3 1/2 stars = Very good
Ratings explained

Ponyo is a very curious goldfish, princess of an undersea kingdom and prisoner of a father/king who keeps her inside a bubble to protect her from human pollution. In the enchanted and enthralling film that bears her name, the spirited Ponyo will defy her father, explore the shore, fall in love with a human boy, and trade fins for feet. Oh, and yes, throw the moon and tides off kilter, causing a tsunami. The movie is the latest masterwork from Hayao Miyazaki ("Spirited Away," "My Friend Totoro"), the Japanese artist whose standing as an animation storyteller is roughly equivalent to that of Matisse as a modern painter. (Carrie Rickey, Philadelphia Inquirer)

3 stars = Good
Ratings explained

Paul Giamatti plays an actor named, well, Paul Giamatti, who has his soul extracted to relieve the burdens of everyday life. Complications arise when he finds his stored soul has been stolen.

Kids: "Curious George: Follow That Monkey" ; Special editions of "KiKi's Delivery Service" and "My Neighbor Totoro" ; "Alice in Wonderland (Special Edition) (1999) ."

TV on DVD: "Have Gun -- Will Travel: Season 4, Volume 1"; "Matlock: The Fourth Season."

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