Comments on: Film review – Astro Boy (2009)

By: Thomas Caldwell

Thomas Caldwell — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 08:24:43 +0000

Hi Francesco

Thanks for dropping by and explaining a bit about the significance of Astro (or Atom) in Japan. What you’ve said does help to explain why Astro’s new look in this film is so disappointing for long terms fans.

I suppose the only explanation is that this film was made for a broad international audience who don’t have the same appreciation for the character as people in (and also many outside of) Japan do. However, I’m not defending that attitude and I do think it is a shame that this new film did not retain Astro’s original appearance.

Cheers
Thomas

By: Francesco A

Francesco A — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 05:16:17 +0000

I have to tell, to my opinion the question is not the 3D itself, which perfectly fits the trend now days, but the questionable choice to change the looks of the character, making it look more tough and adult in the american way…
Originally Atom’s concept was based on the pure, gentle, good at heart little child image, inspirational for all the audience, young or older.
With wise mind, honest, brave, and the real spirit of helping others; in simple words a real hero.
Living in Japan I can testify that the spirit I’m talking about is still alive, and still inspires lots of people.
Once anyone tries to remake a classic hero, that could be Superman or any other, they should keep in mind the original concept that gave life to him…
This time I feel like that spirit got lost somehow.
The director just missed something in the character most deep soul, and that’s sad for all the fans to find out. Exactly what happened with Superman Returns.

By: Luke Buckmaster

Luke Buckmaster — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 07:37:43 +0000

It would be rather good if one day I too realised I had machine guns up my but (hey, we all can dream, can’t we?). Yeah it’s disappointing that the grungy look of the show has been expunged by the cuddly, curvy CGI look, but you can understand the logic behind it. One way or another the Astro Boy aesthetic would have had to be upgraded.

By: Thomas Caldwell

Thomas Caldwell — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:24:03 +0000

Hi Bethany

I completely agree and I would have much preferred the old-school 2D animation too. However, this is really a film made for a new generation of young people who probably haven’t grown up with the original cartoon series. So, the animation in the film is tailored to meet their contemporary expectations and it does the job.

Cheers
Thomas

By: Bethany

Bethany — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 12:11:54 +0000

I wish they had kept it in the original animation style, im a bit dissapointed its 3d styley :(