“Ponyo” is the latest, charming animated film from Oscar winning director Hayao Miyazaki (“Spirited Away” and “Howl’s Moving Castle”. This time Disney was involved as the distributor and many famous celebrities lent their voices to the American version of this Japanese hit. Miyazaki’s other classic films are being re-released as well, so if you enjoy “Ponyo”, definitely take a look at the others.
The movie tells the story of a young fish who wants to become human and the 5-year old boy who finds her and takes her out of the sea. The boy names the fish Ponyo. Ponyo’s mean father wants her back and wants to keep her as a fish. Kinda sounds like “The Little Mermaid”, doesn’t it?
Ponyo is determined to be a little girl and she and the boy, named Sosuke, are put to the test, after a tsunami floods the entire village. If their young love is true, the planet will return to it’s natural balance.
This is unlike the animated movies that would come out of Hollywood. It’s traditional cel animation, full of elaborate colors and wonderfully imaginative sequences. No 3-D. No CGI. Yet it’s as vibrant as any film I’ve seen this year.
The voice cast is top-notch, led by Tina Fey and Liam Neeson. Miley’s Cyrus’s younger sister Noah does the voice of Ponyo and the youngest Jonas Brother, Frankie, plays Sosuke.
“Ponyo” is rated G. It’s good for everybody, but parents, understand that this is not a Disney or DreamWorks creation. The Japanese style may surprise or confuse some kids at first, but don’t let that stop you from taking them to this movie, as both they, and you, will enjoy it.
On The Official Kid Critic Report Card, “Ponyo” get a solid B. It’s a sweet, cleaver and fun film for the kids and perfect for a nice. calm day at home.