My Neighbor Totoro/ Castle in the Sky (Laputa): CR #37/38

Last Tuesday was the 2 year anniversary of this blog. I didn't do anything because, well that's for later on today. I just wanted to bring it up to start some excitement, which there most likely will be none. Anyway, this week I saw two classic Studio Ghibli films that are considered some of their greats. Two films, while nothing alike on the surface, are still great individually and in a marathon. This is my review of...

My Neighbor Totoro


PLOT
"My Neighbor Totoro" tells the story of two young girls, Satsuki and Mei, who move to a new home in the country side with their dad while their mother is in the hospital. The place is a child's dream, it's huge and surrounded by forest with no restrictions. While there, the two girls befriend and furry forests spirit named Totoro.


PROS
Like in every Studio Ghibli film, the animation is spectacular, even in 1988 when this film was made. It's fun just to watch the animation and see the amount of tiny detail they put into each scene.

The voice acting in the movie is very well done. This is a big deal, since in a lot of foreign films that are re-recorded with English speaking people, things can go bad. Luckily, Disney always does a good job with Ghibli films, and this one is no exception.

The film was a sense of childlike fun and wonderment that's very charming and wins you over. Even though the plot is very simple, it's entertaining just to see these characters have fun for an hour and a half.

The music, like in every Studio Ghibli film, is great. The reason the music's always great is because it's always done by Joe Hisaishi, who's a genius. The music is very minimal and quiet, but it adds a lot to the film.


CONS
The children can be a little annoying at times. While it's not constant, their antics and voice acting, done by a young Dakota and Elle Fanning, can become aggravating.



CONCLUSION
While obviously made for little kids, "My Neighbor Totoro" is a treat for kids and adults alike. Kids will love Totoro and the sense of fun, while the adults will love the nostalgic feeling they get from it. I love this film and I can't wait to watch it again.


RATING
RUN TO!

Castle in the Sky (Laputa)

PLOT
"Castle in the Sky" takes place in a world while familiar, is still quiet different from out own. Our story follows two teenagers named Sheeta and Pazu who meet when Sheeta falls out of the sky and is saved by her magic necklace and Pazu. It turns out that this necklace is actually an ancient remnant from a forgotten flying city called Laputa. Now on the run from Pirates and and a mysterious man named Muska who want the necklace, Sheeta and Pazu must get to Laputa to discover its secrets before they're used for evil.


PROS
Just like with the last one, the animation and music are spectacular. I don't think I need to go into anymore detail.

The world this film is set in is very interesting and unique, it's basically steampunk before steampunk.

The voice acting, once again, is very well done.

The action scenes in the movie are a lot of fun and very exciting. Whether they be on foot or in air, each one is better than the last.

While the story and characters are a little cliche, they're still likable and charming, making you really care for them.


CONS
I don't have any major ones, just a few nit picks that are not worth mentioning.



CONCLUSION
"Castle in the Sky" is a fun and exciting movie for all ages and one, like many other Ghibli movies, I plan on watching again and again. It's great for kids, and even better for adults. Certainly one of the studio's best.


RATING
RUN TO