Sometimes I think reviewing films is like splitting hairs--did I like it? didn't I like it? By how much? That much? A little bit more? A little bit less?

I liked Spirited Away. It was charming with great character design throughout the film--there is a wide array of amazing spirits, people and creatures that populate this world. The animation is trademark Miyazaki and you'll even see some a cameo of sorts as the little 'dust bunny' creatures from "My Neighbour Totoro" make an appearance. All in all, very enjoyable.

But how enjoyable? This is where I start splitting hairs. If you go into this film expecting a Princess Mononoke, you will probably be disappointed. Miyazaki goes back to his roots with this one and the tone and scope of this film is much more in line with his lighter work such as "Kiki's Delivery Service" or "My Neighbour Totoro". It's still a good film but it's also a smaller film and I found that neither the story nor the action gripped me the way I felt it should.