Opened: July 29, 1989

Directed by: Hayao Miyazaki

Japanese Voice Cast: Minami Takayama, Rei Sakuma, Keiko Toda, Minami Takayama, Kappei Yamaguchi, Kōichi Yamadera, Mieko Nobusawa, Kōichi Miura, Haruko Kato, Hiroko Seki, Yūko Kobayashi, Keiko Kagimoto, Yuriko Fuchizaki, Kikuko Inoue, Mika Doi, Takaya Hashi, Yoshiko Asai, Shō Saito, Michihiro Ikemizu, Shinpachi Tsuji, Takashii Taguchi, Akio Ōtsuka, Tomomichii Nishimura, Chika Sakamoto, Yūko Tsuga, Yoshiko Kamei & Hiroko Maruyama

English Voice Cast: Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Tress MacNeille, Janeane Garofalo, Matthew Lawrence, John Hostetter, Kath Soucie, Jeff Bennett, Debbie Reynolds, Edie McClurg, Debi Derryberry, Sherry Lynn, Pamela Adlon, Julie Fletcher, John DeMita, Fay Dewitt, Matt K. Miller, Corey Burton & Lewis Arquette

Featuring beautiful animation and a strong coming-of-age story, Kiki’s Delivery Service is a fantastic film if not overly lasting.

Reaching her 13^th birthday, Kiki (Minami Takayama/Kirsten Dunst) leaves home to start her year of witch training. She arrives in Koriko where Tombo (Kappei Yamaguchi/Matthew Lawrence) pursues a friendship with her. When Tombo finds himself in a dangerous situation, Kiki must summon strength to save him.

This is a solid family film that allows for intense action while remaining lighthearted. Watching Kiki come into her own as a witch is a rollercoaster as you see her doubts but want her to believe in her power.

The animation is beautifully done with the city of Koriko coming to life with its hustle and bustle. There’s just not much that will stay with you after you finish.

Final say: Kiki mostly delivers. ★★★★☆