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The Feral Kid grunts and loves THE IRON GIANT! As does Stone Cold Mike!
Alright folks, here's The Feral Kid's look at THE IRON GIANT. As do most everyone that views this masterpiece... He fell in love. Go on folks, let your imagination soar in anticipation of this movie. It really won't harm you. This is the real magic stuff. Among all the films that have come out this summer, this is the movie that most belongs in that magical summer of 1982. It creates that feeling you had that summer when magic flowed from theaters like you couldn't believe. Now, if only the rest of this summer's crop soared as highly. I've got hopes for EYES WIDE SHUT and MYSTERY MEN... but really... My feeling at the moment is that THE IRON GIANT is at least my fave movie of this summer as well as being the best.
Tonight, I saw “The Iron Giant”.
Tonight, I saw the best animated film since “My Neighbor Totoro” and the best American animated film since “Pinocchio”.
Tonight, I saw a film that succeeds where “The Prince of Egypt” failed: it showed that an animated film can rise above the tired Disney formula,
and look down from the clouds at all the other animation studios and say, “Well, here I am; can you catch up?”
Tonight, I saw the arrival of the most promising new filmmaker since P.T. Anderson: Brad Bird. Yes, I’ve seen his previous work, but this is his
first feature. And it clearly shows that while this is the work of a team, it is one man’s vision. Congratulations, Mr. Bird.
Today, I made my way to the Comic Book And Science Fiction Convention at the Shrine Auditorium for one reason: to secure tickets to this
film. Everything else (Lou Ferrigno, Ahna Capri, toys, comics) was secondary. Once I got my ticket, I roamed around for a while and met Mr.
Ferrigno, who still looks like he did all those years ago on “The Incredible Hulk”, but, tragically, reminded me of broken down old Jake La Motta
at the end of “Raging Bull”. Surely, his talents are needed somewhere. I’m not trying to be cruel; I’d just like to see him working. But, I digress.
After wandering for an hour, I headed towards the USC campus for the screening. And after waiting in line for two hours, they let us in. Then,
the movie started…
I won’t spoil anything. I myself only scan most reviews to see which movies are getting good buzz so a good film doesn’t slip by without
notice. So, for those scanning, this review is rated: EXTREMELY POSITIVE (SPOILER FREE).
“The Iron Giant” is about a little boy, an outsider, in need of a friend. He finds that friend in the Thing From Outer Space. Sure, there’s the
language gap, but friendship is stronger than language. The two become good friends, and laugh and play and learn from each other, but, like
Viola said in “Shakespeare In Love”: “This isn’t love, Will. It is a stolen season.” All good things must come to an end. If this all sounds
familiar, it is. From the moment the two characters meet, it is obvious we’re watching “E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial”. Is this a bad thing? No. “E.T.”
is my favorite film of all time, but I think there’s enough room for both movies. “Iron Giant” doesn’t rip off “E.T.”. It just shares story elements.
“The Iron Giant” has its own agendas and ideas.
But, I don’t think the story is the reason this movie is so great. It’s the characters. This film treats its characters with respect and doesn’t make
them hokey. Even the easy targets are treated like real people. Dean, the beatnik junkman, looks and talks in a way that cries out comic relief, but
after two minutes with him, you see he’s flesh and blood under that paint. And Kent Mansley, the movie’s closest thing to a villain, is just a
reflection of the Red hysteria of the time (this is the year of Sputnik after all). The only underdeveloped character of the bunch is the kid’s
mother, but I think that was intentional: she’s too busy to spend time with Hogarth (the kid), so she’s too busy for us, too.
And the movie’s other strong points are the brilliant character design—wait till you see what the Giant can do—and the fantastic art and
animation. Beautiful backgrounds and equally beautiful characters make this the most amazing looking film since, well, since “The Phantom
Menace”. And the seamless blending of CGI with the traditional stuff will have you ceaselessly wiping the drool from your mouth.
As for the other elements: the voice acting was great, notable standouts are Eli Marienthal as Hogarth and Harry Connick, Jr. as Dean. The
musical score by Michael Kamen suited the film well, but I don’t think it really stood out. There weren’t any real themes, and I think think the
film would have benefitted from that. It’s a great score, don’t get me wrong, but I probably won’t buy the CD.
In conclusion, if you haven’t realized this so far, I am highly recommending “The Iron Giant”. I went into the film with the highest expectations
imaginable (well, maybe not “Phantom Menace” high, but darned close), and I was surprised again and again by the film’s beauty and respect
for it’s characters, story, and the medium of animation. Don’t let this one slip by, because, well, maybe I’m still excited, and maybe I’ve seen
“The Phantom Menace” too many times (seven), but I’m going to call this the best film I’ve seen this year. Just don’t hold me to that after I’ve
seen “Eyes Wide Shut” and “Princess Mononoke”.
The Feral Kid
And here is Stone Cold Mike's look at THE IRON GIANT...
I just saw the WB film "The Iron Giant" today at the Los Angeles Comic
Book and Scifi Convention.
I have to say I did read a review on your site. Someone said that it
was really good, with a lot of heart. So needless to say I didn't go in
thinking I was going to like it. I have to say I was stunned. It was
one of the best movies I have seen all year. I am a 27 year old guy.
This movie brought a tear to my eye(I'm not a rapper by trade). It was
funny, the story was well written, the animation was great. I was
totally suprised. I am a big supporter of any studio that wants to run
the animation gauntlet with those pricks at Disney. Hats off to a fine
feature that even leaves open room for a sequel.
Please post this review. I blush like a school girl when I see my name
on a site.
And that's the bottom line because Stone Cold Mark said SO!
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Brad Bird has directed the most heart-warming story that I've seen in a long time. (And I thought Simon Birch was my pleasant surprise in the last year.) Beauty and the Beast may not be the only animated movie with an academy nomination for Best Picture. It's been a really long time since I've been moved by a film as sweet and tender as this. I laughed, I cried. Thank you Brad Bird.
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THANK THE LORD! I SURE HOPE IRON GIANT WILL HAVE THE SAME REACTION FOR PEOPLE, AS THE AUDIENCE FOR E.T. THIS SOUNDS LIKE THE ONLY ANIMATION FILM I HAVE BEEN DYING TO SEE, EVER SINCE SECRET OF NIMH. SECRET OF NIMH SHOULD BE RE-RELEASED IN THEATERS, IN SUPPORT OF IRON GIANT, TO MAKE A TESTAMENT: ZANY CHARACTERS AND ANNOYING SONGS DO NOT MAKE A GREAT MOVIE. SECRET OF NIMH HAD SUCH AN INTRIGUING STORY AND FUCKING AWESOME ANIMATION, NOT TO MENTION THE FACT THAT THE CHARACTERS TOOK IT SERIOUSLY! YOU DON'T GET THAT IN MANY ANIMATED FILMS THESE DAYS!
I MYSELF HAVE LOTS OF INNOCENCE IN ME... AFTER SEEING SECRET OF NIMH, I CRIED AND CRIED... I HOPE I'LL GET THE SAME REACTION WITH IRON GIANT... BRAD BIRD, I HAVE TOTAL FAITH IN YOU!!!!!! -
Based on the trailer, which was less than interesting, this movie has something to prove.
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we all need to get the word out that great animation isn't dead and maybe this flick will turn a profit. And to the above poster whose name escapes me - or I just don't care - if a trailer has to be good to sell you on this, then please just leave. Some things are too deep to be dealt with in 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Bet you didn't know that.
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I've read the book. I'll read it again after I see the movie. I saw the trailer at "Tarzan" and it seemed to have gotten a few "Oohs" and "Ahhs" from the kids in the theater. All that got overshadowed when the "Toy Story 2" trailer came up unfortunately. Whenever I mention how excited I am in anticipation of "The Iron Giant" other people either never heard of it, say "we'll see...", or said, "Cartoon! (feh!)". GD I wish Warner would promote it a lot better than thus far, and GD I hope it gets the recognition and exposure it should deserve!
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and I personally don't see why people are thinking it's lousy marketing. So far I love it! I love when IG eats the car, and the kid proclaims, "This is the biggest discovery, since...TELEVISION!" Maybe this is a new trailer? It's at www.thirongiant.com/dld/ironcinehi.mov...Also, I'm hyped that it's a 2.35 to 1 ratio movie - not many animated movies are. I guess I'll be buying the widescreen video to this one, or the DVD if I have a player by then...God, I CAN'T WAIT FOR THIS FUCKING MOVIE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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www.theirongiant.com/dld/ironcinehi.mov
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Well, then think about this: yesterday I saw an ad for the film on TV. No dialogue, just set to music. What music was it? The Scorpions' "Rock You Like a Hurricane". Oh yeah, THAT seems appropriate.
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Tom Lee, if Warner's is doing that, then IG's fucked. I think they should market this one similarly to the way October Sky was amrketed - a movie that would not have made nearly the amount of money it did if Universal wasn't touting it as the true Family Film. I really like the trailer I'm seeing, though, gives me that old ET feel, which is fine by me. Warner's are you paying attention? Don't sell IG like this, or when Matrix 2 comes around me and about a million of my friends will be boycotting that fucker for the way you treated this one.
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I have been using the name Stone Cold since this whole Talk Back thing started, so find a new name.
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Secret of NIMH is a REALLY BAD MOVIE. It has twitchy animation and so many twinkles and glitter that it almost succeeded in fooling the audience into believing it was a good movie. THANKfully, it didn't, and it's been relegated to the animation junk heap with other Don Bluth masterpieces such as "Rock-A-Doodle," "The Pebble and the Penguin," "Anastasia," and "The Troll from Central Park." UGH!
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That in the credits, they misspelled Jennifer Aniston's name? Anniston is what I saw. Great way for Warner's bros. to kill some ties with their bread and butter from "FRIENDS." Let me know if you saw this too or if in my overwhelmed emotional state, a tear clouded my vision and added an extra 'N'. Anyways, out of every 'cool' trailer that Warner has put out, only one has delivered a cool movie. I wrote off Matrix after I read the script, then I saw the trailer and it got my attention. At a convention, they said they had to sell the storyboards to the Warner Execs in order to get this project greenlit, I can understand why. That's been it. Soldier was a cool trailer, but I read that script before hand also and knew that was a piece of crap and everyone who saw it knew, too. Then you have Wild, Wild West and Deep Blue Sea, somewhat cool trailers for just huge pieces of crap (seen both, hate both). Maybe the Warner publicity sees it as saving a shitty film, to give it a great trailer and draw people in seats (for isn't that what trailers are for), and that they feel the great movies don't need the push or the hype so they give it something less than mediocre press. I really hope this is the case with Eyes Wide Shut, because those trailers suck and it seems to target those who want to see Tom and Nicole get naked onscreen. There's no HINT of what it's about and they're banking on star power. It's almost the same feeling with the TV ad spots for Iron Giant. You don't know what it's about and it looks like just another cartoon. Is it any wonder why Warner Bros. has had trouble in their publicity departments? Look at the whole Pula situation? Seems that they need to get rid of the people who were under him also as they seem to carry on his legacy. You will be doing yourself a great disservice, Warner Bros. if you really miss on the publicity of this great film, it's got so much potential to be your ticket that kicks the shit out of any other animated film, ever. Get Brad back and let him cut the promos. You've got him signed for a couple more projects. Don't let his film get caught up with the likes of Quest for Camelot and The King and I.
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Come on people stop bashing the people who are the people who started it all. You may not respect their "theater films" but you have to look way past that. Disney has done something WB will never do. QUALITY that is lasting and not just a stint for the summer. Yeah WB might have a great movie on their hands and more power to em. Let us enjoy it and don't try to cross waters and bash disney for their animated features. If any of you read the book you would know why this is probably a great film. This is an excellent book to make into an animated feature. I am sure it will be an excellent adaptation. Don't get caught up in all this hype.
Oh and if you are wondering what my favorite animated movie is...
An American Tale. Hands down my favorite of all time. Next would have to All dog's go to heaven. So see I'm not a disney freak. I just look for great stories. -
not really, but it felt good to say so. I must agree, they way everyone is hyping this film up, I have seen nothing to indicate it will be that good which means: #1 these people are overhyping an alright film or #2 the marketing for this film really sicks. Which is it? Guess I'll find out soon enough.
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Let's face it, the "Iron Giant" book is vastly over-rated. Were it not for Brad Bird's re-writing it, this would not have been a good choice to make into an animated film--nor would anyone have ever seen or heard of this book again. Warners made it because of one thing: it had an Iron Giant in it. I'm glad they got rid of all the hippy weirdo shyte about the space bat and musical orbs. UGH!
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I have something to say: Iron Giant is THE animated film to see this summer---in fact, THE FILM to see, period! It's the best non-Disney film to date, and it deserves all the publicity it gets!
I agree that the trailers SEEM to be aimed at children, but it is definitely NOT a 'kiddie' movie! It'll be loved by kids, too, but let's not pigeon-hole this film into the "kiddie film" catagory. Besides, I was at the USC screening last night and MOST of the people there WERE ADULTS! We all clapped and cheered through a lot of scenes, ending in one huge applause at the end! It was charming, funny, sad and AWESOME in both animation quality and style! MAN, and that GIATN?! WOW! The whole 'look' of the film is GREAT and the use of CGI with 2D traditional animation was blended so well, I couldn't believe my eyes! FAR better than the over-hyped Taran's 'DEEP CANVAS!' Those background JUMPED OUT AT YOU as 3-D elements, whereas Iron Giant's use of the background and elements were hardly noticed! They blended FAR BETTER THAN any film I've seen!
And let's not say that the film is OVER-HYPED! It's FAR FROM THAT. They people that say the film is good are the people that have seen it. Warners has NOT over-hyped the yet, as the trailers have JUST begun to hit the TV! The only praise this film has gotten are from people in the industry that have seen it already, people that can, for the most part, be trusted in their description of likes and dislikes of this film, and the fact that some of you say it's been OVER-HYPED is a falacy!! Stop talkin' shit and see this film, no matter WHAT you may hear! It think you'll be surprised! -
I have to disagree with the opinion that Disney is what's keeping animation from maturing. Disney has become a genre unto itself. They make the movies they want to make and they in turn make tons of dough, so it's understandable why Disney isn't taking risks and making the animated Pulp Fictions some of you people would like to see. They've earned the right to keep making the formula they've created. Like it or not. Good or bad... Instead, I blame the unoriginality of the other studios, who ignore the potential box office of more mature animation. Studios that haven't found their niche yet like Disney has. You'd think that with Disney having the family market covered, the other animation studios would jump at the chance to distinguish themselves in the adult market. Sadly, that is not the case, as Fox,WB, etc. would rather rip off the main mouse. Hopefully Iron Giant will make up for the "let's try to copy Disney" shitfests such as Anastasia and Quest for Camelot.
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Just a little thing for you animation geeks out there..Look for special cameos from animation legends Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnson in the Iron Giant...If you find'em, yes, those are THEIR voices...
Happy Hunting
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To the person who said that today's animation is basically fluffy bunnies in the forest, you got that right, dude! (exceptions being Heavy Metal and The Wall) Let's face it, Disney has an arrogant attitude towards their competitors in that field. Look what they tried to pull when Anastasia came out. It would be nice to see animation projects that take serious chances instead of copying the Disney formula (Anastasia, Quest For Camelot, Prince of Egypt, and The King and I). The Iron Giant certainly sounds like one of those projects and I can't wait to see it! Who says that animation is only for kids? Adults can like it too (me being 23).
As for Warner Bros, it looks like the Bugs Bunny studio is having a great year after two years of dropping rabbit shit for their movies (Contact and L.A. Confidential being exceptions). And it ain't over yet (despite Wild Wild West, which fucking sucked!)! They got Eyes Wide Shut coming out this week, plus Iron Giant, Any Given Sunday, Liberty Heights, and The Green Mile, any of which could win Oscars. And to be perfectly honest, I would like to see Deep Blue Sea. It certainly looks better than that cheesy Lake Placid. I notice that there's a lot of venom for Warner Bros. around here. Let's face it, any big studio can make shitty films. But there are three major problems with WB. 1. They seem unable to market smaller films (The only reason L.A. Confidential did $65 million was because of word of mouth, not because of the studio.) 2. They seem unable to market to the young people. (Why? They go to the movies a lot. Why don't they hire somebody from Miramax of New Line Cinema who knows something about that area.) 3. They give production deals to people who suck, such as Jon Peters (who won't let people forget he produced Batman but forgets he also produced a lot of crap), Jerry Weintraub (produced The Avengers and Soldier; talk about shit!), and Kevin Costner (reminds people he directed Dances With Wolves and forgets he directed The Postman). Fix those problems and they will be #1. -
Frank and Ollie, get in my office.
You're both fired! Michael.
Seriously though, I too was at the USC screening and was privy to seeing, what has to be, one of the most entertaining films I have seen in such a long time! "Iron Giant" had such an impact on me I am tempted to sit outside of the Burbank 6 and start a 'Phantom Menace' type line, weeks in advance!! Everyone who saw the film was emotionally moved, and one 40ish year old guy behind me was bawling his eyes out!! I can't believe that both Disney, and Dreamworks had passed on working with Brad before Warners grabbed at the opportunity! Their Egos cost them the Jackpot Lottery ticket! Brad's films will become highly anticipated and popular, much in the same way Spielberg, Lucas, and Burtons are- hell, he may even surpass them in popularity! I got 2 words for Warners-- RAY GUNN, baby! -
Yeah, that trailer blows. How can
anyone make a bad trailer?? Lets
hope though.
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I am sick and tired of hearing people preach about movies like they should be anointed by god himself. If a movie is entertaining and you went to see it in the first place, what the hell is wrong with that? Some of the summer movies I have seen have not been oscar winning masterpieces, but I still enjoyed them. The Phantom Menace was the best Star Wars flick I have seen (except for Empire Strikes Back, which was the best). The only reason TPM was so trashed upon was due to the fact that people were expecting to make a new religion out of this movie, no I can be called a Star Wars geek as much as anyone, I can spot all the bloopers in the original 3, but I wasn't expecting a movie that would rise Lucas up to godhood!
Also, I saw Wild Wild West. This movie was not an oscar winning performance, but it was FUN! Does anyone remember that word? The best movie I have seen this summer/spring was unexpected, The Matrix. I loved that movie, There was no hype like Star Wars, and the trailor grabbed the attention of people.
That is what trailers are supposed to do, give you enough of the movie to now what you are going to see but not revealing the whole movie, and at the same time not making us think it is about something else.
Yet I digress...
No matter what people may say, Disney has ruined cartoons in america, ruined classic childrens stories (Alice in Wonderland, Pinnocchio), ruined classic works of literature (Jungle Book, Beauty and the Beast, The hunchback of Notre Dame, Tarzan), and have even ruined classic myth (Hercules).
The only movies that I have enjoyed from Disney are Toy Story, and what I have seen of a Bug's Life, but surprise, they werent made by Disney! They were made by Pixar! There have been a nuber of excellent animated features not made by Disney (American Tale, All Dogs go to Heaven) but by and large they are all for kids. North Americans can not accept cartoons not made for kids, such as Japanese animation. A few Japanese cartoons have tried to become part of mainstream American TV, but while a few succeeded (Transformers, Speed Racer), most only formed a cult following. One such series was Robotech, made from three other Japanese series and fit together amazingly well for the circumstances, had an excellent story, adult seriousness, and real characters, but was marketed as a Saturday morning kids show in the '80s. If it had been a prime time show it would have appealed to many more adults than the few kids it did during Saturday mornings.
Animation has become set in its ways in America. Lets help it out with great films such as Iron Giant. I hope this film is not killed due to lousy trailers.
Thank you for your time. -
I am so sick of people making references to more obscure movies like "the Secret of Nimh" and thinking that automatically makes them animation buffs. Just because a movie was unsuccessful and not made by Disney does not make it great. Truth: The Secret of Nimh (as much as I loved it) had Jeremy the crow, a goofy peripheral character that made Jar Jar Binks look sane. Does anybody remember Auntie Shrew for chrissakes?! And "All Dogs Go to Heaven" had musical numbers 10 times worse than anything Disney has done ("the More you Give" and that big number sung by the crocodile. Shudder) So bash Disney if you must have an outlet, but don't put these other films on a pedestal because they aren't much different. I had problems with Rosie O'Donnel's Tarzan character as much as the next guy, but was she really any worse than Itchy in "All Dogs"? All I'm asking for is a little consistency here. Praising films because they are obscure, while bashing the big moneymakers does not make you cool. I once saw someone post that "Rock and Rule" was the best animated film ever. The best? Uh, ok. You're cool... oh, and as for Iron Giant, I hope for the best, but does anybody remember when Harry was creaming his shorts over Prince of Egypt as the best movie of the year? Hhmmmm, that makes me weary of IG. That, and I think I'm the only person on the planet that hated the oft-compared ET (a glowing puppet that looked like a turd and hid in the closet? I was 6 when it came out and it scared the crap out of me, but I digress). Oh well, we'll see.
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I cant get enough. This movie is going to be sooo F#@## AWESOME. i have already seen about fifteen minutes of it at school (CAL ARTS)and absolutely cannot wait. Fuck Warners and their so called "ad campaign" for this movie. They truly did a bad job.
Wanna spread how good this movie is?? Lets get MORE REVIEWS and post'm up on every movie site available. Lets make this damn movie SOAR!!!!! Harry, you take point and we'll follow suit.
Also, there are some reviews coming up on the forums section of the official site: check'm out!
www.theirongiant.com
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