DVD review: Castle In The Sky

After reviewing three masterpieces in a row from Studio Ghibli, Castle In The Sky feels a little..puny. Not bad mind you. But it may just be the weak link at Studio Ghibli.

Sheeta, a young woman, is attacked by air pirates while being escorted by a a shady general. She soon learns (along with a man named Pazu) about Laputa, the last remaining floating city in the world.

Visually, the film is a treat like all Ghibli films. But the film feels like 10 minutes could easily be snipped, mainly chase scenes. The film just also dosen't have the basic emotions perfect, like Totoro or even Ponyo. Still, it's nearly impossible for Hayoa Myizaki to make a dud and this fillm still delivers thrills and excitmeent. It's just a little too plodding.

Rating: 8.4 out of 10 or A-

SYS

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

The Animation Genre Is Expanding

It seems the Golden Globes found that 17 animated films are trying to get into the Best Animated Feature Category, so there will be 5 nominees!! Just last week, the Oscars noted that 22 animated films would be in the running, so we will have 5 films competing there too!!

The excitement is bubbling. In a few days I will discuss the Oscars and this category. LEt's see if something like Coraline (above) or Ponyo can take a nomination.

SYS