars		 [3 / 5] - Animation quality is back up, with good fighting scenes.

Music:

2 stars		 [2 / 5] - The music is still very unimpressive.

Translation:

 [ N/A ] - Based on the English dub.

Overall Rating:

3 stars		 [3 / 5] - I'm seeing an improvement with this episode. Good action helps it along, as well.


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Page last modified 2001.03.17