The Class of 1999

"You are who you choose to be."

We’ve decided to wrap up 2024 with a look at a few films that are celebrating their 25th anniversary this year.

1999 has become known as one of the best movie years of all time. While we’ve already touched on some of the biggest films of that year (THE MATRIX, FIGHT CLUB), there are a handful of films from that year that may not fit into one of our long form series, and we wanted to make sure they got their due.

So for this (short) series, each of our hosts have picked out a film from 1999 that they’d like to discuss, starting with Todd’s pick, THE IRON GIANT.

Brad Bird’s debut film has gone on to become a beloved animation classic, but its story didn’t start that way: When it debuted in 1999, the film — thanks to a practically non-existent marketing campaign from Warner Bros — came and went from theaters with most audiences totally unaware of its existence.

But in the quarter century since, it has not only managed to find an audience, but it’s gained a reputation as one of the greatest animated films of all time. In this episode, we trace its origins (which involves, we kid you not, the death of Sylvia Plath and a Pete Townshend album), all the way through its development, release, and eventual rediscovery.

We will also, as always, discuss our own thoughts and feelings on the film, its legacy, and the important lessons it has to teach us.

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SYNOPSIS:

In the small town of Rockwell, Maine in October 1957, a giant metal machine befriends a nine-year-old boy and ultimately finds its humanity by unselfishly saving people from their own fears and prejudices.

Up Next: THE BOONDOCK SAINTS.

ASSOCIATE PRODUCERS:

CAST & CREW

Directed by: Brad Bird

Screenplay by: Tim McCanlies | Brad Bird

Story by: Brad Bird

Based on: The Iron Man by Ted Huges

Produced by: Allison Abbate | Des McAnuff

Cinematography: Steven Wilzbach

Edited by: Darren T. Holmes

Music by: Michael Kamen

Release Date: August 6, 1999

Theme Song: "There's Still a Little Bit of Time, If We Hurry and I Mean Hurry" by Slasher Film Festival Strategy.

This episode was written, produced and edited by Gary Horne, Justin Bishop & Todd A. Davis.

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The Iron Giant

The Class of 1999

CAST & CREW

Let The Right One In