In the year 1957, near the small town of Rockwell, Maine, a young boy called Hogarth stumbles across a giant alien robot, who he befriends, however, it is being hunted down by a paranoid government agent who seeks to destroy it. Hogarth must do everything he can to prevent them from harming his newly formed friend and show them he means no harm to people. The Iron Giant is truly a great film. Despite its simple story premise, it is one of the most detailed and beautiful animated stories I have seen that has some superb voice acting from its wide cast. It is a marvellous wonder, which breaks the usual expectancy we have come to associate with other animated projects like, for example, Disney's productions. Disney's animated features come with loads of sing-along songs and talking comedic animals however, this film, chooses to bring a rich story with more of a realistic feel and believability. I have always loved and appreciated the art form of animation, from hand-drawn to digital CG animation. From movies to TV shows, I have always found it fascinating, and this movie fueled that appreciation even more. I love how everything comes together, from all the hard work, processes, and time put into these projects. It easily deserved and warranted all of the awards/praises it has received over the years. Hogarth's friendship with the giant is really charming too as, after all, he is just a kid and therefore he uses the giant for all sorts of fun, like having it pick him up in a car and swing it around so he can pretend to fly. Just simple sequences like this always manage to bring a smile to my face for the sheer enjoyment and imagination this film brings. I adore films with children finding something unusual, like an alien or creature and taking care of it whilst using it to partake in fun activities, provided the child isn't annoying. This film managed to do this type of trope justice and is most certainly one of the best in that category. I hold this feature in high regard alongside films like
E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982) and
Bumblebee (2018), which do this subgenre perfectly. The wonder and awe captured in each of these products are truly movie magic that resonates with us for that childish sense of wonder and the feeling of having a deep, strong friendship. These types of movies make for some ideal comforting viewing. There is also a signature edition of this film that includes some extra scenes which further add to the narrative and character's motives for the film. The main one is the scene where the Iron Giant's 'dream' is broadcast onto a television screen showing his original purpose. A weapon of destruction. This is seen by Hogarth's friend, which adds to his later scene where he turns on the giant because of what he saw of the destructive capabilities it can do. The Iron Giant has become quite popular in pop culture over the years and has recently gotten referenced in other films and media, like, in one of my all-time favourite films,
Ready Player One (2018) in which one of the characters builds and uses a giant in the final battle of the film. To put it lightly, it is incredible! The Iron Giant has accomplished some amazing feats and has left its mark as a marvel in animation and storytelling. Audiences are also left with such a great line: "You are who you choose to be.” which is a lovely message that everyone of all ages can take on board. The giant sees some of Hogarth's comics of Superman and it later becomes who he chooses to be over what his original purpose was and be the hero, which counters his main goal as a conqueror of worlds making for a lovely ending for this magnificent film. This is such a visually stunning animated film with some beautiful backdrops which, alongside the other details from small to large, it makes you really appreciate all the time and work that went into this film. Overall, this is a fantastic adventure for the whole family to sit back and enjoy. It is superbly animated, has magnificent voice acting, a charming story and is simply pure entertainment. If you get the chance I would highly recommend checking it out for yourself if you haven't already.
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