T w e n t y S i d e d

Episode 9 of Girls und Panzer: Last ditch effort! starts with a flashback: the Japanese Ministry of Education and a bunch of other stuff, Bureau of School Ships, has decided to consolidate schools to save money.

The bureaucrat meeting with the Oarai School Council tells them the Ministry is starting with schools that have no notable achievements or programs. “Oarai used to have an accomplished Sensha-do team, but that’s been gone for a while…” which prompts Anzu to respond, “Oh! So we’ll restart the Tankery program! You wouldn’t shut down the school with the winning team!”

Continue reading ⟩⟩ “Girls und Panzer: Last ditch effort!”

Paige Francis He/him

The 1984 Helen Slater-starring Supergirl film was an attempt to cash-in on the successful Salkind-produced Christopher Reeve Superman film series. I enjoy the movie, more in a “so-bad-it’s-good” way; even though the final product is a mess and it’s clear the filmmakers had NO IDEA what they were trying to do. The 2026 Milly Alcock-starring Supergirl is an attempt to introduce Supergirl in DC’s new Gunn-directed universe, and explain why she’s a different character than Superman, rather than just a “female Superman.” The 1984 movie is poorly-conceived, badly-written, is loaded with bad FX and weighed down by bad editing. The 2026 movie is WORTH WATCHING, and even has some greatness, but is hurt by it’s own misguided direction, multiple faults with internal consistency, and mostly poor construction and lack of focus. What most-directly connects the two films is performances by the two stars, Slater and Alcock, elevating the chaos around them. I would have watched Helen Slater play Supergirl opposite Reeve’s Superman, and I’m looking forward to seeing Alcock’s Supergirl alongside Corinswet’s Superman.

This is somewhat of a review with commentary, and there ARE spoilers. If you want to see Supergirl unspoiled (as much as possible) please do not continue.

Continue reading ⟩⟩ “Supergirl: Almost Great”

Paige Francis He/him