Animated awesomeness

It’s not often an anime movie makes it into mainstream American theaters, but “Ponyo,” the new masterpiece by celebrated Japanese director Hayao Miyazaki (“Spirited Away”), has been deemed by Disney as worthy for release in the United States.

Disney has redubbed the film with voices of Hollywood stars like Tina Fey, Matt Damon, Liam Neeson and Cate Blanchett, who all lend a familiar feel to this animated spectacle.

The film features the story of a little fish girl named Ponyo who falls in love with the boy who rescues her from the ocean. She escapes from her evil wizard father and transforms into a little girl to try and find her little boy again.

With some of the most stunning hand animation I’ve seen in years – much more impressive than trailers for Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog” – “Ponyo” is startlingly original and wonderful, and will appeal to both the very young and older audiences. It’s a must see for animation buffs and Miyazaki fans everywhere.