After a giant robot falls from the sky and frightens a small town, only a young boy is willing to befriend the iron man. With his new friend, he teaches the townspeople a lesson about being afraid of what is different. Jennifer Aniston provides the voice for the boy's mother, and Harry Connick Jr. that of the town beatnik. Great animation and story propel this tale above the level of most kiddie fare. Based on the 1968 children's book by Ted Hughes, which was also used for a 1989 concept album by Pete Townshend.