The CG movie Astro Boy is animated by Imagi Studios based on the age-old sci-fi manga and anime originally created by Osamu Tezuka. The film is set in futuristic Metro City, and it's about a young robot with incredible powers. Powered by pure positive "blue" energy, Astro Boy (Freddie Highmore) is endowed with super strength, X-ray vision, unbelievable speed and the ability to fly - not to mention the purest spirit on the planet. Embarking on a journey across the planet to discover his powers, Astro Boy encounters a netherworld of robot gladiators and other comic characters, and learns the joys and emotions of being human. When he learns his friends and family are in danger, Astro Boy marshals all his awesome super powers and returns to Metro City, in a valiant effort to save everything he cares about and to embrace his place in the world. The film debuted in Japan on October 10, 2009, followed by the North American premiere on October 23, 2009.