Hey folks. Capone in Chicago here, with the second of two films I'm screening this week that I saw at Comic-Con. Next up is the extraordinary new film PONYO, from master animator Hayao Miyazaki, who I got to spend some time with in San Diego (interview to post very, very soon). If the standing ovation, Miyazaki-san got a Comic-Con this year is any indication, his reputation as a master storytelling and one of the most gifted and creative animators (hand drawn only, thank you) ever to have lived, with such note-perfect works as CASTLE IN THE SKY; KIKI'S DELIVERY SERVICE; MY NEIGHBOR TOTORO; PRINCESS MONONOKE; SPIRITED AWAY; and HOWL'S MOVING CASTLE. At age 68, Miyazaki still begins the process of making his films by personally storyboarding the entire movie before handing it over to animators to complete. He's also a sweet and funny man, whose dead-pan delivery masks a wicked sense of humor. The screening of PONYO will take place the day after the DISTRICT 9 screening, on Thursday, August 6, at 8:00 pm at a theater in downtown Chicago (the exact location will only be given to contest winners). I've got about 250 seats to give away, and I'd love to see some parents bring their young ones to this film, since PONYO definitely is aimed at a younger crowd, but is just as pleased for us slightly older types. And just so you know, the version of this film we'll be seeing will be in English (the English-language version of the film will be the only one shown in theaters and was directed by John Lasseter, featuring the voices of Liam Neeson, Tina Fey, Matt Damon, and Cate Blanchett. You're going to adore it. Here's how to secure a pass good for you and one guest: Send me an email at capone@aintitcoolmail.com with the subject line "PONYO, PONYO, PONYO!" In the body of the email, I need your Name, whether or not you're bringing a Guest (guests' names are not required), and the answer to the following question (read carefully): What is film do you think would be the best first film to show a child on the big screen? For example, last year during our WALL-E screening, there were a couple of youngsters who were seeing a movie in the theater for the first time. I can't imagine what must have been going through their heads. I only need a title, but you can provide a short explanation if you wish. Keep your answer BRIEF--limit your answers to 75 words or less (no matter how tempted you are to go over the limit). Winners will receive an email from me over the weekend. Good luck, everyone! Hope to see you there. -- Capone capone@aintitcoolmail.com
