The "Citizen Kane" of animated features?

Rating: Null/10 (27 March 2000)

Warner Brothers was trying to cut it's 1999 losses from the monumental flop "Wild Wild West", and ended up putting very little money in the promotion of what may be one of the finest animated features ever made.
This is a tragedy, since the film has so much to provide. It is insightful, touching, whimsical, and nostalgic. And there isn't a single musical song-and-dance number or annoying sidekick in sight. The perfect film for the family, including the adults. The kids will associate with young Hogarth, especially if they feel they don't fit in. The adults will appreciate the touches of nostalgia for the 1950's and early 1960's.

The animation is top quality. A brilliant fusion of cel and CGI creating a sense of realism and depth that you don't expect from a cartoon. The vocal performances, especially from Harry Connick, Jr., are flawless.
My only complaints are the anti-hunting/anti-gun message and the slightly sweet ending that seemed to be written as an obligation. But these can be overlooked when the quality of the work is taken into consideration.
Many say that Orson Welles' "Citizen Kane" is the finest American film ever made, but it struggled at the box office, and wasn't appreciated for it's genius until many years later. I strongly feel that "The Iron Giant" will follow the same path. Years from now, this will be the standard that animated features will be judged by. I can only hope that the support of this film on video this will spark a new interest in animation as a serious media, as "Who Framed Roger Rabbit?" spawned a new interest in animation in general. There are a great number of serious animated features produced in Japan, and there is no reason why this cannot happen in the USA.
Part fantasy, part morality play, "The Iron Giant" is a remarkable work. It didn't get a fare shot at the box office, but it may reach it's intended audience on home video. If you're going to buy the VHS copy, get the widescreen edition.
Yes, it IS that good!