CASTLE IN THE SKY (Theatrical Release Japan 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

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Castle in the Sky is a very creative film, tells a great story that is almost re-watchable,  and works the 'shrouded in mystery' theme quite well. The film works at a highly imaginative level. It is a wonderful watch overall.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

The young girl, Sheeta’s (voice of Anna Paquin) airship is under attack by Dola (voice of Cloris Leachman). Sheeta crawls out a ship window, tries to scale a beam, trips, and falls. But, a necklace around her neck gently floats her to a town where Pazu (voice of James Van Der Beek) lives. Sheeta learns that the necklace is made of a stone that keeps cities afloat in the upper atmosphere. Through a series of adventures, Sheeta arrives in Laputa, one of these floating sky cities.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Hayao Miyazaki for directing efforts. Thank you to Planners Hideo Ogata, and Tatsumi, Thank you to Executive Producer Yasuyoshi Tokuma, Producer Isao Takahata,  Animation Producer Tôru Hara, for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Anna Paquin, James Van Der Beek, Cloris Leachman, Mark Hamill, Richard Dysart, Jim Cummings, John Hosetter,Michael McShane, Mandy Patinkin, Andy Dick, Corey Burton, Tress McNeille,

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. This movie's meaning develops throughout its watch.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

THE LION KING II: SIMBA'S PRIDE (Released to VHS USA 1998)

 

Ben Meyers’ Rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì 

The Lion King II: Simba's Pride—okay, not terrific—works more for the child audience than the adult audience. The story runs on an 'I've seen this too many times before' theme. The script seems almost thrown together and one thinks: ‘REALLY! Is this what this story is about?’ The animation is drawn. The theme is not clear. It is a sequel running off the steam of its prequel engine and it cannot quite make it to the end of the tracks where the station house is located.

Film Poster Courtesy of Google Images

Additional Thanks

 Thank you to Director Darrell Rooney and Co-Director Rob Deluca for directing effort. Thank you to Producer Jeannine Roussel for making the film possible. Cast includes: Matthew Broderick, Neve Campbell, Andy Dick, Robert Guillaume, James Earl Jones, Moira Kelly, and Nathan Lane. 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe? 

Maybe. It may work for children but for adults this film can be skipped.

 Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers