ClareLaBelleRose Reviews

The Swan Princess (1994)

Underrated Classic

[10/10 · 11 February 2023]

The Swan Princess was one of my favorite movies growing up, having worn the VHS out by the amount of times that I had watched it. I was very attached to the story, the characters, and the music, as well as the fact that it adapted my favorite ballet, Swan Lake. Despite the film's negative reception and the fact the critics pan it to this day, I would say The Swan Princes is certainly a masterpiece that's been hidden by negativity on the part of those who don't understand it.

The movie's animation is gorgeously drawn by hand with aesthetically pleasing backgrounds and charming character designs, the music is composed in such a gorgeous manner that it rivals Disney (And beats modern Disney bu a landslide), and the story is a beautiful tale that you'll want to watch again and again.

Stellaluna (2002 Video)

Sweet Story With Good Memories Attached To It

[10/10 · 9 February 2023]

I grew up with this movie on VHS, so I admittedly may be biased with the amount of good memories I have attached to it. However, I really do still enjoy this movie and the message that it brings about accepting your differences, as well as the struggles of being in an adoptive family. I remember relating as a French girl in an all American school, seeing myself in Stellaluna and her struggles to fit into a new context that she's unfamiliar to. I believe many other children would relate to this struggle, being a common one that is surprisingly rarely addressed in modern children's media.

With cute and nicely drawn traditional animation, catchy and fun songs, and nice voice acting, Stellaluna is a movie I definitely recommend, nostalgic or not.

The AristoCats (1970)

Adorable Romantic Disney Film That Gets Unfairly Ignored!

[10/10 · 1 February 2023]

The Aristocats is a Disney movie that is very ignored, especially in current times, when the film is a very beautiful and sweet film that deserves as much recognition as many modern Disney films get.

With stunning visuals, a lovey soundtrack, and a memorable story, The Aristocats is a movie that you'll want to watch time and time again. Making my childhood beautiful with the story and sounds that the movie provided, I believe this would be the movie all cat lovers should seek out.

Give the movie a watch with your children, you'll be missing out if you choose to skip it! You won't regret watching it in the slightest at all!

Gay Purr-ee (1962)

A Beautifully Made Underrated Gem

[10/10 · 1 February 2023]

As a little French girl growing up in America during my childhood, this was a film I deeply valued, bringing me closer and prouder of my culture. Having borrowed the film countless times from the library and having watched it time and time again with my family and friends growing up, rewatching it now brings back wonderful memories and the same feelings that I experienced during my time growing up with the movie.

From the animation to the music to the characters, everything about this movie radiates beauty and charm. With a surprisingly sophisticated storyline despite the cute cat characters and lovely voices to match, this movie has something for everyone in the family.

This is a must watch, please, don't skip out on it!

Whisker Haven Tales with the Palace Pets (2015–2018)

Painful To Watch, Adult Or Child

[1/10 · 1 February 2023]

What else is there to say? It's thankful this entry was left in the past. Clearly made for money and money alone, even the targeted audience will certainly not find anything of use from this show. With generic animation done in Flash, obnoxious voices from talentless child actors who were clearly cashed in by their parents, and the most insipid character designs that I've ever seen, even for a show on Disney Junior this is a miniseries that blows in every way imaginable.

To make a long story short? Avoid this one, please. For the sake of you and your children, seek elsewhere for pet related entertainment.

The Cat Returns (2002)

A Must-See Movie For The Whole Family!

[10/10 · 30 January 2023]

Movies really don't get much better than this one. Taking the spot of my favorite movie, The Cat Returns is fun, beautifully animated, and with a gorgeous score to match. The story is fun and unique, following a young woman named Haru as she finds unexpected consequences after rescuing a cat from being run over. Being whisked away to the cat world with the intent on marrying the prince, she and her friends have to find a way to escape before it's too late. The antics are amusing, the character dynamics are sweet and well written, and there's a lot of happiness to be found from the movie! It's a must see for all ages, especially cat lovers!

K-12 (2019)

Confusing Narrative And Pacing Made Up For With Songs And Message

[7/10 · 23 January 2023]

K-12 is definitely...A confusing movie. This is certainly the case if, unlike me or other fans of Melanie Martinez, are not fans of her work. Many may be lost, unsettled, or even dismayed watching the movie if they are not familiar with the material that Melanie Martinez covers, and this is understandable.

However, I would say the music and the messages throughout the film very much make the movie worth watching. From messages about racism and police brutality to misogyny and the normalization of menstruation, this movie is definitely one that can convert such dark topics through song, dance, and surreal pastel horror imagery. I found myself watching this movie many times over, always finding a new thing or two every time I saw it, from references to previous horror and even non horror movies (Notable influences being Carrie and a bit of Heathers) to details of Melanie's own life and feelings.

I advise you know what you're watching before you do so, but if you're ready for the surreal and horrific yet beautiful world of Melanie Martinez, give this one a go.

Human Form (2014)

The Dangers Of Focusing Too Much On Beauty

[8/10 · 23 January 2023]

Human Form is definitely a look into the human mind that you won't forget anytime soon. With disturbing visuals showing the true internal horror of body dysmorphia and the hatred of one's own appearance to a dangerous level. Despite the short runtime of the movie and things that could be explained further than they happened to be, this is definitely very effective and memorable for a short film, with amazing effects and a soundtrack that'll keep you on edge.

If you want jump scares and killers, expect none here, only the dread of the human mind and the fear of yourself. If you're into psychological horror, this is a must watch.

The Dolls with Attitude (2017)

Chilling Short Movie With A Strong Message

[9/10 · 23 January 2023]

This short film covers a sensitive topic very well in a short runtime, as well as brings up an important message. We see both the social problems in Japan and the physiological effects of many idols in the idol industry through an allegory within the realms of horror.

With body horror being used to show the horror of not being allowed to express your emotions and be yourself, many can find themselves identifying with her. Hiding who you are is quite normalized in order to appear acceptable, and seeing this portrayed so well was a very positive experience for me, despite ow dark the story is.

Definitely give this one a watch if you can handle horror. You won't regret it.

Komi Can't Communicate (2021–2022)

Sweet And Relatable, Albeit With Pacing Issues

[9/10 · 23 January 2023]

Komi is one of the most relatable characters that I can find in anime. Being a woman with several social anxiety that brought me a lot of trouble throughout my teenage years, I saw myself in her self doubts, troubles, and even relationships with her friends, family, and love interest to be. She is both realistic and idealistic, creating a perfect balance of the two.

While the anime does suffer from pacing issues, being very slow paced, especially in the beginning, this is made up for with charm and attitude that won me over in the first few episodes. We truly look through these high schoolers in their passions and interests, as well as hopes and dreams. Definitely a recommendation on my part.

Yandere Simulator (2015 Video Game)

Not As Good As It Used To Be, But Carries Sentimental Value

[7/10 · 22 January 2023]

The game...Has not developed well over recent years, to be quite frank. While originally starting with an interesting idea as well as both a satirical and investing tone, the development has drastically changed the game from the original vision that it was going for. This, along with the development time, definitely leads to questionable development, and doubts the game will ever be completed.

However, despite the flaws, there is still much to be enjoyed about the game. From the fun mechanics to the nostalgic value, the game is a fun time killer, and even the story can be interesting to look over.

I'd say give it a go. It might surprise you.

Nekopara OVA: Koneko no hi no yakusoku (2018 Video)

A Cute Prequel

[8/10 · 22 January 2023]

As a long time fan of Nekopara, I remember watching this OVA quite a bit later than the initial one. I wasn't sure what to expect, as I didn't know there was more to the story, but I found myself pleasantly surprised.d. This is a very cute, lighthearted, fluffy OVA, which, while not adding to the plot, is a lovely and welcome addition to the story.

The story is Christmas based, which can make this a very pleasant watch for the holidays. The story is very lighthearted, as I stated before, and good for a light watch if one is feeling down or not able to pay as much attention to the story. I definitely recommend this to fans of the original Nekopara as well!

Nekopara (2017 Video)

Nostalgic And Fun!

[10/10 · 22 January 2023]

This OVA was one of my favorite movies when I was a young teen. The anime itself helped me through so many rough times, so I will admit that I am biased towards it. However, I believe this anime, even from a not nostalgic opinion, is definitely worth a watch if you're a fan of the harem and Catgirls.

The story follows Chocola and Vanilla, two Catgirls and their owner, Kashou. The visual novel's story is quite close to the one portrayed in the OVA, albeit with noticeable and understandable changes. The characters are fun and well designed, and the story takes some bouncy twists and turns along the way, creating a sweet story that's definitely enjoyable! I definitely would give this one a go!

Leo the Lion: King of the Jungle (1994 Video)

Childhood Film Which Leaves A Bad Taste Watching It As An Adult

[2/10 · 10 December 2022]

When I was a child, I borrowed this movie from the library often when I was staying with my German grandparents along with several other Jetlag movies. This one happened to be one of my favorites when it came to them, being one of my most rewatched.

15 years, god, do I meet a different experience watching this film.

When we're young, we're satisfied more easily by the subpar, which this film could be called at the very nicest. From the clunky animation to the predictable story, 45 minutes may seem a little too long for the adults watching. Children may be amused by the playful songs and the antics of the animals, but I would not recommend this film for any child older than the age of 7.

A Whisker Away (2020)

Mediocre With A Terrible Protagonist

[5/10 · 26 November 2022]

The animation is beautiful for certain, and we receive very well done vocal performances, but those are, unfortunately, the best things about this movie. While the idea of the movie is an interesting and creative one, the story is all over the place as well as poorly written, along with the fact that this does not do service to our main character, who is an unlikeable character throughout the movie, and does not receive positive development. She is portrayed completely in the right despite her actions, and never receives any kind of punishment for essentially stalking a boy who isn't even interested in her throughout the movie. I was unable to finish the movie near the end with the runtime and the plot being a mess, and I would not recommend this film.

Teke Teke (2009 Video)

A Good Pick For Halloween

[10/10 · 25 November 2022]

Teke Teke is an obscure horror film from the 2000s, which is a shame due to the fact that it's very well done. Despite the short runtime, character development is very well done, as well as the creation of suspense. You empathize with the characters, which can be hard to do during horror movies and you know they will meet a bitter end.

In this movie, we see how the plot develops well, and how it effects the characters as time goes on. We see the influences of folklore as well and how Japanese legends come to be and play out in contemporary times. I definitely would recommend this one for fans of horror and Japanese folklore.