The Iron Giant (1999) – CB 279

This movie is an absolute classic. I think I’d even call it one of the best animated movies ever made. It also makes me realize that 1999 had a lot of really good animated movies, like this one, Tarzan, The South Park Movie, and Toy Story 2.

They did such a great job with balancing the tone of this movie, from it’s comedic moments, to it’s dramatic moments, and even the moments where it feels like a sci-fi horror film.

I was 9 when this movie came out and I first found out about through an ad on the back of one of my Disney Adventures magazines. Later I eventually saw a trailer for it on some Warner Bros. VHS, and while I had I had wanted to see it, it wasn’t one I felt I was excited for. I didn’t end up watching it until it came out on VHS and I rented a copy.

Looking back, I regret not seeing it in theaters as a kid but I’m also kinda glad I didn’t because when I first saw it I was bawling my eyes out, especially throughout that third act. Even though the ending shows that the Giant was still alive I still was crying after the movie.

I disagree with Chris about Dean, as I feel there are few other scenes where he doesn’t act cool or aloof. Like when he first meets the Giant and is talking with Hogarth about him, and you can see his hand, as well as his cup of coffee, constantly shaking. Also, to a lesser extent, there’s the scene where he yells at the Giant for eating his sculptures.

There is a really cool scene that was originally deleted from the movie where the Giant starts to dream about his past after he sees the deer. However, some versions of the movie have restored this scene, so I’m not sure if you saw it or not. So just in case, I thought I’d include it here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsL0GbswF3I

While not advertising it until four months before it premiered was certainly a problem, I would also say that the commercials it got didn’t do this movie justice. Warner Bros. just didn’t know how to advertise this movie.. I mean, just look at these commercials to see what I mean, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CPo-cSvIm6o, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rvgZr_3c2Z8 and the worst one https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pJX0ynSlAzE

As for this rumored sequel, which is the first I’m hearing of it, do I want it? No. However, if it’s announced I’d just shrug and go on with my life. If a movie is truly great it will stand on its own and be remembered well even with terrible sequels. I mean, both the first Matrix movie and the first Jaws movie are considered classics and they both have some terrible sequels.

One last thing, that movie where Vin Diesel has hair, it’s just a wig. But, if you want to see Vin Diesel with actual hair, check out these two videos https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4HLBfTcAUg and https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84Y0tlWp89E

Man, I said I’d let you guys know what I thought about this ep and I just couldn’t get around to doing it in a timely manner! Though I suppose a month late is better than not at all?

Anyway, I was super happy when you guys announced that you’d be taking the time watch and discuss this movie, as it’s not just one of my favorite animated movies ever, but one of my absolute all time favorites, period. Definitely in my personal top three (right alongside Spider-verse)! And it was kind of awesome getting to hear thoughts from someone who hadn’t seen it previously, as I think there is something special about being able to see a film like The Iron Giant for the first time and really take the chance after to take it apart and analyze it on multiple levels. So I did really appreciate that this was Chris’s first experience with the movie, as well as a chance for Joseph to revisit it. (I’ve probably seen it five or six times at this point and it’s one I do like to re-watch every few years.) Also I really appreciated the interesting tidbits Joseph dug up about the movie, as there was some info there that I hadn’t been aware of previously, most notably what had influenced both Brad Bird and Ted Hughes. It just really is a shame that this movie didn’t do well when it first released, even if it has gained the notoriety it deserves in more recent years. I remember seeing it when it released in theaters alongside my then boyfriend, now husband, and crying through the part where the Giant makes his choice and leaves Hogarth behind.

I can’t say I agree with Chris about Dean, however, but like Joseph I also understand the reasoning behind said dislike. Still, though… Dean. You know, just *Dean*. I can’t not love the guy. Sorry, Chris!

Anyway, thanks for taking the time to watch this one and put out another great podcast episode! You guys are the best!!