Miyazaki’s “Ponyo” in US Theatres August 14, 2009

Doing anything August 14, 2009? Well, if you’re in the US you could do worse than to go Ponyo, the latest Hayao Miyazaki film, just announced for release in US theatres that day, distributed by Walt Disney Pictures.

If you’ve read much about John Lassiter, you probably know already that Miyazaki has been a huge influence on him. And if you’ve watched a single Miyazaki film, you know the animation is stunning, the storytelling superb, and the cultural references often a tad confusing for American audiences (I had to watch Spirited Away a couple times before the Shinto really started to sink in).

Hat tip: Blue Sky Disney.

Shameless Plug: MGW Podcast on YOMD

Today’s MouseGuest Weekly Podcast features a segment my BFF Lisa and I recorded live this week with Dan and Eric, commenting at length on various criticisms we’ve heard of the Year of a Million Dreams. Per usual we also take a few tangents, like poking a bit of fun at other Disney podcasters, and taking inventory of my Pal Mickey’s rapidly-expanding custom wardrobe.

Mash-up: Spirited Away/You’ll Be in My Heart

Kudos to Larkiepants! This mash-up is so good, it almost makes me like Phil Collins. Almost.

Spirited Away is easily one of the best films I’ve ever seen, and I’m not just saying that because ConnectiCon just renewed my obsession with anime (though I can blame ConnectiCon for the fact that my Netflix queue is now full of Bleach and Neon Genesis Evangelion). I’m saying that because Hayao Miyazaki is indeed a master storyteller, and this mash-up reminded me just how deeply touched I was by the story of this little girl finding her courage and strength. And if you’re intimidated by anime, and averse to subtitles, you’ll be relieved to hear that John Lasseter and company did a fine job with the English dub.