Genre: Romance, Tragedy, Harem, Supernatural, Slice-of-Life
Story
Aizawa Yuichi returns back to a city which he often visited during his childhood. During that time, a particular traumatic event occurred seven years ago which made him block out any and all memories related to it. While in the process of settling into his new home, he comes across several young girls, all related to his past. As a result, Yuichi begins to remember his previously suppressed memories to come to terms with his childhood. 
Quite a convenient story originally based off Key's visual novel. It's harem anime at its finest. At a solid 24 episodes, the story progresses naturally without seeming rushed; one of the most prevalent problems with its first anime adaptation. There are elements of fantasy and supernatural occurrences that help the story along to its story book end, which most people will appreciate. Each respective character arc tends to wrap up conveniently, naturally transitioning to the next with most loose ends tied if any. Who doesn't like a happy end to their romance/drama anime? Characters
Yuichi: I often times have problems with the male protagonists of harem anime, but I can't complain too much about Yuichi--he's alright. I'm not going to discount how plain he is though. He is endearing to the people around him and is very genuine, which is a solid, fair reason why all these girls swoon for him, but aside from that he's plain like a manila folder. 
Nayuki: Yuichi's cousin. Plain and simple, she fell in love with him when they were kids and still does now. Doing a little bit of reading, apparently marrying first-cousins is a-okay over there in the land of the rising sun. In hindsight, my parents are second cousins so bleh, I'm not going to worry about it; though the first time watching it, I was a tad confused for sure. She loves all things cute, loves sleep, and has an upbeat, can-do attitude--my type of girl. 
Ayu: Cutting to the chase, she's main female interest of the series. The linchpin holding together all of the other arcs, the time she spends with Yuichi and the others help him recall his childhood memories. Short, clumsy, and maybe a little aloof at times, she has a big heart that no one can ignore. Oh yeah, forgot to mention, she likes taiyaki..a lot. 
Mai: Strangely quiet, shy, a girl of very few words-- she would make the Rei Ayanamis and Yuki Nagatos of the anime world proud. Not exactly viewed as a "normal" girl, she is deemed a delinquent amongst her peers. Yuichi thus befriends Mai and tries to assimilate her to society whilst inquiring about her mysterious nature. Voice/Acting Sound
I'm pretty easy to please in the voice acting department, though most would agree that the Japanese voice actors for Kanon are great, if not excellent. Yui Horie shines again with her role of Tsukimiya Ayu. I'm certainly noticing her prowess as a well-faceted seiyuu. Not to discount the rest of the cast, they are all voiced well--no complaints.Much of the soundtrack is what you would expect from any slice-of-life; nothing surprising or particularly outstanding, it's mostly forgettable (once you've let out the waterworks). There is a scene or two with Pachelbel's Canon in D playing in the background, which I found to be appropriate and quite charming. Lastly, the opening theme Last Regrets to me sets the ambiance and overall tone for the show well, though I have to admit the closing theme Kaze no Tadori Tsuku Basho blows it out of the water. It's truly one of my favorites and a good pick-me-up song. Run Ayu run!
Loved
Catchphrases: Just after watching the first episode or two, one will recognize that each girl has their own unique charms and respective idiosyncrasies or catchphrases. Uguu, Nyuu, Auu,--they're all annoying to a point, but at least for me, it puts a smile on my face hearing Sayuri's Ahaha~s. 
Taiyaki: Need I say more? Aside from the catchphrases, most people will associate Kanon with taiyaki (and maybe pork buns too). I seriously want to try one of these or make my own. Mmm, red bean paste in a fish-shaped cake? What's not to like? Hated
Catchphrases: On second thought, the idiosyncrasies are quite annoying; though only one in particular. Sorry Makoto, no more Auu~s please. Not to discount the good story arc, it was just too much. Beware of possible brain aneurysms.
All the same: Anyone who has watched a previous Key/KyoAni work (Clannad, Air TV) or has played the visual novels may feel that it's all too similar. The type of drama that occurs, the humor, and also its storybook deus ex machina endings. Though if you're interested in watching any romance or drama you won't care either way.The Lowdown: Those who have an interest for romance or harem anime have already watched this and are just looking for more praise from critics. There are some moments that will have your heartstrings pulled and have the manliest man tearing up at times. The winter-ish setting and theme certainly have their purpose in the overall charm of the series. Get a cup of hot cocoa with some marshmallows and enjoy.
Notes: Watched series from beginning to end (SS-Eclipse subs).
Takanashi, Souta: Our main male protagonist, appearing to be a crazed loli-con; there is actually a fairly reasonable reason for his supposed fetish for all things small and cute. Not bland like lined paper, though not striking like glossy/laminated paper; Souta falls more towards the middle, like colored construction paper.
Taneshima, Poplar: Despite her diminutive size, she provides most of the upbeat energy for the rest of the cast. Ironically named after the poplar tree, her height is often times the topic of discussion amongst her coworkers. Fairly clumsy at times though very endearing, I can say she's become one of my favorite moe characters. 
Inami, Mahiru: An extremely shy and timid girl who, oddly enough, has an extreme case of androphobia (fear of men). She happens to viciously punch any man that comes close to her. This does not bode well for Souta, as they share several shifts together. Though introduced more like a minor character, she does get a healthy dose of air time as Souta tries to help her out. 
Collectively, I really have no qualms about the voice acting of the series. Everyone seems to fit their roles very well. A character introduced mid-series, Yamada Aoi, I found fairly similar to Fuuko from Clannad; a childish girl who is blunt and speaks her mind. The voice also sounded similar to her, but to my amazement is voiced by Hirohashi Ryou, the voice behind Fujibayashi Kyou. I can't say enough about her talents, but my mind is officially blown.
Bomberman Eyes: I'm not exactly the perfect candidate when it comes to recognizing various art styles in anime, but I just happen to recognize one in particular that made me smile. Taneshima's bomberman eyes. That's certainly what I will call them and stick to it. They're awesome--enough said. 
Hot Sisters: Though Souta will never realize or fathom it (unless there's some really messed up doujinshi on it already), his sister's are quite the lookers. There's some real potential to their characters and could be delved into further if a second season is released. More Kozue please!
Maya Matsumoto: Though you will see glimpses of her in the opening and throughout the series, she won't actually get a line of dialogue until the last episode; a serious no-no in any account unless they have serious intentions of a second season. Then again, the cast would have felt bloated with her around. 
Crossdressing anyone?: A recurring issue most people tend to address with Japanese animation as a whole is how androgynous some characters may be. "What that's a guy? No way!" I actually found it to be a humorous gag throughout the show, but some may foam at the mouth as they scratch their heads about their sexuality. 
The story circulates around main protagonist, Yuzuru Otonashi, one who lost the memories of his life after dying. Revived in the afterlife, he meets a girl named Yuri, the founder/leader of a guild that fights against God for the cruel fates of the other people brought to this world. Their only enemy is the student council president whom Yuri fittingly calls Angel. According to Yuri, those who follow Angel and the school's rules will eventually disappear and pass on with no resolve. Still unaware of his predicament and current situation, he eventually decides to join the guild seeking to solve the mysteries behind this afterlife as well as regain his memory. 
Otonashi, Yuzuru: Our main protagonist, his character is fairly bland for a good majority of the series. Though he does a few episodes to reveal his past the the cause of his death; an engrossing series of events that many will appreciate.
Nakamura, Yuri (Yurippe): Leader of the guild who fights against Angel. Her charismatic nature make her a pleasant female protagonist. Yuri gets a proper episode providing her background, justifying her reasons for fighting against the god who 'destined' her to live such an sufferable life. She reminds me of a cuter and less bitchy Haruhi Suzumiya, which is always a good in my book. Ironic that she's fighting a god, when Haruhi is God (end of digression). 
Tenshi (Angel): Coincidentally the student council president, she is given the nickname Tenshi because Yuri's faction believes that she is the representative of God in their realm. Timid, shy, and calling her soft-spoken would be an overstatement--she's an incredibly moe character.
Mapo Tofu: Honestly, who didn't want to try it when they first saw it? Okay, I guess people who aren't fans of spicy food for one. Whether it actually is good in real-life or not is up for discussion, but it certainly looks good. Any tips on getting authentic mapo tofu in the states, please leave your comments. 
T.K: No one really knows much of his past or anything about his background, but I think most would agree his presence makes it worth watching Angel Beats! altogether. Blurting out random english phrases out of context, and with that bandana over his eyes; it all adds to his mysterious persona. More T.K. please! 
While I can argue that previous works by Key contain the same flavor of random slapstick and charm-induced humor, I wasn't particularly amused this time around, feeling that much of it was tossed in last minute without too much thought on its lasting effect. The humor did have me smiling every now and then, but detracts from the plot overall. 