She Likes to Watch

Prepare to be “Spirited Away”

Hayao Miyazaki could easily be considered the godfather of modern Japanese animation.

Time and time again, he’s turned out magical, awe-inspiring movies, pairing peerless animation techniques with charming stories and fascinating characters. “Spirited Away.” one of his finest, follows a young girl through a land of gods, demons and witches unlike anything presented by Disney.

Like many fairy tales, “Spirited Away” begins with a simple mistake.

On the way to their new home, Chihiro and her parents take a wrong turn down a wooded path.

Leaving their car, they discover restaurants filled with delicious food and seemingly abandoned. Mom and Dad dig in. But their 10-year-old daughter senses something is wrong.

As night falls, she finds the area filled with faceless spirits and her parents transformed magically into pigs.

Chihiro, you see, has entered the spirit world. With the help of a mysterious boy named Haku, she must work at a bathhouse for Japan’s myriad gods in hopes of breaking the spell and preventing her parents from becoming someone’s dinner.

Like the fearless heroines in Miyazaki’s “Howl’s Moving Castle,” “Princess Mononoke” and “Kiki’s Delivery Service,” young Chichiro overcomes her situation to discover confidence, strength and kindness.

“Spirited Away” won an Oscar for best animated movie and it’s no surprise. The scope and quality are astounding, especially given the 2001 film’s combination of digital effects and traditional 2D animation. Add a touching, inspiring plot, and you’ve got an indisputable classic.

Whether you’re a hardcore anime fan or a relative newbie, “Spirited Away” is the perfect way to experience Japanese animation.

“Spirited Away” will be screened at 7 p.m. and 9:15 p.m. tonight at The Palm Theatre, 817 Palm St. in San Luis Obispo. Tickets are $7.50.

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Alex “Hitch” Hitchens is one smooth operator.

As “The Date Doctor,” Hitch (Will Smith) helps clients romance the women of their dreams, offering advice on everything from first kisses to drinks and dancing. As he tells his latest client, Albert (Kevin James), “Any man has a chance to sweep any woman off her feet; he just needs the right broom.”

When Hitch meets gossip columnist Sara (Eva Mendes), however, this sophisticated guy turns into a total klutz. Could it be love?

“Hitch” plays tonight at 8 p.m. at the Dolphin Bay Resort and Spa, 2727 Shell Beach Road in Shell Beach.

Free lawn seating begins at 7:30 p.m.

Moviegoers also have the option of watching the movie while enjoying with a three-course dinner served on the patio, starting at 7 p.m.

That costs $49 per person, plus tax and gratuity. Reservations are required.

Call 773-8900 for more information.