Totsuzen! Neko no kuni banipal witt

I am not a big fan of anime outside of Miyazaki's films, but the fanciful designs on this DVD caught my eye. I'm glad they did because although this movie doesn't seem to have built up much of a reputation it is a real gem.

The story involves a boy and his younger sister whose dog Papadoll is missing. They find out that he has been abducted by anthropomorphic cats to be brought to a world called Banapal Witt, which is built on top of a giant sleeping cat. There the sun turns poor Papadoll into a bizarre giant monster. He becomes the weapon and beloved pet of a spoiled Princess who turns everything she touches into balloons. She plans to use Papadoll and a giant inflatable mouse to control the sleeping cat and thus Banapal Witt itself.

Sound weird enough for you? This story is dreamy and fun in a way reminiscent of Winsor McCay's Little Nemo stories. I like the way it is full of weird touches like the Princess's balloon curse, which at first are nice because they are so nonsensical, but which then are explained in sad flashbacks. The film did not have as powerful of an emotional effect on me as Miyazaki's classics like Kiki's Delivery Service and Porco Rosso, but it is so jampacked with interesting gimmicks and inventive imagery that its charms are irresistible. The animation is of a much higher quality than your average anime, but it doesn't even have to be because the designs are so superb. I will definitely be looking out for more from the designers of this film, who have created some the most interesting contraptions and creatures I have seen in a long time.

CATNAPPED!, directed by an artist who worked on the groundbreaking anime classic, AKIRA, makes for lively fare for the very young and young at heart. A young brother and sister go in search of their missing dog, which has been stolen by other-dimensional cats and brought to their world, which sits atop a giant sleeping cat! For some arcane reason, their sun has turned the beleaguered pooch into a giant, goofy-looking monster that can fly and does the bidding of an evil cat queen. The kids arrive to save the day, but only after much travail. CATNAPPED! sounds like a Miyazaki/Studio Ghibli effort, although it is not. However, it is a nicely executed anime with colorful characters and backdrops. The cats travel around in bizarre, circus-like balloons, for instance, and the evil queen's touch turns the cats into helpless balloon animals. CATNAPPED! may remind some of THE ADVENTURES OF LITTLE NEMO IN SLUMBERLAND, which has a similar circus-like atmosphere. Worth a look if you enjoy Miyazaki-style anime.

This movie was nothing special. Although it did have a plot, it was far from being intriguing and involving. To try is one thing, to get the job done is another. There were many plot holes and flaws. Many of the characters couldn't captivate, were underdeveloped and lacked any real chemistry. Papadoll was one of the few really likable characters, especially as a massive flying monster. Papadoll is an ordinary house dog that was mysteriously turned into this giant - the explanation for this is bizarre: because he is touched by the sun twice.

There was very little of memorable in this movie. I'm not big on anime films in the first place, their artwork isn't my cup of tea, but this one in many ways was weak in artwork even by anime's standards. In conclusion, it's just another ordinary anime effort.

They say animation is an art form, and in a few countries in the world there is some excellent animation, especially in Japan. My twin sister and I love anime, and this film is one of my favorites. Though I was shocked and surprised by the negative reviews I saw on the web, I thought this film was extremely imaginative and very well done.

I love Banipal Witt; it is unlike anything you have seen before-truly a marvelous place to behold. My favorite characters from the film are Meeko (she is so adorable); ChuChu; and the lovely Lily Remlun, daughter of the great magician Remlun. Though she didn't get enough screen time (flashback, you know), I still love her. And it was Lily's papa who gave the nasty princess Buburina the curse of turning everyone into balloons by touch.

So, overall, I loved this film from beginning to end.

Just finished a bit of anime called CATNAPPED. Its about two kids who are taken to a world of cats in order to rescue their dog, and help stop a wicked princess. Its fun. Its not perfect and should be longer then the 75 minutes of its running time. Its one of those movies, and lord knows there aren't many, that has its heart in the right place. Its one where because you get this vibe off it that it knows what its doing even if its not perfectly done.... I think there are things I would have done differently but I won't quibble since I simply enjoy whats there. I have no idea how the dub is since I have it subtitled, but that said its a cool movie with everyone turning into balloons