Steamboy
Triumph Films | Release Date: March 18, 2005 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
66
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 26 Critic Reviews
Positive:
16
Mixed:
9
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
100
Christian Science MonitorDavid Sterritt
Visually stunning animation. Read full review
89
Austin ChronicleMarc Savlov
If Victorian Manchester had been remotely like this, H.G. Wells never would have bothered to pen "The Time Machine" – he'd have just stepped outside and into the fray. Read full review
80
Village VoiceJ. Hoberman
Steamboy doesn't have the deep melancholia or the visionary élan of last year's Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence. Consistent in its graphic invention from first to last, however, it's a sensationally designed piece of work. (The retro stylistics are comparable to Brazil, David Lynch's Dune, and The Iron Giant.) Read full review
80
The A.V. ClubTasha Robinson
Steamboy adds a touch of innocent wonder to the formula through Ray's eyes, resulting in Otomo's most human film to date, but humanity rarely seems to be among Otomo's priorities. His films seem far more concerned with the spectacle he manages like no one else in animation. Read full review
80
L.A. WeeklyElla Taylor
The movie's true genius lies in the exquisite animation, a blend of hand-drawn and state-of-the-art digital technology that suggests an old world being bullied into a new one. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterRichard James Havis
It's a roller-coaster action film that thunders along with top-notch set pieces and studiously researched period settings. The only letdown is that the focus on action drowns out any character development. Read full review
80
The New York TimesJanet Maslin
The film turns into a preposterous but engrossing spectacle, fueled by a resource more enduring than steam or its successors: big ideas. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKevin Crust
A stunning-to-look-at film marred by a less than searing pace and some narrative incoherence. Read full review
75
New York PostLou Lumenick
Gorgeously detailed animated adventure. Read full review
75
PremiereAaron Hillis
Though Steamboy could have been smarter and more dramatically engineered, this razzle-dazzle ride won't disappoint if you just need to blow off a little you-know-what. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Liam Lacey
The narrative here may be strictly nuts and bolts, but as an achievement in graphic design, Steamboy is first class. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleG. Allen Johnson
A fine example of how anime uniquely contributes to world cinema. Read full review
75
Boston GlobeTy Burr
Boys of all ages, by contrast, will be mesmerized by the relentless, breathtakingly visualized action. Read full review
70
Chicago ReaderJ.R. Jones
Visually commanding, conceptually beguiling, but dramatically inert. Read full review
67
Entertainment WeeklyOwen Gleiberman
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. Read full review
67
Seattle Post-IntelligencerSean Axmaker
It's part Jules Verne arms-race nightmare, part James Bond gadget war and part boy's own adventure. Read full review
60
Film ThreatGreg Bellavia
Perhaps the key to understanding where Steamboy goes wrong is in understanding why Otomo's previous animated feature "Akira" was such a success. Read full review
60
VarietyLeslie Felperin
Dry storytelling and boy's-toys mechanics will stop this from being the next "Spirited Away"-style crossover hit. Read full review
60
TV Guide MagazineMaitland McDonagh
The sci-fi wonders, including an army of shuddering robo-soldiers and one-man, steam-powered bombers with delicate wood-and-linen wings, are truly marvelous and go a long way toward making up for the film's erratic pacing. Read full review
60
EmpireStaff (Not credited)
Visually arresting, with an enjoyably wacky premise, but scuppered somewhat by its rusty, clunky storytelling. Read full review
50
Chicago TribuneRobert K. Elder
Though Katsuhiro Otomo's animated Victorian-era adventure Steamboy stars British characters, it's a Japanese film through and through. Read full review
50
New York Daily NewsJami Bernard
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. Read full review
50
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
There may be possibilities here, but they're lost in the extraordinary boredom of a long third act devoted almost entirely to loud, pointless and repetitive action. Read full review
50
Dallas ObserverLuke Y. Thompson
Much of Steamboy is actually reminiscent of "Wild Wild West," with a giant moving tower substituting for the giant spider, and the personalities of Will Smith and Kevin Kline being replaced by . . . no personality at all, really. Read full review
50
Washington PostMichael O'Sullivan
It's just that, in this world of clanking, hissing machines, even the people seem like robots. Read full review
30
Washington PostStephen Hunter
The movie never transcended its elaborate production work to achieve an independent reality. Read full review
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