The popular anime/manga sensation "Astroboy" returns. "Astroboy" is based off the classic anime character that went on to inspire a couple of T.V. show incarnations, and inspired an entire Japanese nation that was in distraught after WWII. Indeed, "Astroboy" has always managed to touch people's hearts throughout the world, as a modern day "Pinochio", as he tries to find his place in world. Featuring the voices of Freddie Highmore (Astroboy/Toby), Kristen Bell (Cora), Samuel L. Jackson (Zog), Nicolas Cage (Dr. Tenma), Bill Nighy (Dr. Elefun), Donald Sutherland (President Stone), and Nathan Lane (Ham Egg). Set in a futuristic world where robots and humans live amongst each other. "Astroboy" tells the story of a young boy, Toby, whom gets killed during a lab accident when he tries to visit his father, Dr. Tenma, during a experiment. Distraught over the loss of his son, Dr. Tenma attempts to build an android, in his likeness to replace him; later known as Astroboy. However, after it seems not even the new android could fill in the void left by his son, Dr. Tenma disowns Astroboy. As word breaks out about Dr. Tenma's creation, President Stone orders to have Astroboy captured to use for his military ambitions for re-election. Luckily, Astroboy escapes and hides among a bunch of orphans raised by den mother, Cora. As Astroboy becomes friends with his new found company, his cover gets blown by a crafty inventor, Ham Egg, whom makes a hobby out of restoring old broken down robots, and having them compete against each other in the gladiator events. In the gladiator tournaments, robots are pit against each other to duel to the death. It is here, Astroboy must fend for his life.  Along the way, discovering what it takes to become a true hero when he later has to save Metro City, from an even greater threat.  The animation is fairly simplistic and presents a surrealistic style, but it does give a light modernization to the original T.V. show and manga.  The storyline is pretty much cut and dry. as it has your standard story arc of many heroes going through a journey of self recollection and hardships; only to end up finding their way in the end.  However, the main merits of this movie are in its voice acting and direction of the film itself.  As each voice actor brought their own sense of conviction and personality to the characters, allowing for the audience to feel the authenticity in their voices as they portrayed the characters.  David Bowers and his team of writers do a great job adding just the right amount of drama, comedy, and mischief that captures the heart of the original series.  Overall, "Astroboy" may not be one of the biggest animated films of the year, but it's definitely offers one of the best stories.  A definite must see for the family.