Preview: Tales from Earthsea (2010)

Synopsis:

Hayao Miyazaki's son Goro sets off on his first animated adventure following a wizard and a young prince as they try to discover what is haunting his world and causing great disturbances.

• Poster: C+

Review:

It almost looks like an unfinished art piece from the film itself. The painting style employed in much of the poster (notably on the dragon itself) is much different than the cell-shading style used in the trailer. The inconsistency doesn't help my mind in appreciating it more, though it's a handsome poster, but will audiences be able to tell the difference and will it change how they perceive wanting to see the film?

• Trailer: C+

Review:

It's not a very daring trailer and highlighting Ponyo as one of two films from Studio Ghibli is not a wise move since that film was such a disappointment. The premise doesn't sound that great and nothing in the trailer really drives me to see it.

Oscar Prospects:

Although Miyazaki is a known quantity with the Academy, his son is not. Depending on whether critics embrace this film or not will determine its Oscar fate. As even critics managed to seek the underwhelming Ponyo.

Release Date:

• August 13, 2010

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (July 7, 2010) Original

-Wesley Lovell (July 13, 2010) New Poster