Agent Cyberlink

*Agent Cyberlink* (known as *Link IV: Cyberspace* in Japan & Hong Kong) is an 2012 Marcanese Japanese-American 2DCG animated superhero mystery dystopian science-fiction film directed by Bob Persichetti, Peter Ramsey, & Rodney Rothman and produced by Phil Lord & Christopher Miller, from a screenplay by Lord and Rothman. Based on the 2002 hit anime TV and manga series *Link IV: Cyber Detective,* the film has James Link IV and his newly-formed superhero team of geeks (the Cyber 6) defeat an evil criminal mastermind who wants to sabotage their digital world by means of "illegal hacking". The film stars Matthew McConaughey, Hailee Steinfeld, John Mulaney, Kimiko Glenn, Scott Asdit, Daniel Henney, Alan Tudyk, James Cromwell, Zack Galifianakis, Luna Lauren Velez, Lily Tomlin, Jamie Chung, Freddie Highmore, and Mark Nyugen. The film premiered at the Regency Village Theater in Los Angeles on March 23, 2012 and was theatrically released on March 30, 2012 in Dolby Cinema, Real3D, IMAX 3D, and 4DX formats.

## Why It's Great

1. Very impressive, mind-blowingly awesome animation that truly resembles the anime/manga series it's based on, with great use of colors and even several different styles blended in with spectacular results (like anime in the form of Akiko Gomez/Anime Girl, a Looney Tunes-style cartoon in the form of Computer Guy, and vector 2D animation in the form of Robo-Man). The film also has excellent cinematography and fantastic visuals, especially that of Cyberpolis and Surreal Dystopia Land. This film also introduced us Anaya Animation's revolutionary 2DCG animation and proved they can make feature-length animated films with that animation style.
2. Likable characters such as James Link IV/Agent Cyberlink, Supermax, Robo-Man, Anime Girl, Computer Guy, and Robo-Hat, who can be great role models for children and teenagers as well as adults.
3. Great voice acting, with Matthew McConaughey being a patricular standout; Zack Galifianakis also *really* hams it up as The Prankster.
4. The city of Cyberpolis looks amazing in this film; the idea of a high-tech futuristic dystopia set in 2067 where technology has taken over the planet is very well-executed, especially for an animated film.
5. Lots of funny moments, such as when Supermax & Computer Guy pretend to be "zombies", and when The Prankster says "what the..." and Link defeats him with his fist, and the latter says, "whoa, I've never saw *that* coming". Also, Computer Guy's constant gag of begging for cookies is really hillarious as well (and, speaking of his backstory, it's EXTREMELY funny: he joined the team just because he wanted to collect cookie jars). The film also tries to be funny while not being *too* funny, like for example, when Robo-Hat tells Link not to "play dumb", Link accidentially takes down a police officer and Robo-Hat says "oops, I think I've messed up"
6. Incredibly excellent pacing, especially on the film's fast-paced action scenes and vehicle chase scenes.
7. A very brilliant and well-executed story: James Link IV (who's a detective) hires his friends and together they form the Cyber 6 to take down an criminal mastermind notorious for illegal hacking & make their dystopian world a better place to live; the concept of a detective turning into a superhero and making a superhero team of geeks to defeat a bigger threat seems cool..
8. Amazing action scenes that rival *Josh Samuel's* and *The Toyics*, especially with the climax between Madman & the Cyber 6.
9. The film is essentially a love letter to its source material: not only throwing in subtle references that only the truest *James Link IV* fans will understand, but also paying a huge homage to the aforementioned manga series. Unlike *Robotman,* the film stays 100% faithful to the source material without making unnecessary changes to the source material or "Americanizing" it either.
10. Addictingly catchy and great soundtrack by Henry Jackman, with songs like "We The Heroes", "What's Up, Madman?", "Cyber Monday", and the theme song.
11. The Prankster is a very entertaining (and funny) villain, as he has many hillarious quotes like "pranky pranky" and "gimme that wallet!" and ironically, he could've been the film's main antagonist instead of Madman (see BQ #1).
12. The emotional scenes are very well-handled, such as the scene where Link's uncle & aunt die in a car accident, the scene where Supermax lets go of Link during the film's climax, and the scene where Link expresses his feelings for Linda.
13. The film knows how to blend in humor, seriousness, and lots of suspense with a strong romatic subplot focusing on Link & Linda. The movie also makes the argument that if people could reach a more mutual understanding of each other, then we might be able to start to eliminate much (but not all) of the evil and misery in this world.
14. The film deals with serious issues like mid-life crisis, dysfuctional families, discrimination, drugs, divorce, mental problems, crime, and dystopian societies. Speaking of that, the film also has a somewhat mature tone to it and appeals to people of all ages.
15. The film has lots of great lines, like Link's "Do you think we should just *give up*? Nah, that's a very dumb idea", Computer Guy's "*hold on* a minute..." and, most famously... Supermax's "baloney"
16. Like *Josh Samuel,* the film does a very great job being a spoof of the Marvel/DC Cinematic Universe movies, with loads of great references like the fact that Link resembles Batman/Spider-Man, The Prankster being a parody of The Joker (ironically), and Madman resembling Doctor Octopus/Venom; the Cyber 6 paying homage to Marvel's obscure Big Hero 6*,* and the climax battle scene resembling that of *Fantastic Four* (2005), also considering that Supermax is a nice wordplay on "Superman" and "Baymax".
17. The movie also pays homage (and has references) to *James Bond, Sherlock Holmes, Terminator, Men In Black, Mission: Impossible, Inspector Gadget, Indiana Jones,* and several others.
18. The brief cameo appearances of Marco, Marc, and even the series' own creator, Ozami Tesuka Miyamora (who's also the creator of *Robotman* & *The Two Kid Heroes*).

## Bad Qualities

1. Madman is kind of a weak villain who only serves as the film's poor "twist villain"
2. Sometimes, the film can give you epilepsy due to too much lighting if you're prone to said disorder.
3. For some, this movie might be just too overrated.