Jubei Chan 2: Resurrection, Vol. One

If you missed the original installation of this anime series, then this sequel might be very confusing (of course, even if you know and love the original, the sequel may still be confusing). The series revolves around the ownership of the "Lovely Eyepatch," which belonged to the medieval warrior Yagyuu Jubei and now is in the possession of Nanohana Jiyu, the clueless-yet-buxom high school student who happens to be the reincarnation of the warrior. Complicating her life are the resurrected members of Yagyuu Jubei's foes--the Ryujoji school of warriors--not to mention Jiyu's foppish writer father, and a handsome love interest in kendo artist Ryujoji Shiro (but isn't he supposed to be one of the bad guys?). While this anime offering makes little sense at times, it is fast-moving and stylish enough to earn merit for its sheer exuberance and goofiness. Jiyu is an endearingly ditzy character who never quite understands the mayhem surrounding her, yet manages to defend herself against countless attacks (none of which are particularly violent), while the villainess here, Yagyu Freesia (who claims to be the rightful heir to the "Lovely Eyepatch"), is a memorable mixture of camp and action/adventure. Presenting the first four episodes on a dual-language disc, rated 13-up, this is a genuinely entertaining production, even if it borders on being a guilty pleasure. Recommended. [Note: Jubei Chan 2, Vol. 2 is slated for release on Aug. 30.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)