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Movies / In Cinemas / Astro Boy
Astro Boy

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Astro Boy (2009)

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67 %
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Reviews Counted:6

Fresh:4

Rotten:2

Average Rating:6.7/10

Consensus: While it isn't terribly original, and it seems to have a political agenda that may rankle some viewers, Astro Boy boasts enough visual thrills to please its target demographic.

Genre: Action/Adventure

Synopsis: Few characters have made as powerful or as lasting an impression on international popular culture as Astro Boy. The little robot first appeared in 1951 as a character in the celebrated artist and... Few characters have made as powerful or as lasting an impression on international popular culture as Astro Boy. The little robot first appeared in 1951 as a character in the celebrated artist and animator Osamu Tezuka’s legendary manga(Japanese comic book) and became an instant icon. He was subsequently featured as the star of his own television series in both black-and white and in color, eventually airing in over 40 countries. Astro Boy created the standard for a new form of animation that has become world famous as anime.

Now for the first time, Astro Boy will be brought to life on the big screen. Created with breathtaking computer animation from Imagi Studios, the film Astro Boy is a thrilling tale of a true hero. The film is set to debut in theaters on October 23, 2009.

Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named Dr. Tenma (Nicolas Cage). Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy encounters many other colorful characters along the way. Through his adventures, he learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. Ultimately learning his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals his awesome super powers and returns toMetro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it means to be a hero. --© Summit [More]

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell, Bill Nighy, Freddie Highmore

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell, Bill Nighy, Freddie Highmore, Donald Sutherland, Eugene Levy, Nathan Lane, Matt Lucas, Sterling Beaumon, Madeline Carroll, Charlize Theron

Director: David Bowers

Director: David Bowers
Screenwriter: Timothy Harris, David Bowers
Studio: Summit Entertainment

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Reviews for Astro Boy

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1 - 6 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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There's very little that the filmmakers haven't borrowed here, making Astro Boy feel as copied as its title character.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment 3 Comments
10/23/09
Glenn Whipp
Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Like a lot of movies, Astro Boy has been designed to function on different levels and serve different audiences, but in this case these multiple meanings and points of address have created a confusion of tone.

Full Review Source: New York Times | comment Comment
10/23/09
Manohla Dargis
Manohla Dargis
New York Times
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The animation style is supple and assured. And if the audience includes any precocious kids like Toby, they'll be diverted by references to Isaac Asimov and Immanuel Kant.

Full Review Source: TIME Magazine | comment Comment
10/23/09
Richard Corliss
Richard Corliss
TIME Magazine
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Astro Boy is better than most of its recent competitors, such as Monsters vs. Aliens and Kung Fu Panda.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment 15 Comments
10/22/09
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
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A well-oiled CG-animated superhero pic that makes up in competence and vitality what it lacks in originality.

Full Review Source: Variety | comment Comment
10/15/09
Andrew Baker
Andrew Baker
Variety
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Derivative bits aside, the pint-sized Japanese icon takes flight in vibrant CG animation -- no 3D glasses required.

Full Review Source: Hollywood Reporter | comment Comment
10/15/09
Michael Rechtshaffen
Michael Rechtshaffen
Hollywood Reporter
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1 - 6 (sorted by date; UK critics are listed first)
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Latest News for Astro Boy

October 22, 2009: Critics Consensus: Astro Boy Doesn't Quite Soar
This week at the movies, we've got an anime hero (Astro Boy, with voice work from Kristen Bell and Nicolas Cage); a vampire war ( Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant,... More...

October 03, 2009: Astro Boy: Movie Review, Photos, Trailer, Poster Opens in new window
More...

September 27, 2009: New: View the Brand New Trailer Here. Opens in new window
More...

August 12, 2009: Trailer Bulletin: Astro Boy Opens in new window
The full official trailer for Imagi's anime feature finally arrives. More...

See All

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