| Original Score: 3/5 | Apr 1, 2006

It may be one of the most expensive anime features ever, but there isn't a wealth of entertainment on offer in Steamboy.

| Original Score: 2/5 | Dec 6, 2005

It's a sensationally designed piece of work.

Full Review | Aug 19, 2005

The movie never transcended its elaborate production work to achieve an independent reality. It's simply pictures of what never happened.

| May 20, 2005

Its problem is not a lack of things to look at. There's plenty of them, and they're all cool. It's just that, in this world of clanking, hissing machines, even the people seem like robots.

| May 20, 2005

Until it careers into cacophony ... it's a lot of fun.

| Original Score: 2.5/4 | Apr 1, 2005

Steamboy, ultimately, shares deep-seated themes with the futuristic Akira. Both offer cautionary tales about scientific responsibility and the evils of war. And both look pretty cool, too.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 25, 2005

Steamboy is breathtakingly detailed and ambitious beyond anything I have ever seen in the realm of animation. But the chase goes on much too long, and Ray and Scarlett are never still long enough to develop any inner resonance or romantic rapport.

| Mar 24, 2005

Despite its wild dreams, it becomes just another rusty piece of animated machinery, going through the motions somewhat mechanically.

Full Review | Original Score: C | Mar 24, 2005

It's nifty to behold, but about the only drama in Steamboy lies in waiting for this colossal hovering machine-monster to blow a gasket.

| Original Score: B- | Mar 23, 2005

Like cinematic Pop Rocks: it's eye candy filled with explosion after explosion after explosion.

Full Review | Mar 21, 2005

As ever, Otomo's attention to the most minute details of setting and character are beyond reproach.

| Original Score: 4/5 | Mar 20, 2005

Feels as needlessly over-engineered as the movie's own city-demolishing retro-futuristic hardware.

| Original Score: 2.4/5 | Mar 18, 2005

A fine example of how anime uniquely contributes to world cinema.

| Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 18, 2005

The 'wow' factor in Steamboy's visual energy is powerful enough to enthrall everybody's inner 12-year-old.

Full Review | Mar 18, 2005

Loaded with eye candy, though it lacks the sophisticated storytelling and character development of Japanese director Katushiro Otomo's classic Akira.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 18, 2005

The weak story and bland hero are no match for the increasingly exciting visuals, while the score by Steve Jablonsky should be on exhibit in the Hall of Lead.

Full Review | Original Score: 2/4 | Mar 18, 2005

Never really pops its rivets except in several thrilling action sequences, but the sharp imagery and inventive technology make it worthwhile for animation fans.

| Original Score: 3.5/5 | Mar 18, 2005

Its action couldn't have been much more thrilling if done entirely by computer or shot in costly live-action.

Full Review | Original Score: 3/4 | Mar 18, 2005

It's a roller-coaster action film that thunders along with top-notch set pieces and studiously researched period settings.

Full Review | Mar 18, 2005