No matter how big and impressive, all of this pales in comparison to the human soul, which this film simply does not have.
Steamboy (2005)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:86
Fresh:50
Rotten:36
Average Rating:6/10
Consensus: The story isn't the greatest, but there's an abundance of sci-fi eye candy to compensate.
Theatrical Release:2004
Box Office: $287,034
Synopsis: Katsuhiro Otomo, the master Japanese anime director behind the international success AKIRA, scores again with STEAMBOY, the inventive story of a family of inventors from Manchester, England, that... Katsuhiro Otomo, the master Japanese anime director behind the international success AKIRA, scores again with STEAMBOY, the inventive story of a family of inventors from Manchester, England, that gets ripped apart by greed, pride, and power. Ray Steam (voice of Anne Suzuki) is a young boy following in the footsteps of his father, Eddy (Masane Tsukayama), and grandfather, Lloyd (Katsuo Nakamura), scientists dedicated to advancing technology through the use of steam. When Lloyd invents a steam ball that has unheard-of possibilities, everyone wants it--world leaders, wealthy industrialists, and even the government--but most of them want it for evil purposes. And so it is up to Ray to protect the fate of the earth while also choosing between his father and grandfather. The background paintings and 3-D CGI animation are gorgeous, creating a gray-and-white palette of gear-driven machines that melds perfectly with the story, which takes the main characters to a major science exhibition in Victorian-era London. In addition to the original subtitled Japanese version, there is an English-language edition featuring the voices of Anna Paquin, Alfred Molina, and Patrick Stewart. STEAMBOY is an animated gem both kids and adults can enjoy. [More]
Starring: Anne Suzuki, Manami Konishi, Katsuo Nakamura, Masane Tsukayama
Starring: Anne Suzuki, Manami Konishi, Katsuo Nakamura, Masane Tsukayama, Kiyoshi Kodama, Ikki Sawamura, Susuma Terajima, Satoru Saito, Anna Paquin, Alfred Molina, Patrick Stewart
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Director: Katsuhiro Otomo
Screenwriter: Katsuhiro Otomo, Sadayuki Murai
Producer: Shunji Komori, Hideyuki Tomioka
Composer: Steve Jablonsky
Studio: Columbia Tristar
Get This Movie
Reviews for Steamboy
In spite of...obvious and unfortunate flaws, if you’re going to see Steamboy do so on the big screen so as to be reminded of the marvels of hand-drawn animation
The talky debate over scientific morality is simplistic to say the least, but there is a sneaky undercurrent of social satire and a retro glory to the animation...
When massive bursts of steam are frozen into giant flowers of jagged ice, Otomo gives us a literal Cold War, to remind us of the folly of the arms race.
A mostly entertaining visual treat and while better than a lot of other films out there, pales in comparison to what might have been.
The weak story and bland hero are no match for the increasingly exciting visuals, while the score by Steve Jablonsky should be on exhibit in the Hall of Lead.
Character development and story line, unfortunately, evaporated during the decade of this film's production.
By being less talky, Steamboy could’ve achieved a surreal, dreamlike narrative flow instead of a lurching, unsteady one.
The good news: Unlike Akira, I could actually tell what was going on most of the time. The bad news: After a while I just didn't care.
Often immensely thrilling in the most elemental ways, even in a US-release cut that's 23 minutes shorter than the Japanese original.
Masculine brooding [fuels] Steamboy, with its monolithic, steam-spewing tower, powered by balls, constantly rumbling out of control.
With pipes groaning, gaskets warping, rivets failing. steam jetting and boilers overheating in every direction, it looks like a giant set of inverted bagpipes. One thing is for sure: If I were a plumber, Steamboy would be my favorite movie ever.
Never really pops its rivets except in several thrilling action sequences, but the sharp imagery and inventive technology make it worthwhile for animation fans.
When the "steam castle" morphs into a Spielbergian mother ship, I knew that Otomo's overheated fantasy had, yes, run out of steam.
The visionary backgrounds are far more interesting than the story or the characters.
Latest News for Steamboy
November 18, 2005:
Ten Animated Movies to Compete for Oscar Consideration
ComingSoon.net shares a press release from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) regarding the Best Animated Feature hopefuls. Seems we have a solid ten movies... More...
March 07, 2005:
Visually stunning . . . ![]()
More...
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| 98% 98% | Up |
| 36% 36% | G.I. Joe: The Rise of … |
| 52% 52% | The Taking of Pelham 1… |
| 45% 45% | Ice Age: Dawn of the D… |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 45% 45% | Shorts |
RT On Current TV
DIRECTV 358 | Comcast 107 | DISH Network 196 | More...
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
CloseSponsored Links
Fresh Links
Featured

The director talks about puppetry perfection and his film, Fantastic Mr. Fox

Hollywood.com ponders whether or not an animated film could win Best Picture.

Richard Corliss previews the season's best offerings and hottest tickets.

The AV Club's Mike D'Angelo airs his beefs with Alfonso Cuaron's Children of Men.
Promos

Get the latest Tomatometer updates on upcoming movies!



Top Critic



