Rated PG for some action and peril, and brief mild language.
Directed by David Bowers (Flushed Away)
Starring (The voices of…) Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Nicolas Cage, Bill Nighy, Donald Sutherland and Nathan Lane
It’s a blast!
Astro Boy follows the adventures of a young-yet-powerful robot who, in the hopes of winning his inventor-father’s heart, sets off on a quest to rid the world of evil. However, he soon discovers that his home, Metro City, stands on the brink of destruction, and it is up to him to save the day as well as his friends and family.
The stellar voice cast helps bring to life this fun, futuristic animated adventure. Nicolas Cage, Donald Sutherland and Nathan Lane are all fantastic…even Samuel L. Jackson makes a brief cameo.
Astro Boy is a great story and that great story is told well. There’s also plenty of action to keep the little ones amused and enough clever and funny moments to make sure adults aren’t bored either.
Besides great animation, a great cast, and a great script there are the wonderful lessons that I, as a parent, love. Everything from judging/accepting others to the hero/sacrifice lessons is clearly communicated in a way that is entertaining and memorable.
The only reason it’s not higher than a “Rental” is because it’s all too familiar. I know it’s a reboot of the classic Japanese cartoon, but whether it’s the robot vs. human or the redemption story there wasn’t a lot of originality.
I enjoyed the movie and the time with my family, but a “Rental” is as high as I can go.
SHOULD KIDS SEE IT?
Yes. Add it to the family movie night list.
Conversation Starter
Three Simple Questions (with Answers You May Be Looking for):
- What are some of the messages or themes you observed in this movie?
- How do you suppose we—as serious Christ-followers—should react to this movie?
- How can we move from healthy, Bible-based opinions about this movie to actually living out those opinions?
