Preview: Astro Boy (2009)

Synopsis:

Based on the well known comic book series, Astro Boy is a robotic child designed to look like the inventor's lost son. Astro Boy, feeling he's a disappointment to his father, goes out in the world to prove himself and save the world.

• Poster: B-; C

Review:

If you've seen the trailer or are familiar with the comic, then the poster isn't as mysterious as the creators might have thought. However, it isn't terribly bad from a conceptual stand point.

This second poster is chaotic like most kids posters, hoping to throw in enough elements to distract small children while giving little information about the plot while simultaneously revealing all of the characters in the film.

• Trailer: C; C-; C-

Review:

There isn't much to review. Other than some quick glimpses of Astro Boy flying through the sky, it's likely this triler will appeal most to the fans of the comic book, but the graphics look five years old and lacking in any true visual panache, which doesn't bode well.

The more I see of this film, the less I think it will be more than a crowd-pleasing waste of time that throws in every animated film cliché, including the boring female character animations, and end up being nothing really special in terms of quality. Even the graphics look like late-90s work.

I remain unimpressed by this film. What could be a potential gold mine for young adult and comic-era enthusiasts is quickly looking more like an unapologetic kids movie without the depth or complexity one would expect from a cult character.

Oscar Prospects:

The late-year release means the producers are confident that it could be a contender for Best Animated Feature. However, since it's not Pixar, I doubt it will have much of a chance in other categories.

Release Date:

• October 23, 2009

Full Review Synopsis:

I have not seen this film.

-Wesley Lovell (November 30, 2008) Original

-Wesley Lovell (April 12, 2009) New Trailer

-Wesley Lovell (July 12, 2009) New Poster; Buy the Poster Enabled

-Wesley Lovell (September 6, 2009) New Trailer; New Poster