Japanese animation, or anime, has been a stylistic gem in the movie industry about 30 years, and it's done so well it's staggering. "Summer Wars" is a charming tale, successful as a contemporary film and in its artistic creativity.
Mamoru Hosada is the drector, Satoko Okudera the writer. Our hero is a pre-teen boy named Kenji, a student (middle school probably, perhaps high school) with a deep crush on Natsuki. He gets a summer job where Natsuki's family goes on holiday, and gets involved, including an invitation to her great-grandmother's birthday party.
While fooling around, Kenji discovers an alternative universe, and is off on a lot of nifty adventures.
The animation is bright, the technique of excellent quality. Aimed mainly at teenagers, but also good fun for those much older. As the circus ringmaster's introduction goes, "Ladies and gentlemen, and children of all ages. . . ."
Opens today at the Tivoli
—Joe