I Give It a Year (2013)

the story followed Nat and Josh, a couple who decided to tie the knot after just months together. their friends and family were formed by different type of couples, some were old but still very passionate, some seemed to only bicker yet having a marriage as firm as ever, some were distant and holding on. they all mentioned that the first year of marriage will show how Nat and Josh will become. together they struggled to get through their first year of marriage, something that were unexpectedly difficult.

despite the film being labeled a comedy, we had a hard time laughing at their sex jokes. while the situations presented by Nat and Josh were realistic issues faced by some couples, they had turned it into a complete insult to those who truly work hard for their marriage. the film couldn't have a worst plot, having 4 persons switched partners, who in their right mind could enjoy that! their struggles were understandable and even tolerable, but at the end of the film where they were so happy and thrill to switch partner, the film disgust me.

Little Witch Academia (2013) リトル・ウィッチ・アカデミア

the story revolved around a girl named Akko, who joined Little Witch Academia in hopes of becoming as cool as her magician idol, Shiny Chariot. the storyline was straightforward but very well elaborated and animated. there were plenty of action despite being partially a comedy. every little idea that involved a magician were implemented, such as flying on brooms, dragon slaying, and wand blasting. the characters were likeable and it was easy to feel engaged in the many happenings throughout the show. and despite the seemingly ordinary backdrop, the series was surprisingly entertaining and turned out to be a rather interesting experience.

Witch World #1: Red Queen (2012)

having just graduated, Jessie joined her friends on a road trip to Las Vegas. however, she was informed last minute by her best friend Alex that her ex, Jimmy will be joining them. Jimmy was the love of her life who broke her heart 5 months ago when he dumped her for no reason and got back together with his ex Kari. during the trip, Jimmy was finally ready to tell her why he did it, because he wants her back. despite how important this seemed, things became even crazy after she met Russ, a stranger that never seemed to lose at gambling.

instead of playing twenty-one, they played twenty-two in the Witch World, a dimension that those with extra genes could went through after being "connected". following Russ, Jessie found herself being locked up in a meat freezer and soon froze to her death and brought to the morgue. but through this death experience, Jessie was finally "connected" and next came her supernatural powers. the book was an extremely fast read if not for its background introduction on both the organizations, which obviously fought against each other. its complications reminded me so much of the Thirst (2009-2013) series, where i was also forced to skip lines even pages just to get to the delicious parts.

Death Billiards (2013) デスビリヤード

2 unrelated men had to compete in a game of billiard, in a mysterious bar. the bet was their lives. the cruelty increased as these men were thrown into something even darker as severe trauma were forced upon them. only minutes into the show, we were able to relate to the 2 main characters. it was impossible not to empathize them. there were other minor characters that acted as hosts for the event. the tension build steadily, making the experience rather mesmerizing in return. soon curiosity won and one would want to know how things turned out to be at the very end. with such a dark backdrop, the atmosphere was very well created.