A few thoughts:
* I can understand why they combined elements of all four books into this one film, but it doesn't really work (Sparrowhawk, for example, is just really boring - a stock character - without the back story).
* For the most part, doesn't really capture the sense of scope (either internal or external) which is so important to epic fantasy - which is mostly down to the script but also has something to do with the visual realisation (the anime conventions are sometimes distracting).
* (Conversely, lacks the whimsy and light touch that characterises Hayao M's films.)
* Still, invokes enough of the conventions of that brand of fantasy to evoke a bit of a response in me (fleetingly, at intervals over the couple of days after I saw it).
* Overall, though, rather a disappointment.
(w/ Kevin)
