Rating: 
Summary: Giant by name, Giant by nature
Review: When Kenichi Sonoda (creator of anime classic Gunsmith Cats) was asked what he thought of the current state of animation, he replied that Japan was getting repetitive and all the good stuff was being done in America. Then he mentioned Iron Giant.This is an incredible, intelligent and thought provoking film that transcends genre. The animation is top notch, with a seamless blend of computer images and traditional cell animation. There is a style to this film that I have not seen in an American animated film since "Sleeping Beauty." The whole picture is a 50's pulp magazine cover come to life. Authentic period music supports the scenery. There is even an animated version of "The Brain from Planet Arous" on TV. The story is entirely deserving of the elegant animation. The film poses the question, "What if a gun had a soul?" The Iron Giant meets a small boy, Hogarth (named after illustrator Burne Hogarth). Hogarth uses his stack of Superman comics to teach the Giant about good and evil. Kent Mansley is a federal agent, infected with McCarthy era xenophobia, who wants to destroy the Giant with the rational that if it is not American it cannot be trusted. Hogarth's mother and Dean McCoppin, a local beatnik, round out the cast and provide a romantic subtext. As can be seen from the avalanch of customer reviews, this movie is REALLY good. The only flaw is possible a marketing department, who had a work of genius dropped into their laps and didn't quite know what to do with it.
Rating:
Summary: One of the best kid's movies I've seen in a long time!
Review: This movie was fabulous. Not only is it a wonderful kids movie, but parents can actually enjoy it! Not like so many movies that are hard for anyone over 6 to sit through! Highly recommend!
Rating:
Summary: One of THE best animated films ever!
Review: That's saying alot considering we probably own every single Disney animated film ever made. This is done with the style and substance of the Brave Little Toaster and the ending is great! The entire movie is enthralling (I usually find something else to do in the middle of most "kids" movies and don't end up watching until the end). I watched this one until the end! Although it is more expensive than others - doesn't have the Disney cashflow behind it evidently - it is well worth it!
Rating:
Summary: The Best Way to Spend Your Money
Review: "The Iron Giant" has become an instant classic in our family of two 30-year old parents and a four-year old. My son rented this when he was 3.5 years old and asked for it so often we finally bought it for him. Just this evening we watched it for the zillionth time, with him entranced, and me (again) marvelling over the attention to minute details, the fully-fleshed out plots and sub plots, and the great voice talent. "The Iron Giant" is the story of Hogarth, growing up in the 1950s with a single, hard working mother. It is the era of Sputnik, "duck and cover" movies, and bad sci-fi movies. Hogarth is an outcast poindexter in school and a wild, imaginative handful at home. He befriends the Iron Giant after discovering that he's a good guy who won't hurt him. Of course, it's up to Hogarth to prove that to all of America. Each time I watch this I notice something different. Sure, there are the obvious jokes. But there are subtler touches in the story (the Cold War sub-plot issues are great) and animation (just watch how the Iron Giant imitates how Hogarth sits down) that take this way beyond any of the recent Disney movies. Even the "big name" star Jennifer Aniston stands out in her understated and wonderful rendering of a concerned, tired, sweet mother. Harry Connick Jr.'s character (an art building beatnik) is fantastic with deep-set eyes and constant six o'clock shadow. Appropriate for young kids and a *must* see.
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent and Magical!
Review: As a graphic designer and illustrator, I naturally have an eye for any type of creative element. This is something that I share with the people that I work with. A collection of artists and creative types, who share a love for our work and for fine pieces of animation.Few films can be defined as great, if not perfect. This film belongs on that list. Without any questions, arguments or debates. A friend of mine let me borrow this film on DVD format, and after viewing it, quickly went out and purchased my own copy. The animation, color palettes, storyline and characters made this film truly memorable. A fine balance of artistry, technology and storytelling, and at its center, the Iron Giant himself. This film stands out to me as a wonderful example of what can be done both artistically and humanistically. The story, like its characters, are of significant substance and value. Illustrating the need for humanity and compassion both in the arts and life itself. For the Iron Giant himself illustrates the warmth and "human" love that is needed from all of us. I certainly hope that more people give this film a chance. For it is deserving of our appreciation, respect and memory. May it be an example of how all films should be made. For in the end, the key affect of any film is how it makes us think, dwell and appreciate not only the art within the matter, but its heart as well. May the "Iron Giant" serve as an example of the friends that we hope to have in life, and the kind of friends that we should aspire to be.
Rating:
Summary: Not worthy of being in bargain bin
Review: I picked up this DVD for 2 reasons: To see if a Region 2 DVD would work in my HK sourced DVD player (it does) and to keep my 3 year old entertained for an afternoon. I watched the movie with him and enjoyed it thoroughly. The storyline is excellent, well-paced and animated with a gorgeousness and gorgeouscity I didn't believe possible (''real'' movie makers take note). The movie deserves better than ending up in the 'bargain bin' at my local electronics store. My lad has more or less had it on permanent replay since purchase.
Rating:
Summary: Not just for kids
Review: This is one of the most overlooked animated movies of all time. Just because it was not made by Disney does not mean that it cannot be entertaining. This film is proof that a good story, and great animation can really make you appreciate "kid's movies". Truth be told, this is not just a kids movie. This movie incorporates many different aspects, that of a science fiction film, and a film about overcoming adversity and accepting someone for who they are. Even if they are a giant robot. With a plot (and a strong one) that leads the story into new places, this film will put a smile on the faces of both the children and the parents. One nice thing is that this film does not include a song and dance number, or any talking animals voiced by semi famous celebrities. This film relies only on its own merit, and succeeds beautifully.
Rating:
Summary: Detestably unappreciated; a classic all the way.
Review: The Iron Giant choked in the box office, buried under a deluge of flashy films, all of which suffered from a serious dearth of heart and soul. It didn't help that the advertising campaign was painfully bad, embedding a pretense of "crappy kids' movie." And, of course, the animated motion picture genre is decidedly handcuffed by Disney, and any non-Disney flick is sure to elicit cynicism from the kids (the prime demographic for a movie like this). But forget all that...The Iron Giant is a fine movie. Actually, I would go as far as to say it's the best animated movie I've ever seen. Forget everything you've ever thought about animated films. Just for kids...bad script...juvenile humor...long, boring music numbers...talking animal sidekicks with lame one-liners... Forget it all. Instead of staying shackled to convention, The Iron Giant eschews all the faults associated with other animated films, and simply delivers a charming film that anyone can enjoy. Pardon the cliché, but in this case, it is absolutely true. The Iron Giant's story is delightfully captivating in all its exquisitely crafted facets. The script is irresistible, tastefully witty, and profoundly moving. Time and time again, I marveled at how a single scene could be better than entire movies. The giant robot character is a stranger in a strange land, and his (mis)adventures with Hogarth (the young boy who befriends the robot) are accompanied with elegant humor, but sometimes the lighthearted moments relinquish themselves to emotionally-stirring segments. If the ending doesn't have you holding back tears, you simply aren't human. The iron giant himself succeeds in being the ideal non-human character with a very important human element, and that's one of the greatest merits of this movie's story. From a technical standpoint, the animation is simply breathtaking. Special accolade goes to the technique used on the iron giant himself. He is rendered with computers graphics, but with a special cel-shading technique that makes him look hand-drawn. This allows him to seamlessly blend in with the hand-drawn environments and other characters. Some people will certainly pass by The Iron Giant. They'll return to their Disney flicks -- movies that are so engineered to be impressive that they somehow fail. These people will never know what they missed. That is because The Iron Giant is so much more than any other animated movie. It's a ride through a timeless story and human emotion that few movies match, much less animated films. Lofty praise, certainly, but every word of it is sincere and true. Watch it, and you'll agree.
Rating:
Summary: An animated masterpiece
Review: My sister-in-law lent me the VHS version last Thanksgiving. Looking briefly at the front cover, I could gather little desire to "pop it in" and sit back to what I thought would be a boring story and even less interesting animation. There it sat on top of the VCR until this Thanksgiving when I figured I was way overdue in returning it. So, with time and indifference to burn, I blew the dust off the VCR and, lucky for me, it still worked. Almost immediately I was drawn in by the quality of the animation; honest to goodness animation, not over-the-top CGI. I start paying attention. As the story unfolded an amazing thing happened. I was that little boy, feeling surprise, fear, happiness, anger, contempt, sadness, respect and love. I forgot I was watching an animated film, and began living an unforgettable experience. The Iron Giant is a beautifully crafted film built around a touching story with high moral value that is guaranteed to entertain. Yet more proof that you shouldn't judge a book (or a movie) by its cover. I was so impressed, I bought the DVD, which will forever be an annual Thanksgiving Day event.
Rating:
Summary: A great piece of Work!!!
Review: I'm saddened by the fact that this movie did so poorly in the theaters because of poor advertising by WB. It really is an excellent movie. I would love to see it be rereleased in the theaters. But in any case, own this DVD or VHS, and support good animation to teach WB that animation with meaning is the way to go.
| 
