Astro Boy

From one of the most beloved anime series comes a rendition done with the latest technology in the film industry. Astro Boy (铁臂阿童木) (2009) is set in a futuristic city known as Metro City. Humankind has decided to abandon Earth and instead live on a floating island where robots are there to guide us hand and foot. These ingenious creations are all invented by Dr Tenma (voiced by Nicholas Cage). However, things begin to go downhill after the scientists discover two spheres of polar energies. After an accident while experimenting with the two cores, Tenma's son Toby (Freddie Highmore) is killed. Devastated, Tenma tries to create a replica robot of his lost son. He quickly realizes that it was a "mistake" and banishes the robot Toby. The robot Toby is later renamed as Astro and the rest of the movie deals with Astro's attempts to discover who he truly is and where he truly belongs.

While most of the movie sets off with a sad note, the movie is truly touching. It's a fun watch for the entire family. The graphics are absolutely breathtaking, being one of the best animated movies I've seen in a long time, and the robots are super adorable. My favorite robot is the Squeezy-Bottle Robot. So, if you ever get a chance, go see Astro Boy. You will surely not regret it, for it's truly a touching tale about a young robot boy that's only trying to find his place in the world. And he has.