Kiki’s Delivery Service

Before you ask: Yes, this is going to be a screening of the Disney dub. But Ghibli features often deliver pretty good English casts, and Kiki’s is no exception. A young Kirsten Dunst glows in her portrayal of a witch coming of age in her new seaside home – out on her own for the first time ever. As Ursula, the older artist who eventually becomes Kiki’s friend and confidante, Janeane Garofalo cements the character as both a lifelong crush and role model for many a generation. I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a painter in denim cut-offs and tank top who lives in a forest cabin with crows? The standout is, of course, SNL alum Phil Hartman as Jiji, the black cat who serves as both Kiki’s familiar and her best friend. His voice work conveys a world weariness funneled through quips: never frustrated with his young owner, only gently concerned. A perfect movie for parents and kids that’ll leave everyone feeling a little seen. – James Scott