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Related: Culture Forums, Support Forums‘The Iron Giant: Signature Edition’ Review: Souls Don’t Die
by Matt Goldberg - September 12, 2015
I find it difficult to write about my all-time favorite films because I dont know where to begin. I dont know where to start with a movie that I love as much as Brad Birds The Iron Giant, a film that stirs my heart and moves me to tears every time I see it. Perhaps its that the movie goes for lighthearted fun just as easily as it goes for an anti-war sentiment and promoting self-determination. It certainly doesnt hurt that Bird ingeniously wrapped his story in the mold of a boy-and-his-dog narrative, and it all comes together beautifullythe animation, the humor, and the affection for 1950s sci-fi. The new Signature Edition includes a new scene that doesnt add or detract from the overall film, which continues to be as funny, heartwarming, and powerful as it was when it was released over fifteen years ago.
In 1957, an object from outer space crashes off the shore of Rockwell, Maine. The object turns out to be a 50-foot-tell metallic alien (Vin Diesel) who feasts on metal. When lonely local boy Hogarth Hughes (Eli Marienthal) discovers the alien creature, the giant accidentally falls into a power station and gets a bump on his head, forgetting why he landed on Earth. The two strike up a friendship, but Hogarth struggles to keep the Iron Giant a secret from aggressive, paranoid government agent Kent Mansley (Christopher McDonald). Along the way, the Iron Giant learns about humanity and tries to rebel against what he was designed for. (more at link) (And, being re-released today, and next Sunday, but only those two days.)
Rob H.
(5,340 posts)Frank Cannon
(7,570 posts)If you've never seen it, you owe it to yourself and your kids to get to one of these showings, no matter what you have to do. It is just awesome in every way.
quickesst
(6,280 posts)...at least four times. One of those movies I have to revisit time and again. Thanks for reminding me it's about that time.
kentauros
(29,414 posts)I'd never heard that there was to be a new release, until I saw the new ad above (I was searching on clips of Diesel doing the giant's voice.) Happy accident stumbling across it
There does seem to be some controversy on whether Warner will release the blu-ray, though. They seem to have the same apprehensive-thinking going on that gave the initial release such a bad advertising campaign. Don't they yet realize that it's popular?!
And like you, I have to revisit it every now and again. Vin Diesel did such a great job! I guess that's why I liked him as Groot, too
quickesst
(6,280 posts)....was GREAT!
annabanana
(52,791 posts)highly recommend..
with or without kids
Phentex
(16,330 posts)We loved that movie!
kentauros
(29,414 posts)Pretty cool
I only have the little bendable figure that came with the videotape. They didn't include any toys with the DVD, though.
Lilyhoney
(1,985 posts)He loves robots and gets the whole war/weapons are bad. I cry at the end every time.
We have a download of this film and have it in the playlist on the thumb-drive stuffed into the side of our smart TV.