Ghost in the Shell: SAC_2045

Despite some other reviews, this series is entertaining and a nice shot of something different (and yet familiar). I watched the original GHOST SAC ages ago and forget basically all of it, so am coming at this without any nostalgia or planted expectations.

It was kind of meh until episode 5, but held my attention building the world and political situation. During and after episode 5 it quickly escalated into what I can only describe as a "hacked cyber brain", in that it feels a bit like you're tripping on some sort of future brain drug. If you're looking for a roller coaster of bite sized emotions it's a good source.

Yes, the CG animation and weird beer drinking, care-free attitude of the characters in the first 10-15 minutes of the first episode is extremely off-putting. I can't really explain the behavior and I don't think this animation style works in bright Palm Springs desert lighting without feeling cheap. I've read several reviews of folks who stopped here. That would be a mistake. It does settle into a much more familiar GitS SAC story and style by the end of the episode and all those that follow. Once things get a bit darker (both story and lightning) there are times it feels very much like the original. The character models can be quite good and sometimes the CG animation allows them to do some very creative things. The only time it continues to annoy me is when the camera needlessly swoops around everyone while they're talking to each other in their private network.

It takes a while to settle into the main story, but it's an interesting one, and I look forward to more. They've got new quarry to keep them busy and as always most of the characters live in a gray area.

I can only assume this was an attempt at capitalizing on the good reputation of prior Ghost in the Shell content. This is sooooo disappointing, story REALLY sucked and I wish they'd not used 3D animation. 3D is OK for some things but not for this.

I've watched the old Ghost in the Shell and saw this gem pop up on Netflix and I wasn't disappointed. I honestly don't know why everyone's rating it a one, that's a dishonor to the show even if the art style isn't to their liking. The story in my opinion was fantastic and left me wanting more. I say give it a shot and don't let the other reviews swade you into missing this.

The CGI art style just looks weird and cheap. Major looks like a doll. CGI anime can be done well too (I liked the Appleseed movies). Story is mostly okay, although it takes a while to get started. There is potential, if they could improve the art style and develop the story further.