Professor Layton and the Eternal Diva -Movie Review-

At New York Comic Con 2011 I had the honor to be one of the first people, in the United States, to be able to view the official US release of the Professor Layton movie "The Eternal Diva".

The events of the "Eternal Diva" take place after the"Specter's Flute", and 3 years before the "Diabolical Box" in the Layton time line.

Many characters of the Layton series make appearances, such as Flora Reinhold, Don Paolo, Inspector Chelmey, Constable Barton, Spring and Cogg, Stachenscarfen, Sammy Thunder, Mr. Beluga, Granny Riddleton, Babette, Claudia the Cat and Dr. Andrew Schrader.

The film starts off with Layton and Luke trying to solve the mystery of the theft of Big Ben. Layton deduces the culprit to be none other than his arch enemy Don Paolo! As you can imagine being the Layton fan I am I totally flipped out during this scene. I mean come on. It's Don Paolo!! The film then slows down to Layton and Luke listening to a recording of one of his former students, Janice. We then fly into a flash back of the case of the Eternal Diva.

One day as Layton is sitting in his study he receives an invitation aboard a luxury cruise ship from his former student Janice, to come watch her opera performance. Janice, however, has also invited the Professor to solve a mystery for her. Janice believes that a young girl named Nina is really her friend Melina. What's the catch?

Melina is dead.

Janice certainly is one of the more cuter characters in the Layton series!

The movie itself is very well done. Everything about it from the animation down to the music is extremely "Laytonesque"! The animation is super smooth and the artwork is done in the original style that the game series is.

The movie even has a few puzzles and mysteries of it's own. And yes, they are done in the Layton style of being numbered and even playing that wonderful (yet at the same time extremely annoying) puzzle theme!! I even squealed with joy while viewing the movie during said scenes....

Fly Professor! FLY!!

The movie kept me at the edge of my seat and had me guessing every possible answer to each puzzle!! I laughed, gasped, and yes even cried during the end of the movie.

The screening that Viz Media provided was quite nice! There were giveaways of the upcoming game "The Last Specter", free refreshments, sliding puzzle toys, free "Specter" shirts, and even "Layton hats for all the viewers!! It was a fantastic experience!!

The official Professor Layton and Luke Triton cosplayers!

Andrew enjoying one of the refreshments Level 5 and Viz had to offer?!

They event had a great big popcorn machine! Did I mention it was all free?!

The hilarious "Layton" hats that were given to all the viewers.

Luke, where are you looking?!

Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva will keep you on the edge of your seats and touch that puzzle loving spot of your hearts. If you're a huge fan of the series or even just a new comer I highly recommend this film!

The US release is scheduled for November 7. Which is......TOMORROW!!

So save some picarats this week and go pick up your official Viz copy of "Professor Layton and The Eternal Diva"!

Hurry and get yours, NOW!

********Don't Forget! Professor Layton and the Last Specter is also available*******