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After slightly rough start, 'Astro Boy' saves the dayThe ethics of science always lead to some scary consequences. "Astro Boy" deals with a scientist (Nicolas Cage) who loses his only son in a horrifying lab accident. Being the genius that he is with robotics, he decides to replace him with a machine that will be everything he has lost.
But when things don’t go the way he had planned, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is cast below into a pile of robot parts and various human dwellers. Now, will he be able to redeem himself with his new friends, or just be left as another scrap on the pile?
A little rough in the beginning, "Astro Boy" is a solid film for young boys to enjoy. Despite not having the “pop” of some other animated films, "Astro Boy" delivers in fun. We are treated to a fast-paced ride with a nicely delivered story. And it's a very nice-looking animated film.
It may fall short in some ways, but "Astro Boy" is a hero we can all rely on.
'Astro Boy'
B-
Summit Entertainment
Director: David Bowers
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Freddie Highmore, Kristen Bell
Rating: PG for some action and peril and brief mild language
Run time: 94 minutes
'Cirque du Freak'
Going in, I didn’t know what to expect from "Cirque du Freak." I usually have a feeling about a movie’s direction when I step in the door, but I didn’t for this film. Coming out of the theater I still don’t have a sense of the direction other than it was a bit “freaky.”
Darren (Chris Massoglia) is a good kid. He has his life set out for him and every step is there for the taking. But when Darren and his best friend Steve (Josh Hutcherson) get captivated by a mysterious stranger, Larten Crepsley (John C. Reilly), things are about to take a quick diversion from his planned course. Now, deep into the life of the odd, things will take on all new meanings and life will never be the same.
I think I am too old for this film. It just didn’t go anywhere for me. I love John C. Reilly, but this act wore thin very quickly. Or maybe it’s not just about me being too old -- maybe this "Freak" is just not very good.
'Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant'
C-
Universal Pictures
Director: Paul Weitz
Cast: John C. Reilly, Josh Hutcherson, Chris Massoglia
Rating: Rated PG-13 for sequences of intense supernatural violence and action, disturbing images, thematic elements and some language
Run time: 108 minutes
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