We just got this trailer from the PR company for the film, and I have to admit that it's got me a little excited somewhere in the pants region. Two big reasons for that.
The first is the quality of animation. Sure, I've seen the promo images and whatnot, but seeing things in action as they are here really makes me happy about this film. Obviously it sticks right to the Tezuka style, but there's something about the faces that's really unique. I'm not sure if it's annoying or cool yet -- I'll have to see a longer trailer before I can decide.
The second thing is the story itself. I fully expected, and was bracing myself for, some cheesy jokes to be inserted here or there. But there weren't any. The film has a tone, even from the music, that isn't overly light-hearted, and has a sense of gravity about it.
I was very skeptical but that has me very cautiously optimistic. I may end up going to see this opening day as long as nothing comes along to spoil how good it looks at this point in time.
If the clips are any indication of Atomu's personality, then I'm a little depressed (I'll still watch it). Here "Astro" seems awfully Hollywood: a selfish (or innocent) kid destroying things in his wake but then learns the consequence of his action and saves the day. Yeah, got it already, from about 20 Disney movies, but that's not Atomu's character. The one thing I love about Tezuka's version is that Atomu comes equipped out of the box with the best of human emotions: kindness, caring, compassion and forgiveness. His struggles often reveal more about the beauty and ugliness (very ugly sometimes) of human nature and less about himself. Here this Astro seems to be of the cliche motif of some irresponsible juvenile learning his lessons, so that he could grow up (figuratively) to be an outstanding citizen, blah blah blah. That's all fine for the Disney studio or the Catholic Church, but personally, I hope my thin assessment is completely wrong, that the filmmakers had tackled a lot more philosophical and less black and white story.
I'm still not digging how Dr. Tenma & Dr. Elefun look. Dr. Tenma looks like someone from a Pixar film...
I'll still go see it when it's the discount movie at my theater. My 7-year-old sis might get a kick out of it & I'm interested to see how they handled it.
It does look a lot like a Pixar film, especially with the faces, but I'm still looking forward to this. I agree with colonylaser though; the characters are usually what I'm more focused on, so hopefully, they don't change their original personalities.
I hope the Japanese people don't get insulated by the Pixar look. Because, while not necessarily a bad thing, I don't think it should've been "rendered" with such a...... ?..... Kiddy look.
Not sure why people are upset about the Pixar look. Every single one of Pixar's film is an amazing piece of animated art. I realize it may not lend itself perfectly to Astro Boy, but nothing's perfect and for what is clearly going to be a kid's movie (let's be honest, this film is not aimed at 20-40 year old old-school otaku), it works. Obviously there are going to be Americanizations and changes from the original, my issue is how much, and how well can they do that without destroying the integrity of the film.
it's done by the same company that did Twilight movie (summit entertinment. And I still think Astroboy doesn't look isn't asian enough(probably no supposed to considering context) :( and too shiny and what happened to his shorts? D:
This thriller brings me a lot of memories, when I watch this anime as kid... It brings me nice memories of my childhood...... This is going to be good!
I am so exited!.... I think I am going to piiiii my pants!
24 comments
