Blu-Ray Review: Ponyo

Hayoa Myizaki has always had a soft spot in this ol' heart o' mine. I adore My Neighobr Totoro and Spirited Away, so a new film from him is always welcome. And this film is quite a show-stopper...a defenite Ghibli classic!

Sosuke is a small boy who finds a fish called Ponyo. Ponyo and Sosuke fall in love though, which angers Ponyo's father (Liam Neeson) who is also the father of the sea. Now Ponyo, Sosuke and Sosuke's mother (Tina Fey) have to save the planet...before it's too late.

What's nice the about the film is how relaxed it is. Modern day American animation is fast-paced and frentic. This film is calm and dosen't care if you doze off or not. This is a refreshing approach and one tha may make for a jarring experience for some, the rest of us will enjoy it.

The vocies are also top-notch. The Cyrus and Jonas siblings voice Ponyo and Sosuke and are surprisingly robust. Liam Neeson does well here, evoking Taken in his role as angered father. Cate Blanchett also does well as Ponyo's mother.

The film is a grand experience, one that will defenitly lift your spirits. Hayoa has delivered again!

Rating: 8.5 out of 10 or A-

SYS

Film Review: Clash of The Titans

I just can't hate a film where 3 giant scorpions duke it out while humans try to escape their claws. That's too much fun to resist. Though it has atrocious 3D, this film overall is better than the norm.

After seeing his adoptive parents killed, Perseus learns Hades plans to unleash the Kracken to destroy all of humanity. Percy and a ragtag group of men go off in search of their destiny...

This film is fun. Fun, fun fun fun FUN!!! The Kracken is an example of this. If a smile dosent come to your face when you see him, it's amazing. Perseus is also a fun ride. He may not act well, but he does his job as a warrior right. Liam Neeson does well and scorpions...well their perfect.

The 3D though, is an abomination. I love 3D and I feel like in How To Train Your Dragon, Alice In Wonderland and especially Avatar, 3D was used to advance the story. Like Alice, this film was CONVERTED to 3D. Unlike Alice, they thought of doing 3D, 11weeks before it came out. Watching the film in 3D is like drinking Near Beer or a Diet Soda. Not the full monty and many will get it if you dress it up like the real thing. Many asked for refunds actually after the screening. If I hadn't seen it in XD, I would've joined them.

Despite that, this is one fun ride and it's a good time overall..just see it in 2D!



One final note: best cameo of the year is in here. Just wait until you see it.

Rating: 7.4 out of 10 or B

SYS