The Iron Giant (1999)

The critic calls it the best animation of the year and the best family movie for Christmas, describing it as a little gem with tremendous sweetness and narrative confidence, like an apocalyptic ET or pre-teen Terminator 2.

A delightful surprise and refreshing animated feature with an unfashionable commitment to pacifism. The critic singles out the sophisticated 1950s depiction, including atomic paranoia and the giant's fully realised character as a lovable old-fashioned robot who does not want to be a weapon.

The critic hails it as a first-class achievement in cartoon virtuosity that borrows from 1950s comic art and sci-fi to stunning effect. They single out its blend of political allegory for adults with dazzling visuals and excitement for children.

The critic describes the film as an Americana fairy tale with emotional intelligence, praising its subtle moral themes, visual wit, and the giant's struggle for agency against its destructive programming.

The critic highlights the film's singular, personal vision as a cult favorite that rejects typical animated formulas, praising its retro style, earnest take on 1950s America, and the bond between the boy and the pacifist robot.

A touching and hilarious film that delivers laughs, tears and food for thought in a picture aimed at kids. The critic singles out the effective mix of knowing humour, well-paced action, retro animation (with the giant as the only CG element) and a dramatic finale.

The critic calls the film straight-arrow yet subversive, blending old-fashioned 2D animation with computer effects to create a warm, timeless tale of a boy and his robotic friend that feels like a classic. Its dry humor, anti-establishment tone, and gentle lessons against guns and nuclear weapons are singled out for praise alongside its heartfelt simplicity.

The critic praises the film as an enchanting animated feature with an E.T.-like story about a boy befriending a giant robot from space, noting its charm and underlying Cold War parable about choice and self-determination. The simple, story-driven approach without musical numbers or cute animals, along with its visual style reminiscent of Japanese animation, is highlighted positively.

The critic calls it one of the more emotionally satisfying films of the year and a welcome non-Disney animated success. They praise the skillful mix of humour and sentiment that delivers its moral message without preachiness.

The critic calls the film outstanding and a giant leap for Warner Bros. animation, praising the wonderful central character of the Iron Giant and the sense of joy in scenes between Hogarth and the robot.

The review describes the film as a polished animated work that re-examines 1950s Cold War fears through a modern lens, turning sci-fi tropes upside down to critique conformity, paranoia, and military dependence. It notes the story of a boy befriending the robot and the messages about nonconformity and the perils of weapons, which may resonate more with adults.

The review describes the film as entertaining and intelligent, a delightful animation that effectively dramatises the conflict between imaginative solutions and forceful ones. It notes the moral elements while keeping it suitable for younger audiences.

The critic finds the film a timeless classic that continues to resonate with its blend of humor, heart, and anti-war message. The animation, humor, and 1950s sci-fi affection are singled out for praise, along with the emotional impact of the Giant's sacrifice.

The critic calls The Iron Giant one of the very best animated films of its generation and an exceptional, special film that has aged brilliantly. They single out its tight, fat-free storytelling, character focus, and refusal to rely on sugary Hollywood tropes for praise.

The critic praises The Iron Giant as a vivid, funny, and emotionally rich animated classic with wonderful characters and heart. They single out its combination of comedy, detail, and emotional depth (comparing it favorably to the best Pixar output) for praise.