"The Secret World of Arrietty" a delight

I didn't expect to see Studio Ghibli's latest animated film at the theater. I had chalked it up as a movie to see on DVD.

You see, my kids want dramatic action (gotta be on the edge of your seat) and comedy (laughs are a must) when watching films on the big screen. The last couple films they've seen are Man on a Ledge, and Journey 2: The Mysterious Island." My daughter can't wait to see "The Hunger Games" (she's nearly finished the book trilogy) and one of her favorite actresses, Amanda Seyfried, in "Gone." Neither are kid films.

The Secret World of Arrietty is rated G. It doesn't have explosions, crazy fights or comical adult situations. It's a story, based on the book "The Borrowers," of two unlikely friends — one a 4-inch "borrower" and the other a kid with a heart condition — who learn to care for and trust each other. There is some action and danger, but overall, it's a sweet, beautifully drawn coming-of-age story.

Yet, both kids asked to see this is Disney-distributed film. So we went after school to get in for $5 a ticket. The simple, yet elegantly drawn film looks beautiful on the big screen.

Synopsis: After Shawn (voiced by David Henrie of Disney's Wizards of Waverly Place) moves into his aunt's cottage, he discovers "little person" Arrietty (Bridget Mendler of Good Luck Charlie) hiding in a bush. Arrietty is an ambitious young borrower anxious for her first borrowing adventure with her dad (Will Arnett). Mom (Amy Poehler)is scared that they'll be discovered, with reason. Shawn wakes to see Arrietty as she attempts to take a tissue. He extends his friendship, but her family is skeptical, as other borrowers disappeared after being discovered. As expected, Arrietty is drawn to Shawn and eventually needs his help as her family is in danger of discovery by the housekeeper (Carol Burnett), who could be comical and wicked. A quiet child left with his aunt to rest up before a surgery, Shawn ends up taking risks that he would never had tried to help his friend. Arrietty, too, learns of her inner strength. The ending is bittersweet, leaving an opportunity to discuss topics such as moving away, unconditionally caring for someone, building trust, disappointment and lost friendships.

I've not been a big follower of Japanese anime. I find it a bit plain, maybe because most of my viewing has been Pokemon or Yu-Gi-Oh! cartoons. Also, some stories come off as a little bizarre. Odd doesn't bother me, but when the kids were little, I felt I had to explain a lot. This film is different. While the Japanese-style character animation is simple, the backgrounds are amazingly detailed and scenic. At times it was like seeing a painting on screen. The story interestingly is pretty straight forward given some of the psychedelic scenes in other Studio Ghibli films (Ponyo, Spirited Away and Howl's Moving Castle).

My kids surprised me by both asking to see it. I thought the film would mainly appeal to families with kids 4-10 years old. Yet, they both came away enjoying a slower-paced animated film. It was a good afternoon.

Cheers!