Astro Boy - Film Review
Nicolas Cage and Kristen Bell Lend their Voices in Cartoon Adventure
Oct 22, 2009
Originally inked in a 1951 manga by Japan’s own version of “Walt Disney”, Osamu Tezuka, this exuberant and vividly-colored cartoon movie is the latest box office offering of fine family entertainment. Astro Boy is filled with both wonderful poignant and comedic moments, which are heightened by CGI effects.
Particularly so when the robotic hero discovers guns in his butt at an opportune time, or the power-hungry presidential candidate (voiced by Donald Sutherland) displays his campaign slogan as “It’s Not Time For Change!”.
Erected from Tragedy
Set in the future, on the sky-floating Metro City, scientist and father, Dr. Tenma (Nicolas Cage) is making a presentation at the Ministry of Science. In attendance is General Stone (Sutherland), who decides to take over, and put in place the more powerful, but unpredictable negative, red energy source.
Unbeknown to Dr. Tenma, his young brainy, but neglected son, Toby (Freddie Highmore) has sneaked into the demonstration. When the General’s experiment goes awry, the scientists contain the out of control mechanical monster in a locked down area. Unfortunately, Toby is inside the same room that is about to be destroyed.
In his grief from not being able to save his son’s life, Tenma uses the blue energy source to recreate him in robotic form. However, he soon becomes disheartened that his creation is not an exact clone of his beloved Toby.
Built for Adventure
The rejected replica has no idea his is no longer the human Toby, and runs away from home. During his bolt, he discovers amazing powers, such as x-ray vision and the ability to fly. His adventure continues when he falls into a group of benign robot renegades. Next, he meets Cora (Kristen Bell), and other lost, orphaned children on the settlement below Metro City, called the Surface.
In the end, he is renamed Astro Boy, and finds his intended destiny as a hero to his friends and his father.
The Cast and Crew of Astro Boy
Astro Boy features the voices of Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Nicolas Cage, Donald Sutherland, Nathan Lane, Eugene Levy, Matt Lucas and Bill Nighy.
Directed by David Bowers. Screenplay written by Timothy Harris, based on the comic series “Astro Boy” by Osamu Tezuka. Cinematography by Pepe Valencia. Edited by Robert Anich Cole. Art direction by Jake Rowell. Animation directed by Jakob Hjort Jensen.
Produced by Maryann Garger. Executive producers are Francis Kao, Cecil Kramer, Ken Tsumura and Paul Wong. U.S. release by Summit Entertainment.
(Running Time: 94 min)
(Rated: PG; for some action and peril, and brief mild language.)
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