Evil is no match for ‘Astroboy’
In the October theatrical release of “Astroboy,” Toby is the bright young son of Dr. Tenma, a leading scientist in Metro City, a giant floating city in the sky.
Dr. Tenma and his colleague Dr. Elefun, have recently captured two new energy sources — a blue, positive core and a red, negative core.
Under orders from the evil President Stone, Tenma is forced to put the negative core inside a new war robot. The robot goes on a rampage and the scientists are forced to seal the robot in a containment field.
Toby, who has sneaked into the testing room, is locked inside the containment field by accident and is vaporized by the robot before the scientists can shut it down.
Stricken with grief over the death of his son,Tenma creates a new, state-of-the art robot equipped with all the latest advancements in robot technology.
Using a strand of Toby’s hair, he gives the robot Toby’s looks along with his memories.
Tenma is overjoyed to have his son back and takes him home. However, he soon realizes Astroboy cannot replace Toby. Astro runs away from his father and President Stone tries to capture him.
In the ensuing battle, Toby is knocked off Metro City to the Earth below. He meets several new friends but hides his identity as he seeks to find out what he is.
He learns the joys and emotions of being human, and eventually gains the strength to accept who he is.
Using his X-ray vision, super strength, flying and super speed, Astro defends Metro City and learns what it means to be a true hero.
Summit Entertainment does a wonderful job of bringing a 50-year-old comic book icon to life. The visual effects and animation are amazing but the plotline leaves a little bit to be desired.
Overall, “Astro-Boy” — rated PG — is a fun, safe movie the entire family can enjoy, something that is becoming a rarity in today’s movies.
Rating: B+
—Ethan Hendricks
Staff Writer
