Recommended for ages 6+.

Simple yet sophisticated, this animated science fiction gem has beome a cult favorite after being overlooked by audiences when first released. In Cold War–era Maine, a giant metal robot (voiced by the brawny Vin Diesel, before his XXX fame) falls form the sky and is befriended by nine–year–old Hogarth, who does his best to hide the behemoth from his single mom (Jennifer Anniston), the fearful towns–people, and a suspicous government agent (Cristopher Mc Donald), with some help from the local beatnik junkyard owner (Harry Connick, Jr.). A tender reworking of British poet Ted Hughes's 1968 novella Iron Man, this cautionary tale about fear, prejudice, and even gun control is laced with humor, heart, and intelligence.