Austin TX movies: Movie showtimes, reviews, tickets, film festivals, SXSW

The Adobe Flash Player is required to view this multimedia interactive. Get it here.

Austin Movies

Charm and imagination abound in 'Howl's Moving Castle'
by John DeFore

Animator Hayao Miyazaki is often called "the Japanese Disney," a comparison that's about half accurate. Yes, Miyazaki's work stacks up nicely against Disney's most beloved films. But as an auteur, Uncle Walt can't hold a candle to his modern counterpart: Unlike Mickey Mouse, Cinderella and Snow White, Miyazaki's characters all clearly spring from the same fertile mind, one that combines universal psychological truths with a singular imagination. Disney had immensely talented artists working for him, but Miyazaki is a magician. Read the full review

TO SUM UP
Based on a popular children's book, this animated feature follows Sophie, a teenage hatmaker who's transformed into a 90-year-old crone by the Witch of the Waste. But a wizard named Howl may be able to help her — and she may be able to help him, too.

FILM FACTS ...

Walt Disney Pictures

'Howl's Moving Castle'

Director: Hayao Miyazaki
Voices: Emily Mortimer, Christian Bale, Billy Crystal, Lauren Bacall
Run time: 110 minutes
Release date: June 10, 2005
Rating: PG for frightening images and brief mild language.
See showtimes

On the web
Official movie site
View the trailer
Trailers require Quicktime

[an error occurred while processing this directive]

READ THE REVIEW

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution: B+
"Even if the film isn't as good as its predecessors, it's still better than 90 percent of whatever else is around."

Read the full review

Austin American-Statesman: 3 of 5 stars
"...the kind of movie that transcends mere entertainment; Miyazaki's world is in the league of Lewis Carroll's or Dr. Seuss', and even one of his less successful efforts boasts an unmistakable glow."

Read the full review

The Palm Beach Post: B
"If it is a cut below Spirited Away, that is because its story is less cohesive or accessible. Howl's Moving Castle works best for its parts than for its whole, though its momentary images are truly stunning."

Read the full review

Now Playing in Central Texas Search for movies playing at theaters across Central Texas, purchase tickets, read reviews from our team of critics and leave your own review.

CENTRAL TEXAS BARS AND RESTAURANTS Find a new bar or restaurant to try tonight. Search by cuisine type, distance, location and price range. Then be sure to come back and leave a review.