The Iron Giant
The Iron Giant
This is the story of a nine-year-old boy named Hogarth Hughes who makes friends with an innocent alien giant robot that came from outer space. Meanwhile, a paranoid U.S. Government agent named Kent Mansley arrives in town, determined to destroy the giant at all costs. It's up to Hogarth to protect him by keeping him at Dean McCoppin's place in the junkyard.
匚卂尺ㄥ reviewedJune 2, 2025
"The Iron Giant" shows that something simple can deliver something compelling. Brad Bird (director/writer) spawned parable that everyone should relate to and remember for decades as the screenplay sends something agreeable via effective simplicity. It contains themes of peace, friendship, death, and sacrifice. Brad's film does not tolerate any violence on our planet at all, as it tackles the violent nature of man. Every time when someone resorts to violence towards us, sometimes we respond with violent rage right back in defense. One weapon in particular is a gun; guns causes death, and it is a tool for violence. Another thing that I love about "The Iron Giant" is that if you watch the film, you will probably notice that it uses it's title character as if it is a child, or one of us, especially when we are unintentionally introduced to something that is unacceptable and redundant. It clearly shows how much heart that "The Iron Giant" possesses. But that's not all: there is another message: "You are what you choose to be."
Brad Bird did a fantastic job with how he executed the film; the craftsmanship overall is slick with superb twists and timing. The tone is also well directed; the comedy is clever enough to let out a hearty laugh, and the drama is heartfelt. The sound effects are awe-inspiring, especially for the giant. Speaking of the giant, Brad Bird has provided the gigantic size of the giant an authentic sense of gravity. The whole movie is enhanced by the big, lush orchestral score by Michael Kamen. The animation makes "The Iron Giant" one of the most stunning animated films that I have ever seen. The animation is drawn beautifully and brilliantly; from the backgrounds to the character designs, it is so majestic to look at, and the facial expressions on the characters are very expressive. Not to mention that is is a perfectly seamless blend of 2D hand-drawn animation and 3D computer animation.
The cast is impeccably chosen, and they really get involved in their voice performances to bring the characters to life. The characters themselves feel quite grounded. Vin Diesel voices the title character; the giant robot himself. Vin has given his character a soul with a powerful yet tender voice that delivers a smooth resonance to make his character sound like a gentle giant. As a character, he is a relatable charmer who has displayed character development throughout the film. Eli Marienthal is dramatic as Hogarth Hughes. An energetic and smart young boy with eyes for something wonderful. Harry Connick voices Dean McCoppin with dry realism. Dean has found another way of recycling; turning scrap into art. Jennifer Aniston is pitch-perfect as a mother who will protect her son, and take things seriously. And Christopher McDonald voices Kent Mansely with fantastic voice acting that matches the personality of his character. Kent is a relentless and maniacal government agent who will stop at nothing until he finds the giant. He can be both handsome with underlying coolness yet threatening and creepy at the same time. When he gets angry or frightened, he is one heck of a snappy loudmouth.