Astro Boy

2009 Action/Adventure

A young robot with incredible powers, super strength, and the purest spirit on the planet discovers the joys of being human while embarking on a worldwide journey to discover his true potential in this animated update of Osamu Tezuka's classic anime story. Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is a young robot from futuristic Metro City. Created by a brilliant scientist named Tenma (Nicolas Cage), and powered by pure positive "blue" energy that gives him such abilities as x-ray vision, inhuman speed, and flight, the wide-eyed android longs to find his true place in the world. He sets out on an epic journey that brings him face to face with an underworld army of robots and some of the strangest creatures ever to walk the Earth, and along the way learns to experience human feelings and emotions. Astro Boy's remarkable mission of discovery is suddenly cut short, however, when he learns that his friends and family back in Metro City are in grave danger. As Astro Boy prepares to face off against his greatest adversary in order to save everything he cares most about, he realizes that only through victory will he finally discover what it takes to be a hero. more..

Director: David Bowers

Reviews

  • The movie contains less of its interesting story and more action and battle scenes than I would have preferred.

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    29 November 2012

  • A marvelously designed piece of cartoon kinetics.

    Owen Gleiberman - Entertainment Weekly

    29 November 2012

  • Astro Boy alternately soars and sputters through a story line that's not quite sure who it's aimed at.

    Ty Burr - The Boston Globe

    29 November 2012

  • And so he zips and zags, keeping aloft in a movie that can't always do the same.

    Manohla Dargis - The New York Times

    29 November 2012

  • Though some scenes may be too intense for children, the action is slick, with robot clashes and airborne chases leaving the strongest impression.

    Claudia Puig - USA Today

    29 November 2012

Awards

  • Storyboarding in a Feature Production

    Annie Awards (2010)

     
  • Outstanding Achievement in Casting - Animation Feature

    Casting Society of America (2010)

     
  • Best Performance in a Voice-Over Role - Young Actor/Actress

    Young Artist Awards (2010)