MOVIE REVIEW: I expected a much worse rendition of the animated TV series that pioneered anime, but this contemporary yet retro CG-animated Astro Boy actually does a decent job of re-introducing Osamu Tezuka's classic icon back into the scene.
Contrary to those movie critics who over-analyze family movies, Astro Boy provides fast-paced action within a futuristic environment that follows the adventure of an awesome superhero boy robot that lives in a floating city, and discovers that it has cool powers and ability to stop bad guys and bad robots. Add a few mildly-challenging themes that kids will eventually figure out (yes, they're not stupid), and you got yourself a fun hour and a half Sci-Fi ride for the boys and girls.
In this 2009 revival, we see scientist Dr. Tenma (voiced by Nicolas Cage) creating a super robot that thinks like his deceased son Toby (Freddie Highmore). The death of his son leaves Tenma remorseful and regretful because he spends more time as a scientist than a father to Toby. Little does he know that Toby's metallic replacement, "Astro Boy" will become the savior of Metro City from its war-crazy president (Donald Sutherland) and his evil war-bot.
Director and Co-Writer David Bowers and Co-Writer Timothy Hyde Harris do a faithful job at sticking to the anime elements of the original Astro Boy stories, including the political layer and the borderline over/proper human reliance to technology and machines exemplary tale. More importantly, they left enough of the adult ingredients that Tezuka originally intended his stories for but simplified it enough for the young viewers to slowly comprehend.
For taking such a risk in maintaining some adult themes, I must applaud them because these are the type of uncertainties filmmakers must agree to go along with in order to fully adapt someone else's timeless tale and respect those who have an emotional or childhood bond with the original work.
Imagi Studios's Astro Boy will not disappoint its true target audience. While it isn't a perfect adaptation of the original classic, its modernized visuals and superhero story will not and should not alienate the young viewers. But, the familiar themes from its anime roots give enough nod for the fans of the original black and white.
Astro Boy (2009) (Imagi Studios and Summit Entertainment, LLC). MPAA rating: PG for some action and peril, and brief mild language. Running Time: 1 hour, 34 minutes. Now Playing.
ACTION: B+ADVENTURE: B
FUN FACTOR: B
STORY: B-ORIGINALITY: N/A
VOICE-ACTING: B
SCORE: B+
STUPID LEVEL: 4/10
VERDICT: A superhero boy robot with cool powers in a futuristic world. What's not to like? Right kids?
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