Steamboy

Katsuhiro Otomo's 1988 film "Akira" is one of the undeniable recent classics of both manga (Japanese comic books) and anime (Japanese animation). What's more, it's also a terrific science-fiction movie, which explains why there continues to be rumors of a live-action version of it in the works (the latest rumor involves "Catwoman" director Pitof).

And it helps explain why it's taken Otomo nearly 20 years to find a suitable follow-up. During that time he's only directed one other feature and a short segment of another.

Make no mistake, "Steamboy" isn't the mind-blowing, thought-provoking experience that "Akira" was. But it's not meant to be, though does have a sly way of throwing in messages about the perils of uncontrolled technology when you least expect it.

Still, "Steamboy" is an exciting adventure film with handsome, state-of-the-art animation. And it proves that continuing integration of traditional cel animation and computer-generated backgrounds can be done effectively.

The story is set in 19th-century England and follows the Steam family, which features several inventors who are well ahead of their time. The youngest of this bunch is Ray Steam (voiced by Anna Paquin), a schoolboy who has become an outcast among his classmates.

Ray's father Eddie (Alfred Molina) and grandfather (Patrick Stewart) are both believed dead after an industrial accident in America. And when one of their "steamball" inventions falls into Ray's hands, suddenly the boy finds himself on the run from saboteurs and other ne'er-do-wells who want to use the device for their own sinister ends. Just when all seems lost, both Ray's father and grandfather turn up alive and well, though they're at odds about how their latest invention should be used.

In many ways, the film has much in common with the works of Jules Verne. Among the movie's best elements are the inclusion of such fantastic devices as steam-powered armor suits and a steam-powered jet pack.

Such gee-whiz moments make up for a few slow or talky spots, and in addition to the first-rate animation, the voice cast is impressive; Stewart clearly sounds like he's having the best time. (He's a natural for this material.)

"Steamboy" is rated PG-13 for scenes of animated violence (shootings, peril and some explosive mayhem), and scattered use of mild profanity (mostly religiously based). Running time: 104 minutes.

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E-MAIL: jeff@desnews.com