Whisker Away, A (2020) review

Over-exuberant Sasaki is obsessed with her schoolmate Hinode, so she acquires a mask that allows her to transform into a cat and proceeds to intrude on his life (she's also not opposed to jumping off a building to defend his honor).  Anyone that's watched anime for a good amount of time should spot all the references and tropes - Sato and Shibayama are clearly paying homage to/ripping off Miyazaki - and while the animation is pretty clean, it's also one of the most obnoxiously saccharine movies I've seen in a long time, going so over-the-top it actually becomes irritating and difficult to sit through (kids do not know what romantic love is).  Before you think I'm over-reacting, keep in mind some of my favorite shows from Japan include Love Hina, Ah! My Goddess, Fruits Basket and, more recently, Little Witch Academia.