Viewtiful Joe, Vol. 1

With a plot that bears more than a passing resemblance to the Arnold Schwarzenegger dog The Last Action Hero, this video-game-turned-anime series finds a young movie addict named Joe sucked into the make-believe world of his favorite big-screen hero, Captain Blue. Joe has two missions: to save his kidnapped girlfriend Silvia, and replace the aging Captain Blue, who wants to retire. Needless to say, Joe winds up with special powers and turns into the eponymous hero, “Viewtiful Joe.” Unfortunately, while the video game and its sequel have been rightfully applauded, this series is stuffed with the lamest action derring-do this side of…well, this side of The Last Action Hero. The stories are weak and predictable, the characters thoroughly lacking in charisma or personality, and the animation (particularly of the strangely misshapen Joe, with his oversized head and perpetual smirk) is no great shakes. Presenting the first three episodes, suitable for 7-up, on an English-only disc with undistinguished voice work, this spin-off is not recommended. [Note: Viewtiful Joe, Vol. 2 is also available, with Vol. 3 slated for release on June 6, and Vol. 4 debuting on Aug. 1.] Aud: P. (P. Hall)