Predator's Evil Eye is Lost in Starlight - Renegade Animation #185
In this episode, Captain Kaye and the Animation Guru discuss Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye, the theatrical premier of the hit anime's second season, as well as Predator: Killer of Killers, and Lost in Starlight.
What’s going on, everyone? This is your Captain speaking, alongside my esteemed co-host, the Animation Guru! After a fairly disappointing Spring anime season, we’re feeling much better about these next couple of weeks, especially today’s episode. So without further ado, please tune into the podcast to hear the full discussion!
Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye
You can either thank or blame the immense success of Demon Slayer - The Movie: Mugen Train, which brought in over half a billion dollar at the global box office, for this still relatively new trend of anime “films” that are merely compiling the first three episodes of a new season in theaters nationwide. In the case of Dan Da Dan, I would personally say the experience was worth it. If nothing else, it was just amazing to see the drop dead gorgeous work of the talented artists and animators at Science Saru on the big screen.
“Dan Da Dan: Evil Eye is a solid way to get folks hyped for the beginning of season 2 with a look at the first three episodes, and some good action and thrills. Still isn't really a "movie", but as a piece of marketing, it's effective.“ -The Animation Guru
Predator: Killer of Killers
This movie rules, and the fact that it’s the first animated feature from co-director Joshua Wassung’s visual effects company The Third Floor still blows my mind! The animation looks incredible, the fight sequences, particularly in “The Sword,” and “The Bullet” are excellently choreographed, and the voice acting is stellar. I’m only a little nonplussed that the film felt the need to tie the three separate stories together, as opposed to fully committing to an anthology format, but I understand that this is supposed to tie into the larger Predator world. If nothing else, this movie succeeded in whetting the appetite for Predator: Badlands, set to release in November.
“Predator: Killer of Killers is an exciting action romp of three different warriors from different moments in history holding their own against a Predator. While it sucks that this didn't get a theatrical release and the ending is too sequel baiting, it shows what you can do when you let creatives take control of an IP and go wild with it.“ -The Animation Guru
Lost in Starlight
Movies like this are exactly why I’m glad we have this platform. Due to Netflix’s substantial lack of marketing, it’s up to people like us to raise awareness of the very best that animation has to offer. Lost in Starlight is wonderful, a shining example of what a powerhouse filmmakers in South Korea have become across all media. So if you’re into space travel, music, and romance, then you need to seek this out as soon as possible.
“Lost in Starlight is truly one of the great animated features of 2025 from South Korea that may have a vibe similar to Makoto Shinkai films, but is its own experience. Dealing with trauma from the past, and to remind everyone that no matter the distance, there will always be someone who is there for you.“ -The Animation Guru
That’ll do it for this episode! Thank you all for joining us! We have provided a link to several GoFundMe pages in support of those affected by the 2025 Wildfires in LA. https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/10gvOxituYvxxknoY9IQa-YEqfK8WvCjcLBcg4hsmME4/edit?pli=1&gid=0#gid=0
