I did Not expect this movie to reduce me down to a puddly mess, but it 100% did. In the absolute best way, of course. The story, while sometimes on the goofy side, is very effecting. It draws you in to it's world and makes you feel like you're home. The highlight of the film is Lu, obviously. She's open, she's friendly, she's vivacious, she's full of an infectious spirit. Of course, our fellow band members are all lovely characters in their own right, and I liked all of them equally. Kai is particularly relatable. The only thing about the movie that was somewhat jarring/mildly ineffective for mewas the different animation styles all mixed in together. I wouldn't consider this a flaw. It just took me some time to get used to, and there were some parts of the animation I liked better than others.

Overall, I'm glad I randomly purchased this on DVD at Wal Mart without having ever seen it. I do not regret the purchase.