A Certain Magical Index Movie: The Miracle of Endymion

Epimondas Oct 3, 2016

7

Let me begin by saying it was great to see all those characters again, well except Index.  Index is even more of a pointless dullard in the movie than she was in the series.  I wonder if they can explain why a nun is still living with a male student?  LOL.  All she does is eat and bite Touma.  There is hardly a thing to her character and never was.  She is no competition for Misaka as the single best lead and female character in the show or movie.  Basically the movie in a roundabout way is not even that original as it essentially retells the series "A Certain Magical Index" with a few plot changes and character changes.  Arisa takes on Kaori qualities but is pursued by multiple factions just like Index.  Stiyl at one point flat out says that she is a threat to the balance between the magic users and espers, just like Index was in the series.  Unlike the series though, this movie is a bit of a dull repetitive turn and appears to have been directed by the same guy who directed X-Men 2, as in both cases, the director did not seem to know what to do with the entire cast of characters under their watches.  Either there are too many major characters from the shows haphazardly introduced such that the direction gets confusing for whoever was responsible or those characters are just left standing around too much without any real sense of purpose or point.  Only Touma, Arisa, Shutaura, and Ladylee make any real impact in the movie with Misaka, Stiyl, Komoe, Kuroko, and Motoharu playing significant but sideline roles.  Index seems to have some minsicule but imposed and seemingly unncessary point to her part in the movie.  It is pace a bit too quick and cluttered compared to the series.  Shutaura and Arisa finish the movie with a Mikoto like problem in the latter half of Railgun season 1.  Again all these rehashed elements make it seem dull and repetitive with little to nothing new to offer to the world of A Certain.... (Magical or Scientific series'). Ladylee hardly seems logical or like a true villain though her disconnection from life is an interesting twist to her character.  Despite this she is perhaps the strongest factor in the movie being among other things, the most unique and original introduction to the movie apart from the series.  Sorry new characters Arisa and Shutaura but your abilities and character are essentially rehashed and recycled parts from other characters during both series'.  The ridiculous monstrosity known as the space elevator though kind of interestingly done yet is also done too similarly to at least 2 or 3 other anime series' use of the concept, such as Eureka Seven, of a space elevator and honestly not as well or imagatinatively done.  

SEGHE Sep 15, 2023

7

"A Certain Magical Index Movie: The Miracle of Endymion" - A Magical Extravaganza That Delivers - 7/10 Story: 7/10 "The Miracle of Endymion" weaves a captivating tale that effortlessly immerses viewers into the enchanting world of Academy City. The plot revolves around the discovery of a mysterious young girl named Index and the enigmatic secrets surrounding her. The story unfolds in a well-structured and engaging manner, offering a perfect blend of action, intrigue, and emotional depth. While it adheres to some familiar tropes of the series, it still manages to deliver a compelling narrative with a satisfying conclusion. The storytelling earns a commendable 7 out of 10. Animation: 8/10 The animation in "The Miracle of Endymion" is visually pleasing and significantly enhances the overall cinematic experience. Action sequences are expertly animated, with dynamic and fluid movements that captivate the eye. Character designs remain faithful to the series, ensuring consistency and familiarity for fans. The overall visual quality is impressive, warranting an 8 out of 10. Sound: 8/10 The sound design in the movie is exceptional, effectively complementing the action sequences and dramatic moments. The background music sets the mood perfectly and adds depth to the storytelling. Voice acting is top-notch, with characters' voices conveying their emotions convincingly. Sound quality is superb, creating an immersive auditory experience that enhances the overall enjoyment of the movie. The sound deserves a strong 8 out of 10. Characters: 7/10 "The Miracle of Endymion" effectively utilizes well-established characters from the "A Certain Magical Index" series while introducing engaging new additions. Protagonists like Touma Kamijo and Index maintain their charm and character depth, providing a sense of continuity. Newcomers, like Arisa Meigo, contribute fresh dynamics to the story. However, due to the constraints of a movie format, some characters receive less development than in a full series. Nevertheless, the characters remain a strong suit, earning a 7 out of 10. Overall: 7/10 In conclusion, "A Certain Magical Index Movie: The Miracle of Endymion" is a magical extravaganza that successfully expands upon the beloved universe of Academy City. With its engaging story, impressive animation, exceptional sound design, and well-rounded characters, it's a must-watch for fans of the series and a satisfying addition to the franchise. While it may not be groundbreaking, it excels in capturing the essence of the "A Certain Magical Index" world and provides a highly enjoyable cinematic experience. Overall, it earns a commendable 7 out of 10 in my assessment.