Project A-ko Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: Two super-powered girls fight for the friendship of a third girl amidst an alien invasion.

Review: Now this is a film that taps deeply into my adolescent nostalgia as I remember watching "Project A-ko" for the first time in the early '90s. Right around this period is when anime was starting to gain a cult following in the USA and animated movies aired at like 3 A.M. each Saturday on the old, and superior, Sci-fi Channel. My best friend and I would usually have sleepovers where we'd play video games, toys, and watch movies all night long; the animes were definitely a highlight of this time period with this film being one of the first we watched and one of the most memorable. While we enjoyed the movie greatly, it wasn't until we became introduced to more anime series' that we fully appreciated how awesome and funny this movie can be if you understand all the references and parodies. Essentially, this is a light-hearted shot at many of the more popular anime that existed leading up to the mid-80s like "Fist of the North Star," Gundam, Harlock, and a major influence from Macross (Robotech to the English audience) just to name a few. If you're not familiar with these franchises, you probably aren't going to understand this movie or even like it for that matter. Despite much of the chaos that occurs, the story is mostly simplistic following the titular character, A-ko, as she and her best friend, C-ko, transfer to a new high school in which B-ko is the major bully. Apparently, the three girls used to go to kindergarten together where B-ko claims she was friends with C-ko and planned to fight A-ko, but she moved away before this could occur. Now, B-ko wants C-ko back and is more than willing to kill A-ko if need be. Ironically, it is implied that A-ko is the daughter of Superman and Wonder Woman, and as such has tremendous strength. But that's okay because B-ko has a group of cronies to fight her battles and an endless array of mechs, robots, and weapons to help her challenge A-ko. After having her legions defeated day after day, B-ko finally reveals a sexy power-suit designed to specifically make her more powerful than A-ko. With the stage set for their final showdown, it is at this time that an alien race shows up to reclaim their lost princess and kill anyone who gets in their way. Throughout the film you are given glimpses of these aliens slowly approaching Earth as it is revealed C-ko is actually this princess the aliens desire. The dogfights against the aliens are really great, but it's a shame this wasn't applied to a more serious film or series; oddly enough, the aliens are all female even though a few definitely look like men. Anyway, with all the destruction A-ko and B-ko create while fighting, many don't even realize aliens are invading; even A-ko and B-ko are oblivious as they demolish their school and any part of the nearby city they come into contact with. Eventually the aliens capture C-ko which leads to A-ko and B-ko momentarily teaming up to deal with this outside threat. Both girls end up finding different ways onto the alien's mothership, and, from within, fight their way through the minions, the captain, and blow the whole ship up crashing right back at school where they began. The film ends with the girls trying to get back to their normal lives as B-ko waits to possibly continue the fight all over again. I have to say, they don't make 'em like they used to. The music is, obviously, amazing since it has that natural '80s coolness as well as decent pop songs specifically written to be in English. The animation is beautiful to say the least. I know many will find it outdated, but this is how I prefer anime to look! Not this cheap ass shit you see in most anime nowaday save for the likes of "Death Note" and others like it. Also, there is this heavily detailed approach that makes everything look so futuristic and as if it were crafted with great care; it's further emphasized in contrast because you know they would cheap out on that level of detail in modern times. Speaking of the animation, A-ko and B-ko are especially sexy as there is a lot of fan service to be had. I think this may have been one of this first anime to display it in such a degree, and as a 12 year old boy this definitely caught my attention! Overall, this is a must-see for anime fans out there particularly if you're into the classics as I am. The little things like pepsi-can missiles, A-ko being scared of a movie with a killer Colonel Sanders, etc. show how over the top this film could get while still being creative and original. It's not perfect by any means as jokes fall flat, the story can appear either awesome or stupid depending on the outlook, and some may feel it did not age well (although they would be wrong!). Check this one out, but if you are not into anime or have not watched any of the older shows, you may want to pass this up.

Notable Moment: So hard to choose since I have been quoting this film for close to twenty years now, but the standout moment is when B-ko dons her sexy power-suit. My my my!

Final Rating: 8/10