Steamboy

Whereas I wasn't real impressed with "The Departed", Steamboy filled the good movie void this week. From the official site:

From the leader in animé Katsuhiro Otomo (Osamu Tezuka’s Metropolis, Memories), comes his first feature- length directorial project since his breakthrough film (Akira). A retro science-fiction epic set in Victorian England, Steamboy features an inventor prodigy named Ray Steam, who receives a mysterious metal ball containing a new form of energy capable of powering an entire nation, the Steam Ball. Young Ray Steam must use the Steam Ball to fight evil, redeem his family, and save London from destruction. Ten years in the making, a total budget of $22 Million and with more than 180,000 drawings and 400 CG cuts, Steamboy is one of the most elaborate animated features ever created. Steamboy will be brought to life with an outstanding ensemble voiceover cast including Academy Award® Winner Best Actress in a Supporting Role 1994 Anna Paquin (X-Men), Patrick Stewart (X-Men), and Alfred Molina (Spider-man 2).

Who knew Anna Paquin would do such an amazing job playing the voice of a 13 year old boy! Patrick Stewart always impresses. Alfred Molina was amazing as well. But here is the really interesting thing: all three played in Marvel movies. Hmm...

This movie was visually stunning and actually had a plot that was very understandable. Sometimes I find Anime movies hard to follow. A lot of Eastern (not Maine that is) themes that don't always connect with my Western way of thinking.

A great movie overall. Worth the full price of admission if anyone around here had the wherewithal to actually bring it to our local theater...