HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE
The legendary Japanese cartoon genius Hayao Miyazaki is considered by many scribes, pundits and fans to be the greatest contributor to the animation universe in this century. Each feature he creates is a work of humor, action, heart, adventure and human soul. Last week he made a rare U.S. appearance to accept an honorary Oscar from the motion picture academy for his filmmaking legacy. (He already held an Oscar for his 2002 film "Spirited Away.") His 2005 Oscar nominee, the amazing steampunk antiwar statement "Howl's Moving Castle," gets midnight showings this weekend at the Uptown in Minneapolis. The two-hour story is touching. Sophie, a young headwear maker turned old-looking by a spell, falls in love with a handsome but upset wizard in a world featuring a Wizard of Oz-like scarecrow and an intelligent, conversational fire. The visuals are remarkably intricate, with a fantastic French-style setting and bizarre images like flying battleships that look as if they wear hats. It's as charming, humane and quirky as any animated myth in ages. (⋆⋆⋆½ out of four stars, PG, in Japanese with English subtitles. Midnight Fri.-Sat., Uptown Theater, 2906 Hennepin Av. S., Mpls.,$9, 612-823-3005.)
COLIN COVERT
