This past weekend it was movie night in our dorm suite. My friends and I all gathered in our cozy pajamas, grabbed some sugary drinks and crunchy snacks, and settled in for a night of cinema. Different movies were thrown out with equal part "yeas" and "nays". But then the Iron Giant was brought up, and the decision was unanimous. Which got me thinking, what makes the Iron Giant so good that no one had second thoughts about watching it?
For those unfamiliar with it, The Iron Giant is an American animated film, released in 1999. Set in the 1950s in Maine, the story is about about a boy named Hogarth who comes across an giant robot from outer space. In the film, the two bond and Hogarth teaches the robot what he knows and hides him from the government agents who come to investigate the machine's landing.
I first remember being disappointed when it replaced Loony Toons one Saturday morning at my grandparents' house, but ended up watching it to the end, pleasantly surprised. After long thought, I've decided to give my five arguments for why you should see this movie, regardless of age:
1. The Humor
I'm gonna get this right off the bat. The writing and direction team up so well in this movie that when it puts an effort at comedy, you get your money's worth. Family-friendly, clever, and a bit slapstick, it is by far one of my favorite factors.
2. The Animation
The animation is very well done with rather nice design and details included in it. For any who have seen Disney's Atlantis, the art style is rather similar to that but plays to its own strengths, playing at both 3D and 2D animation for maximum effect.
3. The Setting
The filmmakers were well aware of what they were trying to capture in this film and it has many hallmarks of the '50s in it. Constant references to the Cold War, nuclear attack drills in school, old comics, and even the style of the Iron Giant itself makes it look like it was designed for a horror film from that time period. Everything just looks authentic and that really helps with the story.
4. The Characters
The characters are all amazing and each one is so unique that you can identify really quickly. You have the fun-loving youngster in Hogarth, the hard working parent in his mom, the insightful and laid back beatnik, and even the paranoid government agent. Each plays to their character so well that bit by bit they work their way into your heart.
5. The End
For those who have watched the movie, you know exactly what I am talking about. For those who have not, watch the movie. The end is worth your time.
