Naruto Spin-Off Rock Lee and his Ninja Pals
Released By: Manga Entertainment
Rating: 15
Running Time: 300 Mins
Audio: English DD 5.1 Japanese DD 2.0
Release Date: 12/9/2016
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes
Who would have thought it, Rock Lee getting his own show and though it's a few years old it's only just become available in English in the UK. As it's a 12 rated anime, it's also been arranged with the characters we know and adore in chibi style, complete with floating hearts and a certain set of crows flying around while the characters stumble around!
Though Lee is a ninja of the Hidden Leaf, he can't use ninjitsu, but he has developed his own fighting styles over the years, yet he can be misunderstood by many, including perfect strangers as can be seen in the first couple of episodes.
While Lee is helping a young girl who is cornered by three bad guys, he has to use his special technique to save her as these bad guys are debt collectors. As his two pals, Neji and Tenten tell him he has other more pressing missions, Lee feels he has to do his best for the poor girl. Eliminated by Depantsification, Lee's signature move here, and tries to avoid glowing cat poo.
Unlike in Naruto, the missions are a tad mediocre for our intrepid heroes. And in another episode, Tenten tells Lee and Neji they have been called in to collect some backing for a rich lady as the bread and buns are rare. As usual, It's Lee who steps up to the challenge, but is met with a plucky new rival, Naruto who also wants some. There is one snag, however, if they want some, they have to both go for the ticket as there is only one! Naruto will tell anyone he has all the moves, but both Neji and Tenten can do enough to make it so Lee can use his own to distract him. Moves like Lee's own sexy jutsu where he appears fighting in a red bikini. As if that's not enough, there's Lee's harem jutsu.
Lee doesn't hide the fact he adores Sakura either, as by the third episode, he makes a play for her, which if we know Sakura's temper, doesn't go down well. It's the second time he's been turned down on a date with her, and it's making him feel less than confident she will say yes this time. What features a lot are snippets where Lee, Neji and Tenten act out scenarios that are out of character. In one they are all dressed-up as cute girls and asked what their ideal man is; Tenten would be hard to please as she wants to be kept happy, bought lots of presents and her guy has to be honest about his feelings. And while Lee's on his own one man journey of love, Naruto reminds him every ninja has his own way.
Rock Lee and his Ninja Pals is a four disc hyperactive look at the daily antics of Lee at his best and his worst - it's funny, witty and naughty in places which will suit Naruto fans well. Who could forget the sight of Neji in drag, Lee in a bikini, or Naruto with his sexy jutsu, or even lee pulling the enemies pants down to defeat them?
Bonus Material: None.
Summary: Rock Lee and his Ninja Pals is an excellent spin-off series for ardent fans of Naruto!
