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

DVD Review: Kiki's Delivery Service

Avatar took 12 years to make. That's a rarity for a film to take that long to make. But what if it took a decade to release a film that was finished? That was the case with Kiki's Delivery Service, released in Japan in 1989 and released to the USA in 1999.

Kiki is 13 and a witch in training. The problem is, her only ability as a witch is to fly. So (obviously from the title) Kiko starts a delivery service. However, her powers are starting to dissapear and she may not be able to save her best friend if trouble arises...

Ghibli can always be counted on bringing films brimming with imagination and wonder. Kiki is no exception. Here he brings the life of a teen and a witch together so realistically, it boggles the mind. The animation also makes the city another character altogeher..one that seems to be safe and caring. Combine that with great animation and voice acting and you have another Myizaki winner!

Rating: 9.1 out of 10 or A+

SYS

DVD Review: My Neighbor Totoro

Ghibli delivers! That's the main thing I can say about Totoro, one of the greatest films ever. Hayoa is a defenite filmmaker and this is the perfect slice of how great he can be.

Satsuki and Mei move into a new house in Japan, only to discover two small spirits who lead the girls to..Totoro, the keeper of the forest. However, the girls mother is getting sicker and sicker and soon Totoro (and a Catbus) will become more and more important to he girls...

The animation of this film will leave you breathless and the entire film reminds you fo E.t. or (For modern comparision) How To Train Your Dragon. The girls seem real, showing Hayoa Myizaki's knowledge of chuldhood. This would be kept up in the almost equal film Ponyo. The film itself boats great visuals pacing and heart. Easily one of the best movies ever, it's quite a charmer and will leave you breathless.

Rating: 9.3 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

May I Borrow Studio Ghilbi?

Hayao Myhizaki's company has new project coming: "The Borrowers"! The man from PRincess Mononoke and Ponyo is supervising it. Hiromasa Yonebayashi shall direct and the film will premiere in 2010 in Japan. Exciting.

SYS