Review of Ponyo (2008) by Andym. — 23 Aug 2009
I like Miyazaki films. I do. Not a HUGE fan, but I respect his work. I went into this one expecting another Spirited Away, unfortunately, and I came out disappointed. Perhaps part of it was the Disney re-release.
The American music at the end is so terrible and juvenile, it feels too kiddy to be even congruous with the movie. That's off-putting, but what lessens the magic MOST, I'd say, was the way it felt: dumbed down.
There were no edgy, frightening elements, no threatening antagonist you'd expect in Miyazaki's work. There was just cute. Indeed, it was cute. The visuals were stunning, and not in the "in your face" Dreamworks 3D way, either.
It makes you laugh, and it holds your attention. It is, however, forgettable and the juvenility becomes discomforting. I realize that this is trying to be more of a kid's movie, and it is successful as a cutesy kid flick, but Miyazaki, I have to say, is better than this.
This review of Ponyo (2008) was written by Andym. on 23 Aug 2009.
Ponyo has generally received very positive reviews.
Was this review helpful?
