Opened: August 6, 1999

Directed by: Brad Bird

Starring: Eli Marienthal, Jennifer Aniston, Harry Connick Jr., Vin Diesel, James Gammon, Cloris Leachman, Christopher McDonald, John Mahoney & M. Emmet Walsh

There are few non-Disney animated movies that really enchant audiences. This is one of them.

Tensions are high during the Cold War with everyone unsure of what surveillance the Soviet Union is taking of them. So when a robot (Vin Diesel) crash-lands outside of Maine, the townspeople of Rockville believe something is sent to watch them. It’s up to young Hogarth (Eli Marienthal) and Dean (Harry Connick Jr.) to prove that the giant won’t hurt them.

While the movie features beautiful animation and a top rate cast, the best part is the relationship between Hogarth and the Iron Giant. While originally frightened of it, Hogarth quickly sees the good in the giant and convinces him that he is not evil.

The ending is heart wrenching, but proves that good conquers evil.

Final say: A spectacle. ★★★★☆