Watch The Iron Giant

The Iron Giant is a heartwarming science-fiction animated film released in 1999. Directed by Brad Bird and produced by Warner Bros, the movie is based on the 1968 novel 'The Iron Man' by Ted Hughes. The story takes place during the Cold War in the 1950s in the fictional town of Rockwell, Maine, where a young boy named Hogarth Hughes (Eli Marienthal) forms an unlikely bond with a gargantuan, robotic alien from outer space (voiced by Vin Diesel).

While exploring the forest, Hogarth sees the giant robot and is frightened by the sight of it. But after figuring out that the robot is harmless and has a soft spot for him, Hogarth befriends the robot and keeps it a secret from everyone else. Meanwhile, a paranoid government agent named Kent Mansley (Christopher McDonald) arrives in Rockwell, determined to hunt down the "monster" that he believes is threatening national security. When the giant robot's existence is exposed, Hogarth must protect his new friend while also figuring out a way to stop the impending danger.

The voice acting in this film is top-notch, especially the performance of Jennifer Aniston as Hogarth's widowed mother Annie. Harry Connick Jr. also provides a great vocal performance as Dean, a beatnik artist who runs the local junkyard and befriends Hogarth, becoming a crucial ally in his efforts to protect the robot. Eli Marienthal as Hogarth does an excellent job expressing the character's sense of adventure and curiosity, but also his ability to show compassion and empathy.

The animation style is visually stunning, replicating the comic book-style art of the 1950s with deep, vibrant colors and sharp lines. The Iron Giant's animation holds up extremely well for a film that is more than 20 years old, bringing to life an intricate and detailed world filled with amazing visuals, such as explosions and the physics of flight.

The Iron Giant deals with deeper themes like the question of what it means to have a soul and the moral dilemmas associated with the use of technology for warfare. There is also a clear anti-war message woven throughout the film, with the robot being programmed for destruction and violence, only realizing the true nature of his existence through compassionate relationships.

Despite being set during a difficult and complex period in American history, where tensions were high between the US and the USSR, The Iron Giant manages to stay both entertaining and genuinely poignant, winning over audiences with its touching, human story. The movie appeals to viewers of all ages and backgrounds, as it conveys its message through captivating storytelling and fantastic animation, ultimately allowing the viewer to take away an important and relevant lesson about how empathy and understanding can change the course of history.

Overall, The Iron Giant is a classic film that remains relevant and timeless which reminds us of the importance of empathy and kindness, providing a powerful heartfelt message that makes the movie unforgettable.

The Iron Giant is a 1999 kids & family movie with a runtime of 1 hour and 26 minutes. It has received mostly positive reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 8.1 and a MetaScore of 85.