The Iron Giant - A Movie Review

Let’s join Hogarth and the Iron Giant in an epic fly through the sky!

The Iron Giant was released into theaters in 1999. A young boy befriends a mysterious 100-foot-tall robot. Enjoying adventures, and meeting new people, Hogarth learns that the Iron Giant cannot live in this world for much longer.

I cannot believe that it has been twenty-one years since I went to see The Iron Giant in theaters! Right from the start, the story has viewers’ attention with an epic beginning. I never got tired of it as a kid, constantly replaying the film to watch the adventure again. The Iron Giant is a fantastic film about friendship and is an adventure that all kids wish they could tag along on.

Hogarth Hughes is a young boy, enthusiastic about life. In superb subtle story-telling, he is misunderstood. Hogarth is determined, getting himself into mischief, but never forgetting about the people who he loves. Due to events that have happened in his life, Hogarth had to grow up quickly, making him an outcast among his classmates.

The first time the Giant ever debuted on the screen, its glowing eyes appearing in the background, I felt this pure excited energy. The design of the Giant is one of the most original animations ever. Vin Diesel’s voice work accumulated of talented robotic noises gradually transforming into slow speech patterns.

Hogarth and the Giant’s friendship is very touching. They are both trying to understand their placement in life. In just a short amount of time, these two different beings have given one another a new commitment and determination to live life differently from how they lived before.

Annie Hughes and Dean McCoppin are the greatest adult figures in the film, turning Hogarth in the right direction. Despite his ruthless actions, Kent Mansley is a great villain getting a comeuppance, battling a nine-year-old just to find out that Hogarth is more resourceful than he thought.

Voice work is noteworthy in The Iron Giant. Expect talents from Eli Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney, M. Emmett Walshe, and many others. The Iron Giant has great characterization. I felt like I got to know everyone in this world because of the genuine traits.

The animation is spectacular, moving at an easy flow. I could study how filmmakers animated the Giant for hours. Expressions of the characters are so natural. I miss the traditional way in which animated movies were created from only a pencil sketch nowadays. The animation gives The Iron Giant its energy as you tag along with Hogarth on his nightly exploration.

Luckily, I had the opportunity to re-watch the film with the two deleted scenes that were added for more character depth. The Giant’s nightmare sequence added a background to the Giant that we needed. That, and a terrific animation sequence.

Brad Bird created an outstanding film that will forever be a nostalgic story for all to enjoy. I wish I could go back to the day when I watched this movie for the first time in theaters to experience all the action unfold. It’s a story about friendship signifying that anyone can be friends, be a leader, and supplying an important message about who you are.

The Iron Giant is a dramatic film for young children. It will always be one of my favorite movies. When I sat down and watched this film again after years, I felt so excited about watching Hogarth’s first encounter with the Giant in the dark forest. For those who have not yet seen The Iron Giant, I recommend that you do.