Anonymous Sir But believe me, this one is actually (how to put it) good. Maybe even excellent. As a fan of the Professor Layton games, I can say that this installation in the franchise did not disappoint. The story remained pretty consistent, and the puzzles were integrated into the story-line perfectly without seeming like an unnecessary gimmick. While not necessarily breathtaking in all aspects, the animation was still, in fact, well done, particularly during the end scenes – namely the machine and fighting sequences. Those really stood out particularly well. Overall, I think the music may be the boldest highlight of the film. Very melodic and beautiful. Definitely feels like a Layton story.Some of the original voice actors for the North American release of the games are not present here, mainly because this is a direct port of the UK version. Despite having played the US version of the series, the voices here did not strike me as odd in any way. It all depends on preference, really.Now for those who haven't seen or played the games, the film does quite a terrific job of explaining the gist of the series to the audience. Some references here and there might be missed, but the story itself is very well standalone. Newcomers shouldn't have too much trouble understanding.

neenahhh I've heard many things about the great man behind the puzzle-solving game series, Professor Layton. I just never bothered to play the games, until recently (last December). After finishing the first game of the trilogy, I was hooked. The series was addictive! I played all of the games and I enjoyed them all. All three games are full of twists and turns, and even though, it got a bit predictable, (SPOILER FOR GAMES: the people involved, were either robots or brainwashed or etc.) it was certainly entertaining.The graphics were a very large part of why I liked the series, too. After watching the Professor Layton VS Phoenix Wright game trailer, I thought to myself, "Wow, this is impressive. This game trailer looks like a real movie trailer! They should make a movie!" Imagine my surprise when I learned that they already did.The movie was pretty decent. It starts out with Professor Layton receiving a letter from a singer, Janice. She invites him and his apprentice, Luke, to watch her play about Ambrosia. Little did Professor Layton know that the play was just a prelude to a game where the audience had to solve puzzles to receive the elixir of life! The game reminded me of a few other mystery-involving shows like Detective Conan and Detective School Q. You had to solve each puzzle to advance and move forward. If not.. Well, too bad.Overall, this movie was pretty decent. I loved the music, too. I was also touched by the ending. The credits were great, as always. What I love about the Professor Layton series are that the endings that always feature even the smallest characters in the show.Fans of the series should watch this movie. It's a great adaption of the games. But even if you don't know a thing about Professor Layton, you may still enjoy it, if you give it a chance. You're bound to have a chuckle or two.

Typhin Professor Layton is a game about solving puzzles, a film following the same concept would certainly be interesting, after all I'm sure you realise how bad most game-related films and film-related games are.Anyone who's played any of the games know how ridiculous the stories are, there's no exception here, as the film progresses things get more and more ridiculous: from the sharks at the start through the chainsaw contraption right up to the final showdown. At least you can't complain it's not original.Puzzles are there too, not quite as shoehorned in as in the games though, the few puzzles there are in this hour and a half do get you thinking, the was quite some discussion at the screening when the puzzles were asked. And they don't try hiding their nature as puzzles, they are asked as puzzles in the films as they are in the games.It's a shame the film will have such a cult following, appealing really only to people who have played the games. Fans of the series will undoubtedly enjoy the film, at one point someone gets kicked in the *ahems* and the 'hint coin' noise is added as a sound effect. That doesn't mean non-fans won't enjoy it, just don't expect it to be the most believable film, even anime, you've seen.Some things are lost in translation; because the film starts in London, the eponymous hero is British and there are a number of references to the UK it's still decidedly Japanese which makes some of the references to being a "British Gentleman" rather humorous. The art style, too, is the same as the games, and the voice acting is taken straight from the series so be warned that Luke is still a main character. "'ello there professor!" The film is more like a feature-length cut scene than a film adaption and while game fans will get more out of the film than those that haven't played any of the series it doesn't mean if you don't know the series it's not worth seeing. It's so ridiculous and over the top it's worth seeing just for that.I would highly recommend Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva for any fan of the series, any fan of anime and anyone with ninety minutes to spare and wanting something entertaining to watch.It's better than a lot of films and a lot better than most game/film adaptations. It won't be to everyone's taste but it's ridiculous enough to make it entertaining and memorable.

azn_wave_rider Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva Pretty decent movie, with a good and interesting plot throughout. Although it does try to stay true to the game, there isn't much actual puzzle solving (No random puzzles!). Rather the movie is somewhat similar to the Detective Conan series, but has more possible deduction solutions for its audience to perceive than the latter.Animation is done by the same people who made the cut scenes in the Professor Layton series, and voice actors for the J version of the game returns to voice their respective characters for the movie.Music is just perfect! A lot of recognisable tunes ;D - The revamped theme song is just sooo goood! It is definitely geared towards the fans of the series, don't hessitate to watch it if you are not firmiliar to the game as it does fill in the introductions to the characters and the like.Overall a good movie 8/10