Preview: Ponyo (2009)

Synopsis:

Hayao Miyazaki's tale of a five-year-old boy and the goldfish who wants to become human.

• Poster: C+

Review:

Perhaps overly simplified and certainly not some of Miyazaki's more creative visuals. But, it adds the childlike essence that may encourage younger audiences to the theater.

• Trailer: B+; B+

Review:

Although the tale is straight out of The Little Mermaid, you can't expect the same Disnified excesses and over simplifications from Miyazaki. The artwork is genuinely strong in the trailer, but very little draws you in, but that's generally the way of these Miyazaki trailers.

Far more details about the story emerge in the second trailer for the film. Perhaps too many details and far too many images, especially ones that would normally be rather awe-inspiring when seen in the context of the film. We can only hope it doesn't act as a detriment to the film.

Oscar Prospects:

Miyazaki is almost as much of a mainstay in the Animated Feature category as Pixar is and could even contend for a full Best Picture nomination if the new rules truly allow Animated features to make the top 10.

Release Date:

• August 14, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

Minor Miyazaki to be sure, this film pales in comparison to many of his recent features.

• Full Review: Ponyo

-Wesley Lovell (June 28, 2009) Original

-Wesley Lovell (July 12, 2009) New Poster; Buy the Poster Enabled

-Wesley Lovell (August 9, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (April 4, 2010) Added Review Link