Ghost in the Shell

Wow, this was an awesome blend of many different aspects to create a really, really well done 3d movie. Let's get down to the nitty-gritty, shall we?

Music/Sound Effects: The music was overall fitting, even enjoyable in areas. Meanwhile, I can't say the same for the SFX. While at times it was really good (The robotic eye), others like the sewer chase were just badly chosen and timed wrong.
8/10

Voice Acting: I can confidently say that this movie contains the very best voice acting I have ever heard in a 3d movie. Jaymond did a very exceptional job with voicing the main character, giving her a more masculine, yet emotional vibe. The very best voice work, though, I will have to give to Redwampa. His voicing of the council member was purely awesome. I think I just like the sound of his voice, it's just so cool. But yeah, it fit very well, giving a stern yet somehow human feeling to the council guy...you can tell that there are emotions existing deep inside, though probably repressed. Just tubular. Pfister did pretty well himself, as did the rest of the crew
10/10

Animation: Surprisingly, this was not the highpoint of the film for me, which.. is probably a good thing. The blending of colors though, where the texture seems to change with each frame, is not a technique which I am much of a fan of. But that was sparsely found after the first third of the movie. The money shots were indeed just that, and even the slightest details were handled with absolute care in many parts. Colored eyes are still animated with characters in action scenes. My favorite parts were how you can see the red eyes beneath his glasses, but only when the camera allowed you to see behind them. Also, the part where the General bends over to press a button.. that was oddly really sweet!
9/10

Direction: I'm sorry to say that I could definitely tell where the directors switched parts, though that's not to say that they were obvious. One just has to know what to look for. I do not wish to degrade either of the fine people who worked on this movie, but I will say that in certain areas there was still much work to be done. That said, in even more scenes they were past perfect. Competent directing throughout, and always careful to juggle action with the story without dropping the ball. For that I applaud, a very well directed blend.
8.5/10

Plot: I think that this was GITS' specialty, actually. It marks one of, if not the first, 3d movie which has actually drawn me into the story. The first third I couldn't follow very much, but as soon as the plan for the two cyborgs to fight was described in the second, I was VERY intrigued! Excellent, excellent work there, guys. I might have to say that this was the best, most workable script ever put in a 3d movie. It wasn't too overwhelming, but at the same time, you are in awe at the little complexities here and there. Mm-mm
10/10

Cinematography: Another key item in GITS. I will go ahead and just say that I felt that Redwampa's scenes were better cinematically, as the flow was just... superb in each scene. Spencer's was very nice as well, and not really lacking in any one area, though a little more effort in planning the shot before executing preliminary animation would've helped in spots. That said, sometimes the cinematography was even over-done. Almost every scene moved in this movie, although most were ever so slightly. This was not really necessary, and even distracting at times. Though it would be harsh for me to take away points for extra work, I'll just say that the great scenes easily made up for any imperfections
9/10

Entertainment Value: Overall, this was a really great 3d movie. Possibly one of the most cinematic, well flowing 3d movies we'll ever see, it is a must watch. The plot was great, and it kept me thinking about it for days truthfully. Eye candy is expected, and indeed, we are certainly not let down. The characters are believable, and actually quite moving. Brilliant voice work to compliment the equally riveting scenery makes GITS a very possible gold winner for film of the year. I have a 56k. It was worth the effort. End of story.

9/10
An exceptionally well-crafted and executed movie, excelling in several areas more than any 3d movie before it. You will enjoy!