Popeye: Robert Altman – De-Animator
Robert Altman’s adaptation of Popeye feels more like a redaction. His serious silly world is more interesting as a failure than enjoyable as a living cartoon.
1980s
Conan the Barbarian: The Days of Working Out
Conan the Barbarian throws itself into the brutal past, wielding its actor’s charm like a broadsword. Only plot conventions are strong enough to hurt him.
Dragonslayer: Fairytale Performance
Dragonslayer has the texture of the old fables. It finds adventure in a stricken world, including a lot of horror for the characters. And delight for us.
My Neighbor Totoro: Perspectives on Magic
My Neighbor Totoro may not be Miyazaki’s best film, but it’s a quiet little thesis on his worldview. And it’s one of the most magical things ever drawn.