Denver Film Society programmer Keith Garcia describes Summer Wars as a many-leveled film for kids and parents alike that imagines a world in which social networks like Facebook are living entities with cyber-apocalyptic Big Brother implications. “A city called Oz is invaded by a malware virus that takes a physical form made up of computer avatars, and an extended family is thrust into trying to help the world through this virus,” he explains. But the visuals are what put this anime over the top: “It’s as if a Murakami painting came to life,” Garcia adds, evoking the wild, cartoonish works of Japanese pop artist Takashi Murakami.
If garish waves of Japan-pop demons in ’toon colors are your cup of tea, sit back and take it all in: Summer Wars continues through January 13 at the center, 2510 East Colfax Avenue in the Lowenstein CulturePlex; most screenings will be dubbed in English for family viewing, but selected shows will be screened in Japanese with English subtitles (call or check the website for specific show-times). Admission ranges from $7 to $9.75; for details, go to www.denverfilm.org or call 303-595-3456.
Jan. 7-13, 2011
