Brief Summary
The Dub Talk crew reviews "Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry," discussing its animation, plot, and dub quality. They share personal experiences watching the movie together at Anime Fest and talk about the performances of the English voice actors, both veterans and newcomers. The hosts analyze the characters, their roles in the movie, and how well the actors fit their parts, while also sharing their overall thoughts on the Fairy Tail franchise.
- The movie is a fanservice train wreck but enjoyable with friends.
- The English dub is consistently strong, with iconic performances.
- The hosts highlight the performances of the voice actors for Animus, Sonia, and Sash, praising their complexity and range.
Intro
Megan introduces the episode of Dub Talk, joined by Stephanie and Hardy, to discuss the anime movie "Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry." They clarify that this episode isn't part of their "Summer at the Movies" series but is being released during Anime Fest in Dallas, Texas. The group reminisces about attending a special Funimation showing of the movie at Alamo Drafthouse the previous year, marking one of their first in-person group experiences.
Synopsis of Fairy Tail Dragon Cry
Stephanie provides a synopsis of "Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry." In the kingdom of Fiore, a magical staff called the Dragon Cry, capable of destroying the world, is stolen by a traitor named Zash and given to Animus, the ruler of the kingdom of Stella. Natsu and his friends infiltrate Stella Kingdom to retrieve the staff and uncover its true power, facing challenges that test their strength.
Director and Writer: Tyler Walker
The panel discusses Tyler Walker, the director and writer of "Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry," noting his extensive involvement with the Fairy Tail anime series. Hardy believes the movie feels like an extension of the show, maintaining consistency in tone and feel. Stephanie appreciates that Walker's direction keeps the film consistent with the show's tone, despite having a larger budget. Megan expresses a love-hate relationship with Fairy Tail but acknowledges Walker's good job in directing and writing, highlighting his creative casting choices.
Movie Only Characters: The Three Stars of Stella Kingdom
The hosts discuss the voice acting for the movie-only characters, the Three Stars of Stella Kingdom: Gap Reeve (Nathan Sharp), Doll (Bob Carter), and Swan (Kristina V). Hardy notes that these characters have limited lines but praises the voice actors for their performances. Stephanie enjoyed Christina V's hammy performance as Swan and found Nathan Sharp's portrayal of Gap Reeve reminiscent of a troublemaker. Megan agrees that all three actors added to the story, even with their limited screen time.
Levy, Gajeel, and Panther Lily
The panel discusses the characters Levy Mcgarden (Kristi Kang), Gajeel Redfox (David Wald), and Panther Lily (Rick Keeling). Hardy expresses that Gajeel is David Wald at his most iconic, while Stephanie appreciates Kristi Kang's energy as Levy and finds Rick Keeling's Panther Lily fitting. Megan loves Gajeel and appreciates David Wald's portrayal, highlighting the comedic running gags in Fairy Tail.
Animus, Sonya, and Zash
The hosts discuss the performances of Michael Sinterniklaas as Animus, Erica Mendez as Sonya, and Ray Chase as Zash. Hardy praises all three actors for playing drastically different characters at different points in the movie, highlighting Erica Mendez's ability to portray both the sweet Sonya and the devilish Animus. Stephanie calls out Ray Chase's performance as Zash, noting how convincing he was as a terrible human being. Megan praises Erica Mendez's performance as Sonya, highlighting the split personality aspect and Michael Sinterniklaas's unrecognizable portrayal of Animus.
Wendy and Carla
The panel discusses Brittany Karbowski as Wendy Marvell and Jade Saxton as Carla. Hardy notes that Wendy is an amalgamation of almost every little girl that Brittany has ever played, while Jade Saxton's Carla is unique. Stephanie agrees that Brittany brings a childlike quality to Wendy and appreciates Jade's portrayal of Carla, highlighting her dynamic with Happy. Megan enjoys Brittany's portrayal of Wendy and praises Jade Saxton's unique voice for Carla.
Gray, Erza, and Juvia
The hosts discuss Newton Pittman as Gray Fullbuster, Colleen Clinkenbeard as Erza Scarlet, and Brina Palencia as Juvia Lockser. Hardy notes that Colleen is iconic as Erza, while Newton Pittman is very good as Gray. Stephanie appreciates Brina Palencia's portrayal of Juvia, highlighting her energy and sincerity. Megan shares that Gray is the best member of team Natsu and enjoys Newton Pittman's performance.
Natsu, Lucy, and Happy
The panel discusses Todd Haberkorn as Natsu Dragneel, Cherami Leigh as Lucy Heartfilia, and Tia Ballard as Happy. Hardy believes that Todd Haberkorn is Natsu, while Stephanie appreciates Cherami Leigh as Lucy and Tia Ballard as Happy. Megan notes that these are iconic roles for all three actors and that they are the rock in foundation of the show.
Final Thoughts
The hosts share their final thoughts on "Fairy Tail: Dragon Cry." Hardy notes that the movie is hit-or-miss but iconic for them because it was the first thing they ever did when they met in real life. Stephanie states that Fairy Tail has a dub that really cemented a lot of the actors that they really know and love today. Megan says that the film doesn't feel like a separate entity and that it's a fun time with friends.
