Based on poet Ted Hughes' 1968 children's book, former SIMPSONS producer Brad Bird's adaptation proves to be a work of art the family can enjoy together--simple and visually captivating enough for kids and sharp and touching enough for adults. Hogarth is a young boy in 1950s Maine. When he finds a kind and very large robot (of unknown origin), a strong bond of friendship is formed between the two. It isn't long, however, until a government agent is on their trail, wanting to destory the robot. A beautifully rendered fable.
Excerpt: "I am not a gun."--the Iron Giant (Vin Diesel) to Hogarth (Eli Marienthal)
Review 1:
"...Genuinely moving....One of the more emotionally satisfying films of the year..."
Source: Sight and Sound
p.54 01/01/2000
Review 2:
"...Well-crafted and distinctive....Cool....GIANT has the mettle to match its metal..."
Source: USA Today
p.10D 08/04/1999
Review 3:
"[T]he heartfelt tale teems with baby-boomer touchstones..."
Source: Entertainment Weekly
p.70-1 11/19/2004
Review 4:
"...A visually appealing, well-crafted film..."
Source: Variety
p.33-4
Review 5:
"...THE IRON GIANT is a smooth, skilled example of animated filmmaking..."
Source: New York Times
p.E11 08/04/1999
Review 6:
"...Straight-arrow and subversive, made with simplicity as well as sophistication, THE IRON GIANT remembers the wonders of being a child and understands how to convey that in a media-savvy age..."
Source: Los Angeles Times
p.C1 08/04/1999
Review 7:
"...This family film is filled with humor, suspense and situations everyone can relate to....THE IRON GIANT, like its eponymous android, has a warm soul..." -- 4 out of 5 stars
Source: Box Office
p.150 09/01/1999
Review 8:
"...An enchanting animate feature....An involving story that has something to say..."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times
p.31 08/06/1999