Astro Boy 2009
Directed by
David Bowers
Made by
Summit Entertainment
Plot Summary
In a distant future, the city of Metro City hovers above the Earth, sustained by advanced technology and populated by robots fulfilling various tasks. However, when a robot is deemed obsolete, it is discarded over the edge, landing on the chaotic landscape far below.
Amidst this high-tech world, we meet Toby Tenma, a brilliant young boy who visits his father, Dr. Tenma, at work. During his visit, he overhears discussions with President Stone about the creation of a Peacekeeping robot, a project aimed at securing re-election for the President. Dr. Elefun reveals that he has synthesized a powerful red core from a fallen star, which they intend to use in the robot. Unfortunately, this core turns the Peacekeeping robot into a malevolent force, leading to a cataclysmic event that vaporizes Toby.
In the wake of this tragedy, a heartbroken Dr. Tenma, with the assistance of Dr. Elefun, constructs a robotic version of Toby powered by a blue energy core. However, due to the nature of this creation, he cannot truly call the robot his son, prompting Elefun to release it into the world. Meanwhile, President Stone, driven by ambition, orders the capture of the new Toby upon spotting him soaring through the city. In a desperate attempt to seize the blue core, he inadvertently sends Toby tumbling from Metro City to the ground below.
There, Toby stumbles upon a group of children foraging for discarded robot parts. These kids, led by a girl named Cora, take him in, referring to him as “Astro.” They warn him about Hamegg, a sinister figure who is notorious for destroying robots. Astro learns that Hamegg runs an orphanage where he exploits robots for underground fights, known as the robot games.
Cora reveals her own sorrow over being abandoned by her parents, while Hamegg manipulates Astro into reviving a massive construction robot, ZOG, with the blue core. However, things take an ominous turn when Hamegg, knowing Astro’s true nature, forces him to fight in the robot wars against ZOG. Despite the challenges, Astro’s bravery shines through as he helps ZOG resist Hamegg’s coercion.
In a moment of compassion, Astro intervenes during a fight, saving Hamegg, which draws the attention of Stone’s men, leading to his capture. Dr. Tenma contemplates deactivating Astro, but ultimately decides against it, allowing him to escape. In retaliation, Stone injects the red core into the Peacekeeper robot, activating a catastrophic transformation.
The Peacekeeper begins to assimilate other robots, swelling with power, as it wreaks havoc in Metro City. Astro rises to the challenge, attempting to confront the looming threat, yet he finds himself outmatched. Just when it seems all hope is lost, his friends, including Cora and the rest of the kids, come to his rescue.
As the giant robot causes Metro City’s power supply to fail, the city begins its descent toward Earth. In a selfless act, Astro enters the fray once more, supporting the city’s weight to ensure a gentle landing. He realizes the only way to defeat the colossal threat is to merge the red and blue cores, fully aware that it would cost him his life. With determination, Astro dives into the enemy, merging the cores and destroying the monstrous robot, sacrificing himself in the process.
Devastated by this loss, Dr. Tenma mourns his creation, but the unexpected happens when ZOG uses the energy from Astro’s blue core to revive him. The story concludes on a hopeful note, with the characters celebrating their victory and the return of their beloved friend, Astro.
Timeline
Metro City Overview
Metro City is a futuristic city that hovers above Earth, showcasing the wonders of advanced technology. This technologically advanced metropolis is inhabited by robots that perform various tasks essential for maintaining the city.
Toby Tenma's Visit
Young Toby Tenma goes to visit his father, Dr. Tenma, at work in Metro City. While there, he overhears a conversation between Dr. Tenma and President Stone discussing the creation of a new Peacekeeping robot to secure the latter's re-election.
Creation of the Peacekeeping Robot
Dr. Elefun reveals the synthesis of a powerful red core derived from a fallen star, which they plan to use for the Peacekeeping robot. Unfortunately, this powerful core corrupts the robot, turning it malevolent and resulting in a catastrophic event that vaporizes Toby.
Dr. Tenma's Heartbreak
In his grief over losing his son, Dr. Tenma, with the help of Dr. Elefun, constructs a robotic version of Toby, now powered by a blue energy core. Despite his creation, he struggles with the idea that this robot cannot truly be his son and ultimately releases it into the world.
President Stone's Ambition
Upon spotting the new Toby, President Stone orders his capture to exploit the blue core. During this frantic pursuit, the robot is inadvertently sent tumbling from the luxurious surroundings of Metro City to the chaotic landscape below.
Astro Meets the Children
In the chaotic landscape below, Toby, now known as Astro, finds a group of children who forage for discarded robot parts. Led by a girl named Cora, they take Astro in and warn him about the local menace, Hamegg, who destroys robots.
Hamegg's Exploits
Cora informs Astro of Hamegg's cruel orphanage where helpless robots are exploited for underground fights known as the robot games. Hamegg manipulates Astro into reviving the massive construction robot, ZOG, captivating the young robot's attention.
Astro's Conflict with ZOG
At Hamegg's behest, Astro is forced to fight against ZOG in the brutal robot wars. With compassion and bravery, Astro helps ZOG resist Hamegg's coercion, showing a glimmer of hope amidst the chaos.
Astro's Capture
Astro's act of compassion during a fight draws the attention of President Stone's men, resulting in his capture. Meanwhile, Dr. Tenma contemplates shutting down Astro but ultimately allows him the chance to escape, valuing his freedom.
The Red Core's Activation
In retaliation against Astro's interference, President Stone injects the red core into the Peacekeeping robot, leading to a catastrophic transformation that sees the robot begin to assimilate others and wreak havoc across Metro City.
The Battle for Metro City
As the corrupted Peacekeeper wreaks havoc, Astro steps up to confront the colossal threat. Despite his determination, he realizes he is outmatched, leaving the fate of Metro City hanging in the balance.
Friends to the Rescue
Just when hope seems lost, Astro's friends, including Cora and the other children, join forces to support him in the battle. Their combined efforts are crucial in the struggle against the giant robot.
Astro's Last Stand
With the city's power supply failing, Astro makes the ultimate sacrifice to support Metro City's gentle descent towards Earth. Knowing that the only way to defeat the threat is to merge the two cores, he bravely dives into the enemy's heart.
The Sacrifice
Astro successfully merges the red and blue cores, annihilating the Peacekeeper robot but losing his own life in the process. This selfless act signifies not just the defeat of evil but also the bond he shares with his friends and creators.
A New Hope
Dr. Tenma mourns the loss of Astro, yet in a surprising twist, ZOG uses the remnants of Astro's blue core to revive him. The film concludes on a hopeful note as the characters celebrate their victory and the return of their beloved friend.
Characters
Toby Tenma (Astro Boy)
Toby Tenma, also known as Astro, is a brave and compassionate young boy turned robot who embodies the struggle for identity and acceptance. He demonstrates remarkable courage in the face of adversity and a strong moral compass, as he learns to harness his powers for the benefit of others. Despite being a creation with conflicting emotions, he ultimately chooses to act selflessly.
Cora (Kristen Bell)
Cora is a resilient and resourceful girl who leads a group of children in the chaotic landscape below Metro City. Her past of abandonment gives her a deep understanding of loss, which fuels her desire to protect her friends and the robots. Cora showcases strength in vulnerability and plays a key role in motivating Astro to embrace his true potential.
Dr. Tenma
Dr. Tenma is a well-meaning scientist torn between his roles as a father and a creator. His guilt over Toby's death drives the narrative, showcasing his emotional struggle and desire to make amends through the creation of Astro. His character reflects the complexities of parental love and the consequences of ambition.
Setting
Time period
Future
The movie takes place in a distant future where technology has advanced significantly, enabling cities to float above the Earth. This time period emphasizes the reliance on robots, the ethical implications of artificial intelligence, and the consequences of ambition-driven decisions by leaders. It serves as a backdrop for both technological marvels and the chaos that arises from neglect and greed.
Location
Metro City, chaotic landscape
Metro City is a futuristic metropolis that hovers above the Earth, characterized by advanced technology and a population of robots. It's known for its ambitious projects aimed at peacekeeping, but also for the darker side of technological advancements, where obsolete robots are discarded to a chaotic landscape below. This contrasting environment showcases the division between the high-tech elite and the struggles of those left behind.
Themes
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Artificial Intelligence
Artificial intelligence plays a crucial role in the story, highlighting both the potential and dangers of creating sentient beings. Astro, as a robot with human-like traits, reflects the complexities of identity and the search for belonging in a world that often discards what it no longer values. The theme invites viewers to consider the moral responsibilities associated with technological advancements.
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Sacrifice
Sacrifice is a central theme in the narrative, epitomized by Astro's selfless act to save Metro City and its inhabitants. This theme underscores the idea of putting others' needs before one's own, even at great personal cost. Astro's journey illustrates the power of love and friendship, culminating in a poignant moment that reflects the ultimate sacrifice for the greater good.
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