Ponyo is Hayao Miyazaki’s (Spirited Away) latest effort to get redubbed into English and make its way Stateside. Pixar did the new dubbing and Disney is set to release this new film that has just started screening for L.A. audiences and has been receiving what I would refer to as luke warm buzz from those that have seen it. Of course, buzz for a Miyazaki movie means absolutely nothing, they are all must see films and then you can decide for yourself.
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Having a Martin Scorsese film this low on my most anticipated list feels a bit weird, but it is only due to the fact I have read the novel of which this film is based and the ending in the novel didn’t really work for me and I don’t have a lot of confidence in it working on the big screen. With names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Mark Ruffalo, Ben Kingsley, Michelle Williams, Max von Sydow, Patricia Clarkson, Emily Mortimer and Jackie Earle Haley attached I fully expect this to be a movie worth watching, but as far as another Scorsese classic goes I have my doubts.
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I absolutely love the 1941 original film version of this and hope this remake is able to bring it into the 21st Century, but when the film lost director Mark Romanek and replaced him with Jurassic Park III helmer Joe Johnston my concern rose a notch. Of course, we still have an immense amount of talent bringing the story to life with Benicio del Toro as the title character and Anthony Hopkins, Emily Blunt and Hugo Weaving filling in the blanks. My expectations are middling, but hopes remain high.
Get a look at pictures and additional information from this film here.
I absolutely loved the Alice Sebold novel, but at the same time I didn’t see how it could possibly be turned into an acceptable film adaptation. If Peter Jackson relies on visuals I have a worry this film is doomed, but if he taps into what worked with Heavenly Creatures we may have something worth talking about. I’m not convinced this one can work, but if he pulls it off it may end up being one of the best films of the year.
Get a look at pictures and additional information from this film here.
How great is it to see a new 2D animated film from Disney heading to the big screen again? Of course, people have to jump to conclusions as complaints of racism have been thrown around like crazy with every new piece of footage Disney releases for this title as people love to judge before seeing the final product. I am just hoping we get back to classic Disney, because if this one works I fully expect more 2D down the road and perhaps we can get a more evenly balanced number of 2D and CG-animated films in theaters where computers have taken over.
Get a look at pictures and additional information from this film here.
