LOS ANGELES — The animated “Astro Boy” is a shiny hodgepodge of “Pinocchio,” “WALL-E,” “Oliver Twist,” “Gladiator” and “Superman,” with some obvious visual touches taken from “The Iron Giant.” As its own entity, though, it’s pretty forgettable.
Director David Bowers (“Flushed Away”), He co-wrote the script with Timothy Hyde Harris (“Kindergarten Cop,” “Space Jam”), with the help of Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell, Bill Nighy and Nathan Lane ,
The movie is sufficiently bright and colorful for kids of all ages without ever being too scary.)Based on the Japanese comic book from Osamu Tezuka that began in 1951 . 'Astro Boy' not a terribly subtle political metaphor.
“Astro Boy,” a Summit Entertainment release, is rated PG for some action and peril, and brief mild language. Running time: 90 minutes. Two stars out of four.
Thanks to Christy Lemire
