Ponyo / Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea / Gake no Ue no Ponyo
Genres: adventure, magic Themes: mermaids Objectionable content: None Plot Summary: A young boy, Sosuke, befriends a strange looking goldfish whom he names Ponyo. Unbeknownst to Sosuke, Ponyo is a magic fish who has decided that she wants to live with Sosuke and the other humans. Unfortunately, Ponyo’s decision to give up her underwater life creates a crack in an ancient magic spell, and places the world in danger. Together, Sosuke and Ponyo must set things right. Running time: 101 minutes Vintage: 2008-07-19
English Cast:
Frankie Jonas as Sosuke
Noah Cyrus as Ponyo
Cate Blanchett as Granmamare
Liam Neeson as Fujimoto
Madison Davenport as Kumiko
Matt Damon as Koichi
Tina Fey as Lisa
When I first saw the initial designs and images that came out last year, I thought it looked very underwhelming. However, after seeing the JP and now the new US trailer above, it looks pretty interesting. I don’t have as much interest in this as Miyazaki’s recent films, but I’m now definitely looking forward to eventually seeing this. (Will wait for it on DVD or perhaps TV)
I liked Ponyo, but there is some classic miyazaki indulgence going on it. For example, when Ponyo is running on the waves next to car… She runs along side of the car dancing on the waves for like FIVE MINUTES. Really, could’ve done with about 30 seconds of it…
From what I’ve heard it seems like it’s targeted more at younger audiences than his previous films.
Not related to the movie but I can’t stand Disney’s new trailer for it. It’s so ultra-Americanized (the marketing and music, I’m not talking about the localization of the film, that is par for the course it seems with previous Miyazaki films released here, of which I have no problems with). I know they are doing it on the trailer just to try to get a larger audience, but it seems like pandering.
Still do want to see it though as most Miyazaki films are usually good (if not great), but my expectations are significantly lower than usual. I’m waiting to watch it on VOD or DVD.
Be sure to post here what you think of it after you see it! (Use spoiler tag if you’re going to include story spoilers)
Dragoon, you seem bitter. Why not give this movie a chance? It may surprise you. I’ve always loved Disney movies, and they may just make this film that much better. After all, Miyazaki did approve Disney for this film.
Slick
Nah, just not that enthused about it as other Miyazaki films. I am giving it a chance though, I’m gonna watch it on VOD (PPV) or DVD.
The hardcore anime blogs fans (who share similar tastes to me) have had mixed reactions to it. PP and Slowhand are not running out to see it either. We’re probably all just gonna wait for DVD.
I didn’t say Disney Americanized the film in a negative way, well no more than usual, and I never had any beef with that aspect. I was talking about the trailer and marketing.
To clarify my above posts, when I’m talking about the trailer that I don’t like, I am talking about the new Trailer released (the second one). I’m not crazy about the Japanese trailer either though, I think I like the first Disney trailer the most. All gave me enough reasons to increase my interest since they showed me more than the still images provided. But, given the movie is for a younger crowd than his past works, based on what I’ve seen so far. While I do want to see it as you say it may surprise me, at this point it’s not something that I’m rushing out to see - I can wait for VOD/PPV or DVD.
I thought the first trailer was fine (see above post from a month ago). PP just mentioned there’s another trailer with Noah Cyrus singing… haven’t seen that one yet.
That’s a good point. It is rated G, and that can make it impossible to go to the movies without hearing whining and crying from a half dozen 4 year olds. I’ve been on both sides of that situation, and its a pain in the ars either way. All I know is that if anyone can make a G movie enjoyable, its Disney. I’ll probably see it on DVD, or maybe the drive-in.
Slick
