TOM's Film Club: The Iron Giant (U)

Before directing Pixar classics like The Incredibles and Ratatouille, Brad Bird made a name for himself with this charming animation about the unlikely bond between a boy and a fifty foot robot from outer space.

Another great film from the class of 1999, The Iron Giant still resonates today for its enduring message of friendship, its effortless blending of both traditional and computer animation, and its American Graffiti-style 1950s soundtrack. Plus, it has a surprising voice cast including Jennifer Aniston and Vin Diesel!

Based upon the 1968 story Iron Man by British poet Laureate Ted Hughes, a huge robot falls from outer space and crash-lands in a small American town, terrifying the locals with its fearsome and otherworldly appearance. The kind giant finds acceptance and companionship from an intelligent but lonely boy named Hogarth Hughes, but trouble looms on the horizon when a corrupt government agent sets his sights on destroying the visitor.

“Tender, moving and exciting”
Times

“Deliciously funny and deeply affecting”
Wall Street Journal