Astro Boy (PG)
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Based on Osamu Tezuka's manga icon – a Japanese legend since 1951 – this American version of the airborne android has a likeable comic zip that just about carries off its runaway sci-fi extravagances.
When top scientist Dr Tenma (voiced by Nicolas Cage) loses his son Toby (Freddie Highmore) in a freak laboratory accident, he assuages his grief by creating a robot replica of the boy, complete with jet-propelled feet and superhuman strength. But the president of Metro City, a bellicose ignoramus desperate for re-election, wants to harness that energy, and so "Astro" flees to the robot junkyard known as "Earth". It's impossible not to be reminded of Pinocchio as the boy comes to terms with his alien origins, and perhaps also of Oliver Twist once the manipulative Ham Egg (Nathan Lane) sets him to work in the fight arena. The director David Bowers and his team stage some eye-catching slapstick, and in the minor characters – a pair of window-cleaning squeegees are good value – the film delights with touches of Disneyesque mischief. It's hardly groundbreaking, and some of the voicework is bland, but it doesn't drag.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments