Okay, real talk. We need to discuss something important. It's about a movie called Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop. And, I'm sorry to say, I think it's… fine. (Deep breaths.)
Haiku Hype?
The premise is adorable, right? A shy boy who communicates through haiku meets a bubbly girl hiding behind a mask. Cue the summer montage and blossoming romance. So cute!
But here's my possibly unpopular opinion. All that adorableness felt a little... forced. It was like someone sprinkled sugar on top of more sugar. Then added a candy cane.
The visuals? Stunning! Seriously, the animation is top-notch. You could pause at any frame and hang it on your wall. Like a vibrant, fizzy painting.
The Fizz Fades
However, all the pretty colors couldn't quite save the story for me. The plot felt thin. Like diluted soda after you leave it out too long.
And the characters? While visually distinct, they weren't super compelling. I didn't *dislike* them, but I also didn't feel deeply invested in their haiku-fueled love story.
Maybe I'm just a cynical monster. A grinch who hates sunshine and rainbows. But I prefer my anime with a little more bite.
Unpopular Opinion Time
Let's talk about Smile, the female lead. She's energetic, cheerful, and always wears a mask to hide her braces. Understandable. We've all had insecurities.
But her constant perkiness felt a bit… one-dimensional. I wanted to see some cracks in the façade. Some real, raw emotion that wasn't just kawaii-flavored.
Then there's Cherry, our haiku-writing protagonist. He's shy and awkward, preferring the safety of his words to face-to-face interactions. Relatable!
His arc felt a little predictable, though. From withdrawn introvert to confident romantic. We've seen it before. I needed a twist!
It's Not All Bad
Look, I'm not saying it's a *bad* movie. It's sweet, visually appealing, and probably perfect for a younger audience. Or anyone who loves a good, clean romance.
The themes of communication and self-acceptance are definitely worthwhile. And the haiku interludes are undeniably charming. Short, sweet, and often surprisingly poignant.
Plus, the soundtrack is pretty great. Catchy J-pop that will get stuck in your head for days. You've been warned!
I guess what I'm trying to say is... I wanted more. More depth, more complexity, more *oomph*. A bigger, bolder flavor instead of just sugary sweetness.
Final Fizz
Ultimately, Words Bubble Up Like Soda Pop is an okay movie. A pleasant, visually stunning, but ultimately forgettable experience.
Maybe my expectations were too high. Maybe I'm just not the target audience. Or maybe, just maybe, it's okay to admit that some soda pop just isn't that fizzy.
Don't @ me! (Just kidding... mostly.) What did *you* think?