As a child of the late 90s and early 2000s, I remember the days when animated films were not just for kids, but also for adults who appreciated deep stories and beautiful animations. The Iron Giant, released back in 1999, was one of those movies that left a lasting impression on me.
So, I didn’t believe the hype of The Iron Giant. And now I seriously do.
To start off, let me clarify that I did catch a glimpse of “The Iron Giant” in my childhood days. I recall having fun with it on one occasion, but at the same time, it was just a bit too early for me to fully appreciate it. Despite being brought up on some truly exceptional franchises, I entered my childhood era when animation was undergoing significant transformations.
During the 2000s, there was a significant transition in animation from 2D to 3D, with studios such as Pixar, DreamWorks Animation, and others taking the lead. Although films like “The Prince of Egypt” and Disney’s “The Princess and the Frog,” which features my role model Tiana, were 2D standouts from the late ’90s and early 2000s, an increasing number of productions during that period were adopting 3D animation.
Since I learned that Brad Bird, who created my all-time favorite superhero family in “The Incredibles” and is now working on its sequel, “The Incredibles 3”, directed “The Iron Giant”, I thought it was about time to revisit this movie. After all, if Bird can deliver such an amazing storyline for superheroes, I’m curious to see if his work on “The Iron Giant” lives up to the hype.
And wow… yeah, it totally is, and I get it. Completely. I’m about to get into why (and that includes some spoilers from the movie!)…
The Voice-Acting Is Top Tier But Vin Diesel As The Iron Giant Is Unforgettable
In an animated movie, voice-acting can range from simply good to exceptionally great. I always give due consideration to voice acting performances, given my extensive experience with video games and anime, where characters are often portrayed by professional voice actors rather than famous celebrities. However, the voice cast of “The Iron Giant” stands out as nothing short of stellar, phenomenal, and exceptional – words can hardly capture its brilliance.
Indeed, each character stands out remarkably well, starting with Harry Connick Jr., who plays Dean, followed by Eli Marienthal as Hogarth, and lastly, Jennifer Aniston in her role as Annie. They all deliver remarkable performances.
But Vin Diesel as the Iron Giant – man, that was a match made in heaven.
It hadn’t occurred to me before, but now it seems obvious that Diesel was the Iron Giant. His voice acting in other movies has made this connection clearer, although there’s something about his performance that really resonates with me. In fact, I got emotional a couple of times, which isn’t easy for me when it comes to animated films.
I Also Just Can’t Get Over How Sweet The Iron Giant Is In General
There are aliens that we grow to love, and then there’s the Iron Giant, who is just another level.
There’s something special about the Iron Giant that draws me in. It might be his original purpose as a destructive weapon, yet he possesses an incredibly kind heart. It could be his compassionate interactions with others or his selfless act of sacrifice at the end. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but what I do know is that if the Iron Giant were real, I’d want him to be my best friend.
I recently acquired the Iron Giant, and there have been numerous instances throughout my life where I found myself instinctively responding in challenging situations, often defensively. On occasion, this response may result in me either safeguarding myself or unintentionally causing harm to others. The Iron Giant behaves in a similar fashion.
It’s surprising how well I managed to relate to a massive, 50-foot alien being from another world compared to many modern cartoon characters, which truly speaks volumes about our connection.
This Story Makes Me Want To Viscerally Sob
Yeah, I mean, do I even need to get into why this movie made me just sob?
In today’s film industry, it’s hard to find movies similar to those from the past. However, there are still some exceptional productions that shine—for instance, I could reference several remarkable Pixar films like “Inside Out 2”, which deals sensitively with anxiety. Or I might discuss the sensitive treatment of the theme of death in “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish”. Additionally, one of my favorite stop-motion animated films, “Coraline”, delivers a powerful message about appreciating what you have.
To put it simply, some modern animated films can seem devoid of life or essence, at least in today’s era. It’s worth noting that a significant number of these productions lack a captivating narrative and often struggle with voice performances. I must admit, it sometimes feels like the quality and storytelling of these films isn’t as strong as it once was.
The Iron Giant serves as an undeniable illustration of this point. It’s a heartwarming tale about a character striving to become what they think they can’t – a noble individual, someone worthy of admiration, similar to Superman. The story unfolds with a sad ending that leaves room for a glimmer of hope at the very end. This is a narrative that effectively sets a mood and lingers in your thoughts for years to come.
At the conclusion, I found myself deeply weeping, a response I don’t typically exhibit, even for someone as emotionally inclined as me. The tale was simply… flawless.
The Animation Is Crisp And Clean And Better Than I Remembered
Being an enthusiast who cherishes animation even though some recent movies don’t spark the same emotion, I’ve always held a special affection for 2D animation. This might be due to the fact that I was exposed not only to Pixar masterpieces but also to the marvelous Disney Renaissance films during my childhood. As a result, I had the privilege of enjoying top-tier 2D animation on my television screen while growing up.
Isn’t The Iron Giant just exquisitely crafted to you? There’s an extraordinary clarity to it that transports me to autumnal landscapes whenever I see it. It stirs both my mind and emotions, leaving me with a sense of tranquility.
The movie doesn’t have striking visuals, bold colors, or unique art styles, but its animation style reminds me of childhood nostalgia. It’s as if I’m standing there, eagerly awaiting the school bus, filled with excitement for a new day, just like back in school mornings.
I’ve never had animation invoke such a strong feeling within me, but that’s what The Iron Giant is.
Why Did This Film Bomb So Hard At The Box Office?
Yeah, why the heck did this film bomb?
Without trying to make anyone feel old, let me share something: In 1999, The Iron Giant was released, and I wasn’t even born yet. Now, in my mid-twenties, I can’t help but wonder why this remarkable film didn’t do well at the box office when it first came out. Despite not being able to contribute to its box office earnings back then, I’m still curious as to why The Iron Giant struggled financially.
Was it due to marketing efforts? It couldn’t have been the plot or the animation quality, or even the impressive cast list, as it boasted a roster of celebrities. Yet, the audience for The Sixth Sense and that of The Iron Giant don’t seem to overlap. I find it hard to understand why The Iron Giant performed so poorly when it was released. It remains a mystery to me.
Looking back now, years after its release, there’s no denying that it became a cultural sensation and garnered the acclaim it truly deserved. It’s often hailed as one of the greatest animated films ever made, and Brad Bird has undeniably left an indelible mark on the industry with his masterful work. I find myself in awe, thinking about how long it took for this movie to be recognized as the timeless classic it is. And let me tell you, my admiration for it remains unwavering.
Refreshingly, I’m thrilled I revisited this film; it’s finally clicked for me. I grasp the excitement and admiration, understanding why my elder brother, who’s five years senior, considers it a cinematic masterpiece. Indeed, we may have found another shared appreciation as I concur with his sentiment now.
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2024-09-02 23:07