Submitted by: undercovermama

I really enjoyed this movie.  I went with my 4 year old to see it and came out of the theater feeling really good.  I love movies that can make you feel better for having seen them.  Compared to some of the newer "kid" movies this is one of the least objectionable.  There was no rude/crude humor or questionable language.  It was just a great movie that my daughter and I really enjoyed.

Submitted by: SLCardinal

      Few characters have made the powerful or lasting impression that Astro has on international culture. Although Astro is not-well know in the United States, he is beloved the world over and as popular in asian cultures as Mickey Mouse is in America. Long-runing series of animated cartoons aired in the 1960's, 1980's, and as recently as 2003 that chronicled this robot-boy's adventures fighting for peace and equality.        "Astro Boy", based on Osamu Tezuka's comic strips from the 1950's and 1960's, is a CGI film that explores the relationships between robots and humans, and the human emotions contained within Astro himself. The voice-cast for the film is impressive, and the performances "fit" the film very well, although the expressions of Dr. Tenma, performed by Nicholas Cage, is a little flat at times. The CGI animation is very impressive, and the storyline is well-written. Overall, most viewers will forget that they are not a part of Astro's world within fifteen minutes, and the 90 min running-time goes-by quickly, leaving the audience ready for the next adventure.      "Astro Boy" does not get bogged-down by sight gags, crude language, or other crass humor that have been championed by other children's films. The film deals with real issues, and the death of a character from the outset of the movie may draw questions from children about the loss. Robots in Astro's society face discrimination from humans, which prompted a few questions from my  own kids. However, most of "Astro Boy" is a journey of discovery for Astro, as he learns how he was created, who he is, and what his purpose is in the world around him.      The character of Astro is easy to like, and I found myself thinking back to my own childhood, pretending I was a superhero with rocket-feet, flying around to defeat evil and injustice.      Major critics of "Astro Boy" complain that it lacks originality, parroting the themes and concepts from past movies. These anachronistic critiques fail to recognize that many of Astro Boy's themes are universal, and that the storylines developed in the film were derived from Tezuka's work that pre-dated any of the films of the past forty years.      "Astro Boy" is a solid three-star movie, but is not perfect. Children under five may be scared by the robotic fighting sequences and some of the character-in-peril moments. However, parents who might otherwise be scared-off by the trailer's use of the word "butt" can be assured that it is the only questionable word highlighted in the script, and seems designed to try to attract an audience that will find a much-more substantial storyline that the trailer suggests.      "Astro Boy" will be a must for your home-movie collection.

The rundown: A cheap and randomly scripted computer-animated update of the '60s Japanese cartoon, about a robot kid (voiced by Freddie Highmore) saving the world. 94 minutes. (SPM)

Synopsis: Set in futuristic Metro City, the tale of a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named Tenma. Powered bypositive "blue" energy, is endowed with superstrength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy encounters many other colorful characters along the way. Through his adventures, he learns the joysand emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. Ultimately learning his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals his awesome super powers and returns to Metro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it takes to be a hero.