I'm a huge Studio Ghibli/Hayao Miyazaki fanatic (and those of you who are not need to get busy).

Anyone who has purchased the surprisingly lovingly crafted DVDs of their films as put out by Disney know that Pixar granddaddy John Lasseter is a lunatic for all things Ghibli as well.

A recent article I read stated "UP" was Pixar's first real foray into Miyazaki territory. I'm not sure if it's because of the emphasis on flight (a regular theme in Miyazaki's flicks, such as Castle in the Sky or the amazing Porco Rosso) or the scornful treatment of overzealous progress over humanity (Pom Poko, Princess Mononoke).

Once I read that, it was all over. The anticipation for UP supercedes everything else for me, even Star Trek.

Ratatouille made me grin for weeks.

Wall*E put me over the edge and found a happy place as my third favorite film of all time, nestled nicely behind Brazil and My Darling Clementine.

How the hell do these guys do it? Every single time out of the gate, perfection or near perfection?!

You know what? F*CK Wall Street.

Those greedfiends destroyed this economy, just like they destroy everything they touch in their neverending quest for profit.

They have no creative understanding. NOT EVERY MOVIE WILL OR CAN BE A FRANCHISE.

(Also, Jeff -- good call on Miyazaki. Lasseter is a genius.)