An Open Letter to HitchBOT (and family)

Dear HitchBOT (and family),

I was so saddened to hear of your vandalism and subsequent demise. In your short life you touched so many lives and I know you will continue to do so.

When I first heard about your trek across Canada I was delighted and intrigued. Your family and the strangers who helped you make your way across the country represent the best in humanity. Wide-eyed curiosity, neighborly love, and a passion for the unknown are all things that make humans (and robots!) great.

It’s appalling to think of the inhumanity that led me to write this letter, but here we are. Yes, bad things do happen to good robots, but please know how many of us would have preferred to *never* see a bad thing happen to you. I sincerely hope that your family is able to construct a HichtBOT 2.0. If that’s the case, I’ll be watching for you when you get to Arizona!

Much Love,

Kate

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Throwback Thursday Movie Review: The Iron Giant (1999)

This classic animated tale of boy meets giant robot from outer space is one of my all-time favorites. Director Brad Bird masterfully weaves together humor, suspense, tragedy, and most importantly a sense of heartfelt love.

The film revolves around Hogarth, a smart but lonely boy, and his friendship with giant metal robot who has crashed to earth. The military catches on to the existence of this extraterrestrial and Hogarth and his Beatnik friend Dean, must try to protect The Iron Giant and save him from destruction. Its setting in Maine, during the height of the Cold War, adds to the drama of the story by showing the extreme paranoia of the people and the government at the time.

It came out in 1999, a time when most animated films were starting to go a more computer animated route. But I think the classic animation style makes it even more endearing. Regardless of the style, it’s a visually stunning work of art that survives the test of time.

The voice talent in the movie is also amazing. Harry Connick Jr. makes you wish you were a Beatnik, Jennifer Anniston does a lovely job as Hogarth’s mom, and Eli Marienthal perfectly conveys the sense of wonder as nine-year-old Hogarth. And let’s not forget Vin Diesel. He manages to bring life, love and tenderness to a 50 foot tall metal robot. Not an easy feat by any means!

This movie’s themes of love, sacrifice, making good choices will make you laugh, cry, and everything in between. I think this is one of the most perfect movies ever made and I give it a rating of 9.5 out of 10. Don’t miss this modern classic!