Title: Pom Poko

Genre: Fantasy/Comedy

Creator/Studio: Studio Ghibli

Company: Buena Vista: DVD Info: 1 hour 59 minutes

Summary: This is a story about tanookis, Japanese raccoon-like animals who can change their shape and work magic. In this story, a human construction company threatens their habitat and they unite to hamper the efforts.

The Good: I like the film's "mock documentary" approach. The film's goofiness is quite charming.

The Bad: It's extremely preachy.

Offensive Material: You may not agree with the film's message. At times, you can see the raccoon's genitals. There is magic, but it's usually done for comical effect.

Overall: This seems similar to Watership Down, a novel in which rabbits acted like humans. I like the slapstick approach, but it's waytoo preachy.

My Review: 3.0 Category: A

Comments: Isao Takahata directed this movie, along with Grave of the Firefliesand Only Yesterday. Other Studio Ghibli titles include: Castle in the Sky, The Cat Returns, Howl's Moving Castle, My Neighbor Totoro, Princess Mononoke, Porco Rosso, Spirited Away, and Whisper of the Heart.