Trailer

Astro Boy (2009)

PG   |    |  Animation, Action, Comedy

Astro Boy (2009) Poster

When an android replica of a boy is rejected by his aggrieved creator, he goes off to find his own identity in an adventure that would make him the greatest hero of his time.

6.3/10
33,881
Rate
53 Metascore

Videos

Photos

  • Bill Nighy in Astro Boy (2009)
  • Eugene Levy at an event for Astro Boy (2009)
  • Kristen Bell and Freddie Highmore at an event for Astro Boy (2009)
  • Freddie Highmore at an event for Astro Boy (2009)
  • Astro Boy (2009)
  • Astro Boy (2009)

See all photos

Get More From IMDb

For an enhanced browsing experience, get the IMDb app on your smartphone or tablet.

Get the IMDb app

Cast & Crew

Top Billed Cast

Director:

David Bowers

Writers:

Osamu Tezuka (manga), David Bowers (story), Timothy Harris, David Bowers
Facebook
Twitter
E-mail

Awards

4 nominations.

Reviews & Commentary

Add a Review

User Reviews
16 October 2011 | ebiros2
Why is it so dark ?
Based on a manga by the late Osamu Tezuka, this US version of Astro Boy only takes cursory hint from the original story, and reinvents the entire story.

Dr. Tenma loses his son Tobi, and to substitute for the loss, creates the robot Astro Boy in the image of his late son.

First, the image of this movie is very dark. I see this frequently in 3D animation. I guess it's to hide some weakness that's yet to be overcome in this technology, but this makes things look creepy. A movie that's targeted (I believe) for young audience looks like horror movie in its visuals. Second, the charm that was there in the original Astro Boy saga has been totally stripped away in this Hollywood version. It's increased "reality" is in the wrong direction, and slowed the story down considerably. This often happens in movies translated from original comics (Like Marvel's Fantastic Four). The original manga had lot more speed, and brilliance to the story.

It's recommended that Tezuka's manga be read, and '60s TV anime series seen before seeing this movie. '60s anime series was supervised by Tezuka himself, and there were lot more emotion, and action to Astro Boy's character. People surrounding Astro Boy were lot more "human" as well. Even the more recent TV anime series had better pace than this movie.

So not a very good translation from the original material, and is not recommended for viewing.

Metacritic Reviews

Critic Reviews

Did You Know?

Trivia

In 1999, Sony Pictures Entertainment purchased the film rights to Astro Boy from Osamu Tezuka Productions, intending to produce a combination live-action/animatronics/CGI feature film alongside Jim Henson Productions originally slated for a Christmas 2000 release, with Eric Leighton (Dinosaur) attached to direct. This came to no result, and in June 2004, Leighton was replaced with accomplished animator Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter's Laboratory (1996), Samurai Jack (2001)) with a scheduled 2007 release. However, some time after this announcement was made, Tartakovsky left the film to produce The Dark Crystal (1982)'s sequel, The Power of the Dark Crystal, also for Jim Henson Productions.

Quotes

Dr. Elefun: Everybody has their destiny, Toby.
Astro Boy: Didn't you hear him? I'm not Toby.

Goofs

Astroboy's hair-spikes change position from left to right and vice versa throughout the whole movie. But then, this is in keeping with the spirit of the original TV series, so it not quite a mistake.

Crazy Credits

After the end credits, a card stating "When in Hong Kong, visit Imagi Studios" The art is the same classic style as the opening, with a tram touring a back lot. This is much like what Universal studios did at the end of their films.

Alternate Versions

For television airings, rather than cropping, the film has been reanimated from scratch to 1.75:1.

Soundtracks

Marching Down the Field
Composed by Harry Edwards
Courtesy of APM Music LLC

Storyline

Plot Summary

Synopsis (WARNING: Spoilers)

Genres

Animation | Action | Comedy | Family | Sci-Fi

Details

Release Date:

23 October 2009

Language

English

Country of Origin

Hong Kong, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$65,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$6,702,923 25 October 2009

Gross USA:

$19,551,067

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$39,886,986

Contribute to this page

Getting Started | Contributor Zone  »

User Polls

Modern Movie Character "Robot" Dance Battle
"The . . . Boy" Films
Favorite Animated Superhero Feature Film?

IMDb Picks: What to Watch on Netflix Now

Need some help finding the best things to watch on Netflix? Let our editors help you find what's trending and what's worth your time.

See the full list

Salute to Asian and Pacific American Filmmakers

From The Way of the Dragon to Minari, we take a look back at the cinematic history of Asian/Pacific American filmmakers.

Watch the video

Around The Web

 | 

Provided by Taboola

More To Explore

Search on Amazon.com