The Iron Giant (1999)

Welcome to the very first CineManiac movie review. I'm really excited to share my love for film with you all. If you enjoy this review, feel free to share the website with your friends and spread the word.

Since this is my first proper post on this blog, I thought it was only fitting that I chose to review one of the first films that stuck with me for the rest of my life. And so, without further ado, let's get on with the review:

The Iron Giant was released in 1999, which just so happens to be the same year that Star Wars Episode 1 - The Phantom Menace and The Matrix were released, so this film had a lot to live up to in terms of popularity. It was directed by Brad Bird, who also directed The Incredibles and Ratatouille for Pixar in 2004 and 2007 respectively. The film's big stars are Vin Diesel, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr, Eli Marienthal, and Christopher McDonald. It's safe to say that this film is packed to the brim with both fresh and veteran voices.

Here's a little synopsis for those who are completely unaware of this film's existence:

A giant metal machine falls to Earth and frightens the residents of a small town in Maine in 1958. The giant befriends a young boy named Hogarth. This is kept a huge secret until Kent Mansley arrives from Washington DC. He will do whatever it takes to take down the Giant, who ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices.

As you can tell, it is a warm and uplifting story, but there are some darker themes that are hidden in plain sight throughout that fit right in to the time in which the story takes place. The main theme is the constant fear and anxiety surrounding The Cold War and the almost inevitable atomic holocaust, as the army fears that the giant has been sent by the Soviet Russians to wipe them out. Whilst this is quite morbid, it acts as a satire upon what America must have been going through during that time.

The art style in this film is absolutely stunning. It combines traditional cel animation with hand painted background which have been done in a very 50s style, almost like something out of an old Edward Hopper painting. The film also makes use of CGI, which is only used for the giant himself, making the giant look as other-worldly as possible.

One moment that stands out for me is the moment when Hogarth and the Giant are in Hogarth's barn reading comics. The Giant comes across a comic about Atomo, a giant metal robot just like him. Except it's evil. Hogarth is quick to hide this from the Giant, and shows him a Superman comic book. I love this moment because it is a real turning point for the film, hinting at the Giant's potential destiny: Should he be evil like Atomo, or should he save the world like Superman?

Would I recommend this film to you? Yes, I think I would. The Iron Giant is a film full of heart and soul, with a story that could make even the manliest men cry like babies.

Rating: 8/10

I hope you enjoyed this review. If you did enjoy it, then please come back next week for another review. Until then, farewell!