Uh oh, it's magic! Magic has always fascinated and intrigued people throughout history. From ancient civilizations to modern-day pop culture, the concept of magic has captured the imaginations of many. Magic is often associated with supernatural or extraordinary powers that allow individuals to defy the laws of nature and perform seemingly impossible feats. These acts can range from summoning fireballs to levitating objects or even reading minds. Throughout different cultures, magic takes various forms. In traditional folklore, witches and wizards are the quintessential representation of magic.
“Anybody who chose me would be pretty unusual,” admits bossy foundling Earwig about her chances of adoption. One could say the same about bringing her story to the screen – Diana Wynne Jones’s short and simple tale of a rebellious child pitting her wits against witchy adoptive parents is openly aimed at younger children, and determinedly domestic in setting.
Far from vintage Ghibli, it s an experiment in fusing the studio s meticulous, immersive fantasies with CG technology, and the results are as spotty as Earwig s own attempts at magic. Without its own expressive or distinctive look, the CG animation is disappointingly generic, lacking the thoughtful, authored feel that was always a Ghibli given.
In traditional folklore, witches and wizards are the quintessential representation of magic. They possess enigmatic knowledge and abilities that they use for good or evil purposes. In stage magic or illusionism, performers create optical illusions and tricks to entertain audiences.
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Earwig, later named Erica, is dropped off at an orphanage, and grows up enjoying controlling people. One day, Erica is adopted by Bella Yaga and Mandrake. She becomes a witch's assistant, but it is boring and she can't control them. Erica discovers music named "Earwig". She ends the movie figuring out how to charm and control Bella Yaga and Mandrake, and getting everything she wants.
This is not only a bad movie, this is an offensively bad movie. I can't describe how deeply psychopathic the main character, Erica comes off, as it seems like her only goal in life is to control people. All the life, joy, beauty of a Ghibli film has been sucked out to leave a hollow, empty, plastic CG film. The visuals are ugly. The story is ugly.
45 out of 51 found this helpful. Was this review helpful? Sign in to vote.Permalink CinemaClown 7 April 2021
Devoid of all the simple aesthetics, elegant touch & magical qualities that fans have come to expect from a Studio Ghibli presentation, Earwig and the Witch marks their first foray into 3D computer-generated feature filmmaking but the story in itself is so dull, bland & uninspiring that the film as a whole turns out to be the studio's first real misfire and is a disappointment on all fronts.
Directed by Goro Miyazaki (Tales from Earthsea & From Up on Poppy Hill), the film simply fails to create any sort of intrigue or excitement from start to finish, and is so uneventful & unimaginative that despite it being about magic & witches, it never for once feels magical. The narrative has no sense of direction or purpose and there is barely any effort to make the characters compelling enough to garner our interest.
In addition to that, the studio's patented animation which over the years had played an essential role in infusing depth, richness & resonance to its hand-drawn imagery is unceremoniously replaced by computer-generated animation that not only seems rather ordinary & outdated but is also hollow, lifeless & soulless from within. There's a glossy, synthetic vibe to its images that just doesn't feel right plus the rendering is also lacking an organic flair.
Overall, Earwig and the Witch is absolutely unworthy of Studio Ghibli banner and is hands down the famed animation studio's worst entry to date. It is a departure from everything its production house stands for, and it doesn't even have the storytelling basics covered. One can't even argue that it aims for something ambitious but fails, for there is hardly any story at all. Putting a blemish on Studio Ghibli's unblemished legacy, Goro Miyazaki's latest is nothing less than an embarrassment.
But the most important reason why Earwig doesn’t want to be adopted is that being part of a family would leave her with fewer people to boss around. Needless to say, she isn’t all that psyched when a long-nosed witch named Bella Yaga (Vanessa Marshall) and her lurch-like companion Mandrake (Richard E. Grant) show up one day, claim Earwig off the rack like they had a coupon for her, and take her back to their dank suburban home to work as an indentured servant. But Earwig, like so many Ghibli heroines before her, is undaunted by a challenge, and endeavors to make the best of it as she plots her escape. Depressing as it is to grind rat bones into powder all day — ingredients for the amusingly low-key spells Bella Yaga casts on local villagers for a small fee — Earwig is excited at the prospect of learning some magic of her own.
These magicians skillfully manipulate props, misdirect attention, and use sleight of hand to make objects seemingly appear or disappear, leaving spectators in awe. Magic has also played a significant role in literature and fantasy genres. Countless books and movies feature magical worlds and characters. Authors like J.K. Rowling, with her Harry Potter series, have created entire magical societies that captivate readers of all ages. However, magic is not confined to fictional realms. Throughout history, people have claimed to possess magical abilities or to have witnessed magical phenomena. These beliefs often stem from superstitions, religious rituals, or the desire to find explanations for unexplained events. Despite advances in science and technology, the allure of magic remains strong. In the age of information, we are still fascinated by things that defy our understanding. We enjoy being amazed and astounded by performances that challenge logic and reasoning. Magic’s influence extends even beyond entertainment. It has inspired creativity, encouraged exploration of the unknown, and pushed the boundaries of what is possible. It has sparked curiosity and encouraged individuals to question the world around them. However, it is essential to distinguish between illusion and reality. While magic can create wonder and excitement, we must remember that it often relies on trickery and deception. It is crucial to maintain a critical mindset and not confuse magic with genuine supernatural powers. In conclusion, magic continues to hold a special place in our collective imagination. Whether in folklore, entertainment, or literature, it captivates and excites us. It serves as a reminder that there are still mysteries to uncover and unanswered questions in the world. So, embrace the wonder and let the magic continue to amaze and inspire..
Reviews for "The Magic of Words: How Language Shapes the Perception of Illusion"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I found "Uh oh its magkc" to be quite underwhelming. The plot was predictable and lacked originality. The characters were one-dimensional and I couldn't connect with any of them. The writing style was also disappointing, with poor grammar and spelling mistakes throughout the book. Overall, it was a forgettable read that I wouldn't recommend.
2. John - 1 star - "Uh oh its magkc" was a complete disappointment for me. The story felt disjointed and poorly executed. The dialogue was cheesy and unrealistic, making it hard to take the characters seriously. The author tried too hard to make it funny, but it fell flat. I was expecting something magical and captivating, but all I got was a mediocre read that I struggled to finish.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Uh oh its magkc" but was ultimately let down. The writing style was too simplistic and lacked depth. The author didn't delve into the magical elements enough, leaving me wanting more. The plot dragged on, and the pacing was off. The characters were forgettable, and I didn't feel invested in their journey. Overall, it was a lackluster book that didn't live up to its potential.
4. Michael - 1 star - I couldn't stand "Uh oh its magkc". The writing was amateurish, with numerous grammar and punctuation errors that distracted me from the story. The plot was predictable, and the characters were cliché and poorly developed. The attempts at humor fell flat, and I found myself rolling my eyes more than laughing. It was a tedious and unenjoyable read, and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone.