GOAL: universally interesting topic, that helps you review critically

FIRST THINGS FIRST, WHY THE 5 STARS??? ★★★★★

Simplicity. Doing 10/10 reminds me of traumatic math classes, and stars are just better to look at. I also like the symbology of a half star.

THE BREAKDOWN ★, ★ ,★ ,★ ,★

I assign 1 star to a function that I think is important to an anime. Each individual star is broken into 2 half star metrics. If any part of it is not satisfied for me, I do not give it. Nothing crazy, keep it simple. The point is to have a personal metric for your ratings, and reasoning when ppl want further context.

STAR #1, HOW IT LOOKS ★

⯪First, STYLE. (Setting, Character Design, Cohesive Style & Direction) Any one of these not working can break the rest for me, like an emoji sticker on the Mona Lisa. Do they fit within the anime and its directors intention.
⯫ Scnd, ANIMATION QUALITY. (Frames in movement, too many still frames, CG🤢, Bad key frames) I know just by mentioning these things many of you are going to pay more attention to it now. That's good. It's the difference between ASS and BADASS.

Star #2, HOW IT SOUNDS ★★

⯪First, SOUND DESIGN. (Voice acting, ambient noise, effect sounds) This can make or break a show. If the show is serious and they are using yoinkity sploink sound libraries, it can k!ll the mood. Same if the VA don't match the character. More of a problem in older shows and cheap trash.
⯫Scnd, MUSIC. Sets tone for everything.
There is a standoff between two guys and they are getting heated, but there is p0rno music in the background; kills the vibe. Or listening to the same battle theme, sad theme, hype theme for the 50th time; the lack of variety gets annoying.
Or the music is just plain bad; all of these just bring the whole show down.

STAR #3, THE STORY ★★★

⯪First, Story. (Plot, themes, direction, dynamics) These are SUBJECTIVE. Shows can work with tonnes of plot holes, so long as direction allows for it. The plot might be fkn ass, but the dynamic action is hype af. IS IT WORKING FOR YOU is whats needed.
⯫Scnd, Pacing. (Simply the biggest issue in anime) Show can be good, but too fast or too slow in runtime and story delivery BUTCHERS the show in real time. It's really sad to watch.

STAR #4, THE CAST ★★★★

⯪First, MAIN CAST. (Leads, secondaries, features) Wet blanket MC, fanservice lead girl, ANNOYING FKN LOLIS and POINTLESS MASCOTS. Some archetypes are insufferable, and some personality quirks can derail entire characters and turn you off to a show completely. E.G, Tamaki Kotatsu (fanservice) Asta (insufferable screaming)
⯫Scnd, INTERPERSONAL RELATIONS (Does the cast work) Are the intentions and aspirations communicated well enough, even if done indirectly? Are the emotional weight of things under the surface being shown? If not, you feel like random relationship BS is happening or wonder why characters are still together.

STAR #5, RECOMMEND?? ★★★★★

This is the most subjective part.
⯪First, Did you enjoy it, Personally? It can be for any reason, even an unintentional one.
⯫Scnd, Do you think others will easily enjoy it? (think like the lowest denominator audience)

XXXX-TRA TIPS

On the outside, people typically only see/care about the rating. So don't over think things.

Also don't feel to confined by a single star for any big reactions. If the animation is unwatchable, -2 stars. Sounds like complete doodoo? -3 stars. Ultimately its all subjective.

I tend to condense topics to 1 star because having a rating for every single little thing in a post will make it look bloated and insanely long for no reason.