08Jul05 (Monthenor): I know it's not "cool" to speak ill of Miyazaki, but Howl's Moving Castle did not impress me at all. This is probably not Miyazaki's fault...the animation was as excellent as ever. It's the story, and specifically the characters, that didn't make much sense. All their motivations do come together to effect a happy ending, but the journey there seems disjointed and arbitrary. It's the best kid's movie in theaters right now (against Herbie and Madagascar), but it's much much worse than Miyazaki's last two movies.

Now, a directory of wonderful things!

• Natalie Hershlag Portman has been famous forever!
• Context Free: creator of awesome patterns and stuff!
• One of the three or four greatest songs inspired by Star Trek: the Next Generation!