POM POKE (Magical Tankuki Balls) 3 Stars????? 2 Stars???
Ok this has to be one of the weirdest things I have ever seen. Its left me gapping and astonished that Disney actually released it. It is so not their brand. But let me tell you the cover sure makes it look like it is targeting young kids. I however would hate to be the parent who tries to explain this to a young child.Once again Miyazaki is on the environmental war path. Human civilization is spreading out from the cities and destroying the environment of the Raccoons. In Japan, raccoons, or Tanuki as the Japanese call them, like foxes and cats are spirit animals that can take human form, The story starts out light hearted almost funny as Tanuki when not seen by humans take a very cartoonish appearance, but grows sadder as the various attempts to stop the urban sprawl fail and the Tanuki who are able to transform, must resign themselves to forever hiding among humans to survive. Those that cannot die or starve. What makes me so shocked that Disney, the epi-center of wholesomeness or at least appearing wholesome brought this show over to Western culture is the testicles. Yup you read that right - the TESTICLES, apparently Tanuki males have very large obvious testicles. And if that was not enough, they are amazing MAGICAL TESTICLES!!!!! They can transform into objects, weapons and more. But don't believe me, go look yourself at Magical Tanuki Balls. I don't know what to make of the show. It kept my attention, I laughed, I sniffled but I have no desire to see it again. So between 2 and 3 stars