I thought the Iron Giant was good, partly because it was
relatively free of the time-honoured all-too-obvious morality
crap that one has come to expect from Hollywood and Disney,
especially in children's movies. The star was the Giant itself;
amazing how sweet and charming they have managed to make that
giant, clunky thing. I also liked the beatnik guy - and, not
least, that the movie restrained itself from playing up a thick
sentimental romance between him and the boy's mother. Just finely
suggested, no big deal. Well done.
Of course, there is a huge weak link in the plot: Where the
hell does the iron giant come from, and why? We'll probably have
to wait for the sequel for the answer.