Howl's Moving Castle

Last week, I walked about 24 miles more than I walk in an average month, waking up at 4 AM most days. So on Friday, when we missed the 7:00 showing of Howl's Moving Castle and had to wait around for the 9:45 show, I knew I was going to be sleepy. I even fell half-asleep to the soothing tones of the El Capitan Theater organist. I was grumpy when the Disney representative tried to make jokes, grumpy for the Disney trailers, and grumpy when I sat through what felt like six Disney curtains slowly opening to a fanfare.

But all was magical when the movie started. I can't think of any new ways to say "Miyazaki transports you to a magical world of enchanting magical enchanting transportation," but I will say this: despite having been so damn exhausted that I remember only bits and pieces (and general color schemes) of the movie, I can assure you I had a smile on my face the whole time. If you live anywhere near one of the lucky theaters, go go go go go! Hey, that's five go's! And "go" is the Japanese word for "five!" And "Go" is the name of a board game that my girlfriend likes, and my girlfriend went to see Howl's Moving Castle! That series of coincidences can only mean one thing: you should go see Howl's Moving Castle.