Despite its wild dreams, it becomes just another rusty piece of animated machinery, going through the motions somewhat mechanically.
Steamboy (2005)
Tomatometer
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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
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Reviews for Steamboy
Storytelling and philosophy don't measure up, leaving only audio and visuals to entertain
It's nifty to behold, but about the only drama in Steamboy lies in waiting for this colossal hovering machine-monster to blow a gasket.
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
By being less talky, Steamboy could’ve achieved a surreal, dreamlike narrative flow instead of a lurching, unsteady one.
Like cinematic Pop Rocks: it’s eye candy filled with explosion after explosion after explosion.
As ever, Otomo's attention to the most minute details of setting and character are beyond reproach.
This refreshing and enjoyable alternate history anime film packs quite a lot of action and adventure in one film.
The sci-fi wonders ... are truly marvelous and go a long way toward making up for the film's erratic pacing.
Feels as needlessly over-engineered as the movie's own city-demolishing retro-futuristic hardware.
The 'wow' factor in Steamboy's visual energy is powerful enough to enthrall everybody's inner 12-year-old.
Loaded with eye candy, though it lacks the sophisticated storytelling and character development of Japanese director Katushiro Otomo's classic Akira.
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.
Never really pops its rivets except in several thrilling action sequences, but the sharp imagery and inventive technology make it worthwhile for animation fans.
I gave up trying to make sense of any of this at around the halfway mark, but I never stopped marveling at the ever more baroque spectacle that Otomo's teams of hand- and computer-animators have lovingly, obsessively created.
There are moments when dialogue, action and the dramatic music by Steve Jablonsky interlock.
Its action couldn't have been much more thrilling if done entirely by computer or shot in costly live-action.
It's a roller-coaster action film that thunders along with top-notch set pieces and studiously researched period settings.
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 . . . ![]()
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| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 77% 77% | The Hangover |
| 88% 88% | Inglourious Basterds |
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|---|---|
| 90% 90% | District 9 |
| 86% 86% | 500 Days of Summer |
| 63% 63% | Extract |
| 06% 06% | All About Steve |
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