MOVIE REVIEW - ASTRO BOY

MOVIE REVIEW ASTRO BOY

Those who grew up during the 80's would fondly recall watching the Astro Boy anime series. Usually shown in the ABC afternoon slot between 'Inspector Gadget' and the brilliant 'Monkey', the series became a 'must watch show'. Based on the famous Japanese manga, the colourful adventures of the action android camouflaged darker themes. This is what made it stand out in the genre in that it told stories on an even level all ages could enjoy. Pity this movie version doesn't take the same route although thankfully doesn't tarnish its iconic status too much. In Metro City, scientist Dr Tenma looks for a way to replicate his deceased son. Creating a robot in the boy's image, he finds that an artificial intelligence is no substitute for the real thing. Banished by the grieving doctor, the droid flees in search of anyone who will accept him. Meeting a runaway girl called Cora, who dubs him Astro, he believes he has found a kindred spirit. When evil robotic slave trader Ham Egg and wicked President Stone threaten to destroy Metro City, Astro reveals that a hero can derive from any living or synthetic being. Although somewhat stuck in a rigid origin story format, Astro Boy benefits from director David Bowers' visual flair. Often directors are overlooked when animated films are discussed which is a bit unfair as they actually do serve the purpose in pushing events along. Bower's camera swoops into every action sequence with gusto with some great CGI deftly balancing between traditional and new animated techniques. All serve to increase the story's flow amongst some small social themes examining acceptance and reliance on machines to gain power. Interesting on a visual level, the film suffers somewhat from 'cute character syndrome'. Some comedy relief in a children's film is fine, although having certain characters talk down to its audience seems a dubious tactic. This dilutes much needed edge that Astro Boy could have gained instead of feeling less than the sum of its parts. Nevertheless the voice actors imbue their roles with plenty of enthusiasm with Freddie Highmore's delivery as Astro giving him a perfect youthful vigour. Not the greatest animated film ever, Astro Boy could have been a lot better. However the simplicity of the story and superb CGI ensures it isn't a total failure with any sequel hopefully building upon Astro Boy's reasonable cinematic beginnings.  

Movie Review Rating 5 / 10  
Movie Review by Patrick Moore
Astro Boy released in Australia on Thursday 15th October 2009.
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Patrick Moore's Movie Review is an alternative look at current movie releases in Australia.