The_Film_Cricket
It is ironic that I had such a difficult time staying awake during a movie that takes place in Slumberland. I realize that this is an animated flick for kids but geeeez if it can't keep me awake what hope do kids have? Most of the lethargy comes from the film's animation style, it's flat and uses basic pastel colors and the characters speak as if they are about to give us a warning about the dangers of cutting down trees. In the center is an annoying dimwit named Nemo a child who's bed flies out the window and into what looks like one of the neighboring suburbs from 'Yellow Submarine' and is badly in need of restoration.Along his journey through Slumberland and it's forbidding neighbor Nightmareland. Nemo encounters the usual gaggle of hokey-jokey supporting characters including a scientist, a pack of goblins and eventually runs across King Morpheus who provides one of those Don't Ever Open That Door warnings just before handing the kid the key.The problem is that the movie is at a loss to come up with anything new story-wise. A hero with no personality goes to a wonderland, meets the usual gaggle of quirky characters, is given a warning, disobeys that warning, meets the prime villain, all hell breaks loose and it's up to the brave little hero to fix it. I've seen this scenario over and over and over until I've grown . . . well . . . tired.
Julia Arsenault (ja_kitty_71)
This is an anime film I remember vaguely from my childhood. I do remember renting the VHS while visiting my Aunt Sharon, and after a few (I think) years later, I had taped it; I still have it. After watching it, I absolutely love it! With wonderful animation and songs by the award-winning Sherman Brothers, who wrote songs for Disney films like The Jungle Book, The AristoCats, Winnie the Pooh, etc. The film adapted on Winsor McCay's comic strip, and McCay also created the first "Little Nemo" animated movie in 1911.The film starts when Nemo wakes up one night to an invitation to visit the wondrous world of Slumberland. There he becomes a playmate for King Morpheus' daughter Princess Camille and dubbed a prince and heir to the throne. But soon finds that his new position involves protecting Slumberland. Nemo was also warned never to open the door which holds the evil Nightmare King prisoner. Dared by a mischievous trickster named Flip, Nemo opens the door, and the Nightmare King slithers out and adducts King Morpheus on the night of Nemo's princely coronation. Assisted by his flying pet squirrel Icarus, Camille, the delicate Professor Genius, and Flip, Nemo travels to Nightmare Land to rescue the king.I love to watch the little princess giving Flip a slug in the face, and "sentencing" him to "NO CIGAR SMOKING!" I wish there is a no-smoking law. I also love the lovable Boop goblins who help Nemo on his quest. So overall, I loved this film and it will always been one of my favorite animated films. And one note: Little Nemo is the first anime film to receive a national wide U.S. theatrical release.
kycgeorge
WARNING CONTAINS SPOILERS.I watched this movie again last night and it still never ceases to get old for me. I love this movie is simply is one of the best children's films.I figured Hayao Mayazaki helped in this because he is such a great director of anime movies.From the beginning seen to the end it it's amazing. I loved how his bed flew out his window. It makes me wish that it would happen to me one day. Just sleeping and then your off to Slumberland.This movie totally deserves recognition. So what if it's not Disney like. Have you seen Dumbo (warning contains Alchol use), Beauty and the Beast( Warning Frightening Images), and lastly The Little Mermaid (Warning Sexual Images.) Disney movies are full of hidden adult things.This movie is the probably one for all ages, the one that really fits the bill in amazement when it comes to imagery. It's like the Spirited Away of our generation. It was way ahead of it's time and had a great moral to teach us. Responsibility and Justice.Nemo is one of those unforgettable characters.I also Loved the whole Pajama thing with the incantation. It was simply great. This movie deserves to be rated in the top 5 on the best animated movie list. It may not be a Fantasia, but it is a Spirited Away.
b4time
"Little Nemo" is not easy to watch, but then again neither are the original comics by Winsor McKay easy to read. He had a wild and unconstrained (sometimes nightmarish) imagination, and the movie mirrors that general feeling. However, the imagery of this film is a striking tribute to a master of imagery. I wonder if Miyazaki of "Spirited Away" and "Castle in the Sky" was influenced by McKay. His flying machines, architecture, lighting and characters remind me of those seen in the "Little Nemo" comics and his casual cross-disolves from fantasy to reality and back are highly reminiscent of McKay's work. The film's major failing is its attempt to maintain a coherent, disney-like story arch in the midst of the rampant near-madness of MkKay's imagined world. Also, the squirrel was a mistake. Over all though, if you're familiar with McKay's work, I recommend you see this film to get a feel for what a McKay movie might have been like if he had persisted beyond his fledgeling attempts at animation. To see his actual attempts, I recommend the DVD "Animation Legend: Winsor McCay".
AD
