A great film for both kids and adults

Rating: 9/10 (14 September 2000)

"The Iron Giant" wasn't a big hit in the theaters, but hopefully it will find a larger audience on video, since it deserves one. This is one animated film that doesn't resemble Disney's output very much, which is refreshing. It's just a wonderful story told very well. Set in 1950s Maine, "The Iron Giant" is the story of Hogarth Hughes, a bright, only child with an active imagination who is being raised by a single mom. He meets an enormous, child-like robot from outer space who may or may not be a danger to the people of earth. The actors voicing the characters are all great (especially Harry Connick, Jr. as a Beatnik scrap metal dealer), the story is very touching, and the film incorporates just enough reminders of '50s Red-scare paranoia and sci-fi influences without letting them overwhelm the story. This is a great film that viewers of any age should enjoy.