RottenTomatoes.com
Log In | Register | What is RT?
RT's Blu-ray HQ
  • Home
  • Movies
  • DVD
  • Celebrities
  • News
  • Critics
  • Trailers & Pictures
  • CommunityBeta
  • Box Office
  • | In Theaters
  • | Opening
  • | Upcoming
  • | Best Of
  • | Certified Fresh
  • | Showtimes
RT Search Powered by Google
help icon Enhanced RT
searches on Google
Click here to turn on enhanced search results from RT on your Google searches.
 
Movies / In Theaters / Astro Boy
Astro Boy

Rate this Movie Help Icon

  • Showtimes & Tickets
  • Write a Review
  • Read Reviews
  • Add to List
  • Get this Movie
  • Buy Poster External Icon
Bookmark and Share

Astro Boy (2009)

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
48 %
Tomatometer
Template ImageTemplate Image

How does the Tomatometer work Help Icon

Reviews Counted:85

Fresh:41

Rotten:44

Average Rating:5.7/10

Consensus: While it isn't terribly original, and it seems to have a political agenda that may rankle some viewers, Astro Boy boasts enough visual thrills to please its target demographic.

Rated: PG [See Full Rating] for some action and peril, and brief mild language.

Genre: Childrens

Theatrical Release:Oct 23, 2009 Wide

Box Office: $19,073,382

Synopsis: Few characters have made as powerful or as lasting an impression on international popular culture as Astro Boy. The little robot first appeared in 1951 as a character in the celebrated artist and... Few characters have made as powerful or as lasting an impression on international popular culture as Astro Boy. The little robot first appeared in 1951 as a character in the celebrated artist and animator Osamu Tezuka’s legendary manga(Japanese comic book) and became an instant icon. He was subsequently featured as the star of his own television series in both black-and white and in color, eventually airing in over 40 countries. Astro Boy created the standard for a new form of animation that has become world famous as anime.

Now for the first time, Astro Boy will be brought to life on the big screen. Created with breathtaking computer animation from Imagi Studios, the film Astro Boy is a thrilling tale of a true hero. The film is set to debut in theaters on October 23, 2009.

Set in futuristic Metro City, Astro Boy is about a young robot with incredible powers created by a brilliant scientist named Dr. Tenma (Nicolas Cage). Powered by positive “blue” energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, x-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly. Embarking on a journey in search of acceptance, Astro Boy encounters many other colorful characters along the way. Through his adventures, he learns the joys and emotions of being human, and gains the strength to embrace his destiny. Ultimately learning his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals his awesome super powers and returns toMetro City in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to understand what it means to be a hero. --© Summit [More]

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell, Bill Nighy, Freddie Highmore

Starring: Nicolas Cage, Kristen Bell, Bill Nighy, Freddie Highmore, Donald Sutherland, Eugene Levy, Nathan Lane, Matt Lucas, Sterling Beaumon, Madeline Carroll, Charlize Theron

Director: David Bowers

Director: David Bowers
Screenwriter: Timothy Harris, David Bowers
Studio: Summit Entertainment

[See More Credits]

  • Trailers
  • Pictures
  • Teaser Trailer
    >
    Teaser Trailer #2
    >
    Trailer
    >
    Peacekeeper
    >
  • Robot Battles
    >
1 - 4 of 5

See More Movie Trailers & Pictures

Get This Movie

Rent DVD
 
 

Click on the "SAVE" button to put this movie into your Netflix queue.

 
 

Reviews for Astro Boy

  • T-Meter Critics
  • Top Critics
  • RT Community
  • My Critics
  • My Friends
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by rotten rating)
Text View | 1 2 3 4 5 >> >|
Arrange By:Fresh | Rotten | Comments | Name | Source | Date
 
 

I just felt like this was a mistranslation -- almost trying to combine the slightly sinister, cold world of Japanese anime with the warm, sentimental, fuzzy, bouncy world of Hollywood kid animation.

Full Review Source: At the Movies | comment Comment
10/26/09
A.O. Scott
A.O. Scott
At the Movies
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

dourly imagined tale whose only real value is in explaining the secret behind that pointy hairdo sported by our hero for all these years

Full Review Source: Killer Movie Reviews | comment Comment
10/22/09
Andrea Chase
Andrea Chase
Killer Movie Reviews

fails to satisfy on any emotional or intellectual level.

Full Review Source: Filmcritic.com | comment Comment
10/22/09
Bill Gibron
Bill Gibron
Filmcritic.com

The icon's first big screen appearance is sure to be a let down for his long-time fans, too light for their sophisticated tastes and too dark for the simpler appetites of their children.

Full Review Source: BrandonFibbs.com | comment Comment
10/23/09
Brandon Fibbs
Brandon Fibbs
BrandonFibbs.com

By nudging the picture into primary colors, Astro Boy loses a shot at an intriguing personality. A little sustained darkness never hurt anyone.

Full Review Source: Sci-Fi Movie Page | comment Comment
10/21/09
Brian Orndorf
Brian Orndorf
Sci-Fi Movie Page

For at least half of its length, it's an Astro Bore.

Full Review Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press | comment Comment
10/23/09
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)
Chris Hewitt (St. Paul)
St. Paul Pioneer Press

It's pretty forgettable.

Full Review Source: Associated Press | comment Comment
10/21/09
Christy Lemire
Christy Lemire
Associated Press
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Tthis CG-animated adaptation of the Japanese comic classic feels derivative but moderately entertaining, particularly in some of the highflying visuals.

Full Review Source: USA Today | comment Comment
10/23/09
Claudia Puig
Claudia Puig
USA Today

It looks good, but if this Astro Boy is going to launch a new series, one can only hope the writing the next time out is not as, well... robotic.

Full Review Source: New England Movies Weekly | comment Comment
10/29/09
Daniel M. Kimmel
Daniel M. Kimmel
New England Movies Weekly

A morbidly insensitive insult.

Full Review Source: DustinPutman.com | comment Comment
10/22/09
Dustin Putman
Dustin Putman
DustinPutman.com

David Bowers' retro-cool update on the titular icon looks so great, it may take a while to notice it's a clunky political parable wrapped in a tonally confused fairy tale.

Full Review Source: New York Daily News | comment 2 Comments
10/23/09
Elizabeth Weitzman
Elizabeth Weitzman
New York Daily News

The fun and merriment take a backseat to the sci-fi elements, which are probably not what the intended audience is looking for.

Full Review Source: Film.com | comment Comment
10/23/09
Eric D. Snider
Eric D. Snider
Film.com
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

This is nothing more than indoctrination to Marxism. Is this what you want your kids watching for a Saturday matinee?

Full Review Source: Outtakes With Fiore | comment 12 Comments
10/22/09
Fiore Mastracci
Fiore Mastracci
Outtakes With Fiore

Strictly for small fry.

Full Review Source: Newsday | comment Comment
10/23/09
Frank Lovece
Frank Lovece
Newsday

Decked out in snazzy computer-generated animation, but comes across as more rote than exhilarating.

Full Review Source: One Guy's Opinion | comment Comment
10/22/09
Frank Swietek
Frank Swietek
One Guy's Opinion

There's very little that the filmmakers haven't borrowed here, making Astro Boy feel as copied as its title character.

Full Review Source: Los Angeles Times | comment 3 Comments
10/23/09
Glenn Whipp
Glenn Whipp
Los Angeles Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

Not the greatest animated action film but much better than "Speed Racer"

Full Review Source: jackiekcooper.com | comment Comment
10/27/09
Jackie K. Cooper
Jackie K. Cooper
jackiekcooper.com

Astro Boy tries to update the 1952 manga series of the same name with some eye-catching CGI-animation as well as bringing it more in line with Western sensibilities . . .

Full Review Source: fantastiqueZINE | comment Comment
12/14/09
James O'Ehley
James O'Ehley
fantastiqueZINE

Any critic who complained about the lack of story in "Where the Wild Things Are" should be forced to watch the escapades and high jinks of "Astro Boy" on a loop until they realize that activity is not to be confused with actual storytelling.

Full Review Source: MSN Movies | comment Comment
10/22/09
James Rocchi
James Rocchi
MSN Movies

Lacklustre design and rudimentary storytelling sink Astro Boy below the level of the recent hits of Pixar and DreamWorks.

Full Review Source: Toronto Star | comment Comment
10/23/09
Jason Anderson
Jason Anderson
Toronto Star
Top Critic Icon Top Critic
 
 
1 - 20 (sorted by rotten rating)
Text View | 1 2 3 4 5 >> >|
all

Latest News for Astro Boy

October 22, 2009: Critics Consensus: Astro Boy Doesn't Quite Soar
This week at the movies, we've got an anime hero (Astro Boy, with voice work from Kristen Bell and Nicolas Cage); a vampire war ( Cirque du Freak: The Vampire's Assistant,... More...

October 03, 2009: Astro Boy: Movie Review, Photos, Trailer, Poster Opens in new window
More...

September 27, 2009: New: View the Brand New Trailer Here. Opens in new window
More...

August 12, 2009: Trailer Bulletin: Astro Boy Opens in new window
The full official trailer for Imagi's anime feature finally arrives. More...

See All

More Movies

Close
Top Box Office
Tomatometer Percentage Movie Gross

In Theaters | More Box Office…

83% 83% Princess and the Frog $24.2M
71% 71% The Blind Side $15.1M
77% 77% Invictus $8.6M
28% 28% Twilight Saga: New Moon $8.0M
55% 55% Disney's A Christmas C… $6.8M
57% 57% Brothers $5.0M
05% 05% Old Dogs $4.4M
39% 39% 2012 $4.4M
47% 47% Armored $3.5M
31% 31% Ninja Assassin $2.7M
See All

RT On Current TV

The Rotten Tomatoes Show on Current TV

DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...

Learn how you can be part of the show

More...

What’s Hot On RT

James Cameron

James Cameron

We look at the Avatar director's career

Alice in Wonderland

Alice in Wonderland

Check out the brand new trailer now!

Golden Globes

Golden Globes

Up in the Air leads with 6 noms!

Nominee Gallery

Nominee Gallery

See who got nominated for Golden Globes!

Other News

Close
  • Top Stories
  • Popular
  • Interviews
 
 

Comments

 
 
Top Stories
Headlines Comments
  
  • How Avatar Happened: The Path to Innovation Source: CinemaBlend.com
15
  • Rob Marshall Says Pirates 4 Is Still a Maybe Source: ComingSoon.net
26
  • ET Teases Iron Man 2 Teaser Source: Collider.com
28
  • Tobey Maguire Refutes Hobbit Rumors Source: Hollywood Reporter
9
  • Prince of Persia Featurette Posted Source: Yahoo! Movies
4
  • Trailer Bulletin: Robin Hood Source: ComingSoon.net
61
  • Mel Gibson Plans a Mexican Vacation Source: Variety
8
  • New Iron Man 2 Clue Posted Source: Screen Rant
26
  • Gibson and DiCaprio are Going Norse Source: HitFix
78
  • Lord of the Rings Coming to Blu-ray April 6 Source: Hollywood Reporter
8
Popular
Headlines Comments
  
  • Tomatometer Watch: Will Avatar Live Up To The Hype?
236
  • Awards Tour 2009: Golden Globe Noms Here!
140
  • Box Office Guru Wrapup: Girlpower Rules Again with Princess at #1
70
  • Awards Tour 2009: Inglourious Basterds Lead Critics Choice Noms
43
  • Awards Tour 2009: Avatar Best Picture at NYFCO!
38
  • Weekly Ketchup: James Cameron Plans a Fantastic Voyage
33
  • The Effects of Where the Wild Things Are
30
  • Total Recall: James Cameron Movies
22
  • Robert Downey Jr. talks Sherlock Holmes & Iron Man 2 - RT Interview
21
  • Critics Consensus: Princess, Invictus Are Certified Fresh
21
Interviews
Headlines Comments
  
  • Robert Downey Jr. talks Sherlock Holmes & Iron Man 2 - RT Interview
21
  • Director Ruben Fleischer Talks Zombieland
2
  • "I Don't Hate Women": Lars von Trier on Antichrist
17
  • Eric Bana talks Love the Beast - RT Interview
12
  • Fight Club Sound Designer Reflects on Film's 10th Anniversary
23
  • James Schamus talks Taking Woodstock - RT Interview
8
  • John Hurt Talks Harry Potter, Quentin Crisp and Alien - The RT Interview
15
  • Terry Gilliam Talks Doctor Parnassus
23
  • Wes Anderson Talks Fantastic Mr. Fox - RT Interview
9
  • Wolverine Creator Len Wein Talks About the Film
28
 
 

Sponsored Links

Around The Network

  • Astro Boy at Rotten Tomatoes
  • Astro Boy at IGN

Fresh Links

Featured
MSN's Year in Review
MSN's Year in Review External Link

Take a look at MSN's choices for the Top 10 films of 2009.

40 Best Films of the 2000s
40 Best Films of the 2000s External Link

Last week, Moviefone offered us their worst films of the 2000s. Now see their 40 best!

Tarantino's Characters
Tarantino's Characters External Link

Hollywood.com explores why QT's characters resonate so well with audiences.

10 Questions For Zac Efron
10 Questions For Zac Efron External Link

The Me and Orson Welles star answers reader questions on TIME.com.

Top 20 of the Decade
Top 20 of the Decade External Link

Click through to see which movies BuzzSugar placed in their Best-of-Decade list!

Promos
Follow RT on Twitter
Follow RT on Twitter External Link

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!

 
 
About| Site Map| Help| RT To Go| Contact Us| Critics Submission| Linking to RT| Licensing| Movie List| Games| Celebs List| Newsletter
IGN Logo

IGN.com | GameSpy | Comrade | Arena | FilePlanet | GameSpy Technology
TeamXbox | Planets | Vaults | VE3D | CheatsCodesGuides | GameStats | GamerMetrics
AskMen.com | Rotten Tomatoes | Direct2Drive | Green Pixels


By continuing past this page, and by the continued use of this site, you agree to be bound by and abide by the User Agreement.
Copyright 1998-2009, IGN Entertainment, Inc. About IGN | Support | Advertise | Privacy Policy | User Agreement | Subscribe to RT's XML feed! IGN RSS Feeds
IGN's enterprise databases running Oracle, SQL and MySQL are professionally monitored and managed by Pythian Remote DBA
Certain product data ©1995-present Muze, Inc. For personal use only. All rights reserved.