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Starring: Cate Blanchett, Yuria Nara
Director: Hayao Miyazaki, John Lasseter, Brad Lewis
Category: Anime & Animation,
Rated: G

Welcome to a world where anything is possible! Academy Award-winning director Hayao Miyazaki (2002, Best Animated Feature, “Spirited Away”) and legendary filmmaker John Lasseter together with Disney bring to life a heartwarming and imaginative telling of Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tale “The Little Mermaid.” A young boy named Sosuke rescues a goldfish named Ponyo, and they embark on a fantastic journey of friendship and discovery before Ponyo’s father, a powerful sorcerer, forces her to return to her home in the sea. But Ponyo’s desire to be human upsets the delicate balance of nature and triggers a gigantic storm. Only Ponyo’s mother, a beautiful sea goddess, can restore nature’s balance and make Ponyo’s dreams come true. “Ponyo” will delight your family with its magnificent animation and timeless story. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: **** (out of four)
Rolling Stone: ***1/2 (out of four)
USA Today: ***1/2 (out of four)

Overall: ***1/2 (out of four)

Starring: Megumi Hayashibara, Toru Emori
Director: Satoshi Kon
Category: Anime & Animation
Rated: R

Prepare to enter the realm of fantasy and imagination – where reality and dreams collide in a kaleidoscopic mindscape of sheer visual genius. The magical tale centers on a revolutionary machine that allows scientists to enter and record a subject’s dream. After being stolen, a fearless detective and brilliant therapist join forces to recover the device – before it falls into the hands of a “dream terrorist” in this gripping anime thriller from acclaimed director Satoshi Kon. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: *** (out of four)
New York Post: *** (out of four)
Rolling Stone: *** (out of four)

Overall: *** (out of four)

Starring: Steve Austin, Vinnie Jones
Director: Scott Wiper (II)
Category: Action & Adventure
Rated: R

Jack Conrad is a death row prisoner in a corrupt Central American prison who is “purchased” by a wealthy television producer to take part in an illegal reality game show. Brought to a desolate island, Conrad finds himself trapped in a fight to the death against nine other condemned killers from all corners of the world. With no possible escape – and millions of viewers watching the uncensored violence online – Conrad must use all his strength to remain the last man standing….and earn his only chance at freedom. (Publisher)

Summary of critic reviews:

Chicago Tribune: * (out of four)
New York Post: none (out of four)
USA Today: * (out of four)

Overall: 1/2 (out of four)