"Steamboy" is an intellectually challenging, science fiction/action film that takes place in the Victorian period. The Great Exhibition is masterfully used as backdrop for much of the action.

The film belongs to a new genre known as steampunk, which refers to stories that take place in a reimagined or alternate version of the 19^th century, filled with imaginary gadgets and inventions. The stories also include a cyberpunk-like negative view of authority, and they often contain government conspiracies and secret societies. Steampunk is an expression first applied to writings by William Gibson, which take place in the Victorian era, and some of Alan Moore’s comics also fit neatly into the genre.

The film is titled "Steamboy" because the main character uses a steam powered flying machine to fight evil. He’s a pre superhero type adventurer like the characters in Alan Moore’s "League of Extraordinary Gentleman."

The film opens with a suspenseful scene laced with "X-Files" like paranoia. A young boy named Ray (voice by Anna Paquin), gets a mysterious delivery that turns out to be a steam ball. It comes with a note from Ray's grandfather, Lloyd (Patrick Stewart); saying that the ball should be protected at all costs. The boy eludes some sinister men in black, after it appears that his mom is killed by them.

The metal ball is a power source for a revolutionary invention, the steam castle. Ray's dad and grandfather are on opposite sides of a power struggle, and Ray must sort out the good guys from bad guys.

The film has some intriguing cartoon creations in it. Ray’s father, Eddie is a Darth Vader-like cyborg, deformed in a horrible accident, but he isn't completely evil. On the other hand, his father functions like an Obi-Wan Kinobi figure that gives Ray knowledge and keeps him on the right path.

There is also a delightfully annoying female character named Scarlett (Kari Wahlgren). At first she who comes off as being pretentious, misinformed, and nearly as haughty as her namesake from "Gone with the Wind." But after awhile, her caring side comes out, and she becomes an unlikely sidekick/ally to Steamboy.

"Steamboy" has impressive, finely detailed animation that utilizes new digital technology. It’s more interesting and stylized than the other current animation release, "Robots."

This is the first feature length film in 17 years to be directed from Katsushiro Otomo. His previous film, "Akira" has become a cult classic, and it's one of the most acclaimed anime films, ever. In some ways, "Steamboy" surpasses it.

The film has a few flaws. At times it is overwritten, and a bit hard to digest. Also, although the climax is terrific, it goes on a bit too long.

Still, overall, "Steamboy" is a success, and it should please most adult and adolescent animation fans.