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| Airretty |
Its been a while since a children's film has really been on my radar but C1 will see ANYTHING Studio Ghibli puts out so when she heard that they were dubbing in English the latest Hayao Miyazaki film i knew we were going to see it. Little did i know just how popular these movies have become. We ended up going to 2 theatres because the 1st one sold out while we were waiting in line. Since its in limited release we didn't have many options of even where to see it.
The Secret World of Arrietty was released in Japan in 2010. Disney has distribution rights here in the US so i wasn't surprised to see a few of the child stars currently on the mouse's payroll to be cast as voice actors. Of many people familiar with the books, this is the story of a family of Borrowers, Pod and Homily voiced by real life couple Will Arnett and Amy Poehler and their daughter Arrietty voiced by Bridgit Mendler who most would know from Good Luck, Charlie. David Henrie from Wizards of Waverly Place voices Shawn, a sickly boy who visits the house prior to his impending heart surgery and discovers Arrietty and her family. Even Carol Burnett is in it.
The movie focuses on Shawn and Arrietty's relationship which happened by chance but changed the entire course of Airetty and her family's lives. its a sweet story, Shawn who's always been to sick to do anything has someone he feels he needs to watch out for and Arrietty finds herself trusting and forming a bond with a human. There is danger to be had for the borrowers and it is learned throughout the movie there have been borrowers in that house for generations. In the end the danger becomes to great and with help and a tearful goodbye Arrietty and her family move on to another home and Shawn goes to have his surgery.
The movie clocks in at just over 90 minutes. The story is a bit heavy at times, the younger crowd definitely won't be as attentive to this. i was more annoyed by the row of clearly infected with something sketchy cold of 4 year olds behind me, they were mildly entertained. C1 was in tears by the end of the movie. Its heart-warming and touching and i get why she was so chocked up. This is definitely a movie we will be purchasing to go in our collection.
While this is clearly a children's movie not all age groups are really going to be able to sit thru this. The younger crowd will most likely bore quickly. The right age is probably between 6-11. I also am usually drawn into Studio Ghibli movies and i didn't bother to check my watch the entire time.
I get this movie a matinee. If you have younger children its probably best to wait till its in Redbox but your elementary and older will enjoy it.
The Secret World of Arrietty is now playing in limited release.
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