Review of Steamboy (2004) by Craig P — 21 Dec 2007

Animation as it should be.

It's sight to see from start to finish, but still a little slow.

The Story: Weapons of mass destruction are being made from revolutionary technology that utilizes the power of steam, and it's up to a young boy to save the world and stop these weapons from being used... That's what I got from it... It's a great adventure, but it's just a little on the slow side, there's a lot of great action sequences but in between those sequences are a few slow paced dramatic moments. I'm not saying that the drama is bad, it just could have been made to move a little more fluidly. The animation is superb, and the art direction is beautiful, all the machines are brilliant in design and make the film well worth your time.

The Cast: Anna Paquin, Alfred Molina, Patrick Stewart, Kari Wahlgren... The voice work here is outstanding. Anna Paquin is James Ray Steam, the young boy who must save the day. She does great, and honestly if you don't know who's behind the voice, you get the feeling that it's a young boy. She recites the lines ease and makes the character seem like so much more than a drawing. Alfred Molina is Dr. Eddie Steam, he's a good guy gone bad, as James' father he wants to use the technology to make money and become more powerful than God himself. He's easily my favorite voice here, he speaks with a sense of authority, but at the same time seemingly gentle tone, something you don't see or hear too often. Patrick Stewart is Dr. Lloyd Steam, an ethical minded character that believes science is only to be used to help people, not hurt them. He gives a solid performance, not my favorite role in the film but his voice is unforgettable here. He speaks with a lot of energy and passion. Kari Wahlgren is Scarlett O'Hara, a spoiled rich girl living inside the "Steam Castle". Somewhat oblivious to what's going on she doesn't seem to realize that her home is about to be turned into a giant weapon.

One to Five Scale: 4.

It's slow pace is made up for with it's great design and animation. But consider this a warning, it's kind of an acquired taste, it's not your average adventure.

Tyler.