About.com Rating

The Bottom Line

While Beck isn't an overly gripping story, it manages to reel you in nonetheless. Capturing the stereotypical teenage apathy for life, Beck draws you into a world of impossible odds and amazing opportunities. Its a little gritty, a little melodramatic and full of the chaotic confusion that surrounds those exciting but sometimes painful teenage years. I love it, even if my teenage years are well behind me and find myself rooting for the characters to come out on top.



Pros

• Bonus extras include exclusive guitar pick and music video.
• All-around great story line that will appeal to teens.

Cons

• Slow-moving at times.
• Rated TV-MA for older teens.

Description

• Rating: TV-MA
• Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Romance
• Release date: December 18, 2007

Guide Review - Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad - Volume 5

Volume 5 spends quite a bit of time laying down character backgrounds and dealing with inter-personal relationships. Kidnapped by wealthy yet horribly crooked music producer Leon Sykes, Ryusuke barely escapes with his life as the story of the guitar called Lucille comes full-circle.

Koyuki on the other hand has his own set of dramas to deal with as he struggles to find his own voice in the music he writes and battles even more with his feelings for Maho. If this was the heart of the story, you might just call Beck a classic teenage love story tangled by soul-searching youths who haven't quite figured it all out, but of course, there's much more at play. Koyuki has an opportunity in front of him that most teenagers only dream of - the chance to become a true rock legend.

But in such a competitive industry, Koyuki has some serious growing up to do if he doesn't want to get eaten by the sharks.

Containing episodes 19 through 22, Volume 5 takes us painfully close to the end of the 26 episode series, making these in-depth background episodes all the more welcomed as it gives you an opportunity to really connect with the characters.

The DVD comes with some cool extras, including the signature guitar pick that is exclusive to the Beck series. Also in this volume is a music video - "A Life on the Road" - further cementing the whole teenager/MTV/rock star appeal.

Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad Volume 5 hit your favorite DVD shelves on December 18, 2007. Add this one to your collection - you won't regret it.

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