Calcifer Pwns.

I am very satisfied. Ever since seeing trailers for Howl's Moving Castle I've been interested in seeing it, and now, I finally have.

The verdict?

Just wait and see, oh Impatient One.

It is an animated film. It is not geared towards adults, but neither is it directed strictly towards children. It's just innocent fun. Remember that.

As far as the movie goes visually, it is, as 90% of anime-style films are, magnificent. A few awkward-looking portions, but that's to be expected. Overall, gorgeous.

The plot is an original and engaging one. I've watched it twice, and it was better the second time. I tried watching it the first time while folding laundry. When the movie ended, I looked down to find two shirts folded.

The voice acting is incredible for a dubbed film. They got a lot of talent for this one. CHRISTIAN BALE, Lauren Bacall, BILLY CRYSTAL, Blythe Danner, Josh Hutcherson, JEAN SIMMONS...

It's amazing.

Honestly? If you're an anime fan such as myself, and can appreciate an animated film without frequent fan service or gratuitous violence, this is a must see.

Just one issue, here. It's a two-disc DVD, with a 'movie' disc and a 'bonus features' disc. That would lead one to believe there are more bonuse features on the second disc, correct?

Not so.

I spent 45 minutes watching very interesting special features on the same disc as the movie itself, then popped the second in, expecting a whole lot more. What did I get?

Storyboards.

That's all.

ONE. BONUS. FEATURE.

Still, it's a 9 out of 10. I'm going out to buy it ASAP, so I can watch it twenty more times. You should, too.

And the loveable fireball says, "I don't cook! I'm a scary fire demon!"