Astro Boy (PG)

Alison Rowat's Review

It’s an odd move for an animated adventure to zoom into multiplexes in the same week as a Disney extravaganza, but then Astro Boy is a little freaky – but in a good way.

Nicolas Cage plays Dr Tenma, a brilliant scientist with a genius son. When an accident separates the pair, Dr Tenma thinks he can replace the boy with a robot.

Bowers’ picture asks the audience to deal with some pretty big stuff early on, cloning being the least of it. But once the story gets some speed up there’s plenty to keep most ages amused, including wacky robots.

Speaking of bizarre sights, what a treat to see that Nicolas Cage, even when he’s an animated character, still comes complete with a bonkers hairstyle.

Paul Greenwood's Review

Based on a Japanese comic book, this animated adventure takes place in a world where robots do everything for people, and where Nicolas Cage voices a scientist who has developed a powerful energy source that the corrupt president (Donald Sutherland) wants his hands on.

When his son gets killed during a weapons demonstration, stricken with grief, he builds a robot boy to replace him, but realises he can’t replace his son. Any film that can kill off a child in its opening minutes is just asking for trouble, and what follows is a great deal of bruising action almost entirely devoid of heart or charm.

A lazy and illogical plot and irritating characters don’t help and it’s all incredibly violent and unpleasant, sort of like Robocop but, y’know, for kids.