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By Martha Brockenbrough
MSN Cinemama
Learn more about kids' entertainment on MSN's Mom & Pop Culture
Savvy parents take note: The director of "My Neighbor Totoro" has a new animated film due to open here Aug. 14.
Lucky New Yorkers last weekend got to be the first to screen Hayao Miyazaki's "Ponyo," which is a little mermaidish tale about a boy and a baby fish that longs to become human. Miyazaki, who won an Academy Award for "Spirited Away," lined up top voice talent for the English version of the movie: Cate Blanchett, Matt Damon, Tina Fey, Liam Neeson and Lily Tomlin.
It's not surprising that he should command such stars.
His movies are favorites among film connoisseurs. What's especially exciting about "Ponyo" is that very young children can watch it. Like "Totoro," the story is said to be gentle and told from the perspective of a very small child.
This hasn't been the case for all of Miyazaki's movies, and it's a good reminder that just because something's animated doesn't mean it's made for kids. Take this from someone who got taken a bit by surprise by certain dramatic amputations in "Princess Mononoke." Let's just say it's not your typical princess movie — no one frets about shoes, kissing or pretty ball gowns.
Having seen all the Miyazaki movies, the ones that skew youngest ("Totoro," "Kiki's Delivery Service," and "Whisper of the Heart," which was written but not directed by Miyazaki) are my favorites.
If you can find a screening in your area, be sure to check out "Ponyo." You might have to wait till you have grandchildren to see it on the big screen again.
Read More:
Catching Fire: The Next Big
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Swearing in Teen
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Martha Brockenbrough is author of "Things That Make Us
[Sic]," a guide to funny bad grammar, published by St. Martin's
press. She also blogs about family life for Cozi.com and writes an
educational humor column for Encarta.
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