This month's movie review: ** Gunsmith Cats**

Contains adult content and adult language
Running Time: 90 minutes
Parental Discretion is Advised


Gunsmith cats is yet another of those women with guns OAV series. It is worth mentioning that this is one of the few that takes place in the modern world--no laser guns or cyborgs here. GSC (as it is frequently referred to) is a bit on the unique side--it is more serious and violent than Taiho Shichauzo and its kin, and it's devoid of the bad science and weapon-ridden futures of series like Dirty Pair Flash and Burn Up. That's not to say that it's particularly realistic (although not too bad by action movie standards), nor that GSC is really serious, but it's a little different from the norm. Getting down to specifics, GSC doesnąt have much plot (past action movie stuff), but is lots of fun, and quite well animated. The characters, in particular, are likable and fairly interesting (at least visually), and Sonoda designed the characters well--fans of the comic will appreciate the faithfulness to the original. Better yet, again breaking with the norm, Rally even looks like she might be old enough to drink (actually, according to the comic she isn't, but she looks mature, anyway). As for the action, there are lots of guns, a bit of fun with a Shelby Mustang, a hand to hand fight or two, and a few nice booby traps. Probably the most unique thing about GSC (which is also true to the original) is the mechanical realism. You'll notice that most of the vehicles are very similar to real ones, Rally's Mustang actually sounds like one, and above that, all the guns look and act realistically. Take a close look at Rally's pistol in the first part--she always takes two shots, and if you watch carefully (or in slo-mo) you can see that all the parts move more or less like the real thing. Anyway, there's enough shooting to make most people happy, and it's more realistic than average, at least.

To sum up, Gunsmith Cats is fun with guns (and grenades, and knives...), and has nice art and realistic animation to go with it. If you like girls with guns, or just enjoy a good action flick, GSC is worth a look. Buyer's Advice: Though the first installment seems pretty self contained, the three do fit together as a whole, and if you're a fan of either guns, action, or Sonoda, Gunsmith Cats may be worth laying down money for.