Most of us, if not all, are familiar with the Disney animated films where typically a Princess is in need of being rescued and finds her Prince and happiness in the end. Rarely are these Princesses depicted as brave and courageous; but that seems to be changing as we move into a new generation of young girls who are ready to be the heroines in this world. The Secret World of Arrietty is Disney’s first attempt at Anime films. It is a story where the protagonist is brave and resourceful when things get tough for her family. The story is about tiny people, only 4 inches tall, who live inside a family’s home and borrow things for their daily lives. For example, they use minuscule things that humans would not notice missing or would not care much about such as a piece of toothpick or sugar cube. The talent has of course the kids from Disney Channel (Moises Arias, Wizards of Waverly Place; David Henrie, Wizards of Waverly Place; and Bridgit Mendler, Lemonade Mouth, Good Luck Charlie) as well as SNLs Amy Poehler and legendary comedian Carol Burnett. Although the movie premiered in Japan in 2010 and won the Japan Academy Prize (equivalent to the Oscars), we have yet to find out how the American audiences will react towards this film. The film opened this Friday Feb.17 (check listings for your local movie theater) and currently sits in ninth place at the box office. Although we cannot call it a complete failure at this time, we can definitely say that the Anime films are making their way into the homes of American audiences.
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