Castle in the Sky: Review By Dan

Once again, I am thoroughly impressed with Miyazaki's storytelling, especially with Castle in the Sky. This thrill a minute masterpiece might be the most action packed (and almost as violent as Princess Mononoke in some parts, the 80's were a different time, where they didn't skimp on someone taking a punch or bullet) film I've seen yet from Miyazaki.

The story follows Sheeta (voiced by the always sweet as pie Anna Paquin of True Blood and X-Men fame), a young girl with a pendant that has magical properties that everyone in the world seems to be after, be it sky pirates or the Army. She ends up falling from the sky in the beginning literally into Pazu's hands(James Van Der Beek), a young miner, and from there they embark on an adventure to find this floating city called Laputa, and are trailed by a mysterious man named Muska (Mark Hamill of Star Wars), who wants Sheeta's pendant and control of Laputa itself.

Blending the best elements of Indiana Jones and kind of from the Final Fantasy video games (the stones/crystals being power sources, and air ships are very Final Fantasy-like), Castle in the Sky is refreshingly fast paced, filled with lovable characters, and packed with action sequences. Once the characters arrived at Laputa in the second half of the movie, the floating city itself is stunningly intricate and ancient.

Another thing I appreciated was that the movie didn't take a predictable route with the two main characters. They never really ventured into the romantic angle with Sheeta and Pazu, at least not explicitly saying so.

As always, a vibrant color palette is on display, and strange and wonderful creatures (this time in the form of giant machines, air ships, and floating cities), and I wouldn't expect anything less from a master such as Miyazaki.

Like all of Miyazaki's works, Castle in the Sky should not be missed. Entertaining, a great adventure, and definitely re-watchable.