The Iron Giant (1999)

Synopsis: Hogarth Hughes loves adventure and exploring the unknown. Well, the unknown comes to him when a space ship crash lands in the forrest beside his house. He explores the crash site and finds a huge iron giant eating the power plant. The giant gets caught up in the wires and Hogarth saves him. The two become friends as Hogarth teaches the giant about his world and society. But the giant has to learn quick when a government agent, Kent Mansley, uncovers the secret and sends in the army. It's a heart warming story about discovering the secrets of friendship, compassion, sacrifice, and that you are whoever or whatever you want to be.

Should You Watch It? If you are not familiar with this film, it's directed by Brad Bird, the director of all the Pixar films these days. If you haven't read my review for Ratatouille then just let me reillerate how much of a genius this guy is. Well, actually, I'm not going to blow his horn anymore, cause it's pretty worn out. Just, go watch it. It's for your own good.

Things to Watch Out For: The animation of course is not as clean or crisps as the new Pixar films but for 1999 it is pretty good. The theme is great in this film and really appropriate for children. Be what you want to be is the theme and is expressed through not only the giant's arc but Hogarth's as well when he takes responsibility for the giant's safety and realizes the importance of understanding. The voice acting is pretty great especially when you have Jennifer Aniston as the mother, Annie Huges, and you even have Vin Diesel in there as the giant.

Things You Don't Expect: The movie is short. Well, I guess that's expected. I mean, how long can an animated film be, right? The relationship between the giant and Hogarth is obviously the main plot but I think they could have done more with the relationship between Annie and Dean, a scrap yard owner. Their arcs are simple enough and expected but could have added a lot more depth to the film and give it a nice romantic subplot if they explored it a bit more. Oh well.

Final Comments:
Story: 8.0 (Ted Hughes: novel. Tim McCanlies: screenplay)
Direction: 8.2 (Brad Bird)
Voice Acting: 8.6
Animation: 8.0 (Warner Bros. Animation)
Music/Sound: 6.5

Final Score: 8.2