THE IRON GIANT (Theatrical Release USA 1999)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 4.5|5.0 Starsìììì

The Iron Giant—If you saw it in childhood and loved it, you will love it still. The adult re-watch most probably will generate a “Nothing’s changed. I love it!” For the kid in you, this is it—a terrific animated feature for all ages.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia 

Storyline 

The Iron Giant (voice of Vin Diesel) falls to earth and an adventuresome boy named Hogarth Hughes (voice of Eli Marienthal) stumbles upon him, educates him, and then tries to save him from the world.

Additional Thanks 

Thank you to Director Brad Bird for his directing efforts. Thank you to Executive Producer Pete Townshend for making the film possible. Cast include: ELi Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel. James Gammon, Cloris Leachman, Christopher McDonald, M. Emmet Walsh, 

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Yes. It’s a childhood classic worth another viewing as an adult. It’s the perfect addition to home movie collections.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers

CASTLE IN THE SKY (Theatrical Release Japan 1986)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 3.8|5.0 Starsììì

.

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