I loved this movie because i love Clint Eastwood and all the gritty, steely, manliness he stands for. That will immediately bias the score for many reviewers, but that does not mean that this is not a great film on its own. The Hmong culture is widely understated in American entertainment and it is refreshing to see Hmong actors in Hmong character roles. It was refreshing enough to forgive the mediocre performances (from COMPLETELY novice actors mind you). This film succeeds on the legs of believable, contemporary, and empathetic characters. I couldn't help but smile every time Walt's offensive, blatantly racist, remarks rolled off of either Sue or Thao's back. The screen writing is superb. Walt's "re-education" of Father Janovich and Walt's own struggles with forgiveness, penance, and the meaning of living are fantastically delivered. The climax is poetic and intelligent, not something expected from an Eastwood finish. It didn't hurt to see a nearly 80 year old man kick some butt either. Only Eastwood can deliver the archetypal "get off my lawn" crotchety old man line with a loaded M1 Garand in someone's face. Then again, if that's all you are looking for, this is also not the Clint Eastwood film to see. Otherwise, if you are ready for a solid story, an ending that won't baby you, characters that won't politically correct themselves, and language that won't placate you, get ready for a real treat.

Hayao Miyazaki never fails his audience. Again we are allowed to follow him through a world drenched in creativity and wonder. The background orchestration and Miyazaki's artistic prowess in the ocean's expression are only surpassed in warmth by the characters he creates. Ponyo, regardless of form, is endlessly heart-warming, while Sosuke and Lisa are the endearing rocks to the film; even misguided Fujimoto is empathetic in his quest. Somewhere between 'My Neighbor Totoro' and 'Spirited Away' in terms of pacing and style, 'Ponyo' is guaranteed to make you smile. The significance of inserting strong central female characters and applicable environmental statements into a G rated film should not be overlooked (though I'll forgive it if you're too entranced by the "warm fuzzy feeling" this movie imbues). I like 'Ponyo' for pulling me out of the drudge of my day to stop and smile for simple reasons. I really like 'Ponyo' for being a Hayao Miyazaki work. I love 'Ponyo' for being distinctly Japanese, geared towards children, and universally enjoyable in a visually striking package.