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'Howl's Moving Castle': Spectacular visual style is enchanting
by Eleanor Ringel Gillespie

The castle in the new animated feature "Howl's Moving Castle" is a wondrously ungainly thing that looks like it was designed by a dream team made up of Jules Verne, Terry Gilliam and Hieronymus Bosch. No wonder. It was dreamed up by Hayao Miyazaki, the amazing anime master behind "Princess Mononoke" and the Oscar-winning "Spirited Away." Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Based on a popular children's book, this animated feature follows Sophie, a teenage hatmaker who's transformed into a 90-year-old crone by the Witch of the Waste. But a wizard named Howl may be able to help her — and she may be able to help him, too.

FILM FACTS ...

Walt Disney Pictures

'Howl's Moving Castle'

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voices: Emily Mortimer, Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, Lauren Bacall
Run time: 110 minutes
Release date: June 10, 2005
Rating: PG for frightening images and brief mild language.
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require Quicktime

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READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B+
"Even if the film isn't as good as its predecessors, it's still better than 90 percent of whatever else is around."

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Austin American-Statesman: 3 of 5 stars
"...the kind of movie that transcends mere entertainment; Miyazaki's world is in the league of Lewis Carroll's or Dr. Seuss', and even one of his less successful efforts boasts an unmistakable glow."

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The Palm Beach Post: B
"If it is a cut below Spirited Away, that is because its story is less cohesive or accessible. Howl's Moving Castle works best for its parts than for its whole, though its momentary images are truly stunning."