We are big fans of A Cat in Paris so this had natural interest as a New York-based version; the New York feeling is less pronounced, but the focus on the docks was interesting and added grit (compare Oliver and Friends). Part of Phantom Boy's appeal is that it is one of the few detective-themed children's animation movies I've seen, again like A Cat in Paris. Even more rare, however, is the topic of children's cancer, for which the main character, Leo, is hospitalized; his excursions as a "phantom" might be interpreted as a representation of his near-death situation, though the movie has a happy ending: the criminal is caught, and Leo appears to recover.

While "Phantom Boy" lacks a bit when it comes to the quality of the animation (it doesn't come close to the quality of most full-length cartoons today), it is well worth seeing for two main reasons--it's originality and it's a cartoon that will appeal to older kids as well as adults. As for the youngest kids in the audience, this one might be a bit too adult for them...take them to see a Disney flick instead.

Leo is a very sick boy and spends most of the movie in the hospital. You assume he's suffering from cancer and is getting treatment...though they never say exactly what is possibly going to kill him. During the course of the treatment, however, Leo has somehow developed a weird capacity to leave his body...much like astral projection. When a cop is severely injured on the job, Leo discovers that the cop somehow can remember and deal with Leo and his special gift...and with it they work to stop a maniac from proclaiming himself the King of New York City!

The plot simply would be too complicated for little kids and there are baddies who are trying to kill Leo and others....so just keep them home. But the film is very well made and fascinating throughout...and it's now available from Netflix on DVD.

I liked the idea of astral projection and how it fit into this movie, but beyond that this movie is pretty boring. All of the characters are one-dimensional and frustrating in their own respects. The art style, while interesting is one I've never found particularly beautiful. The best character is the villain, but his backstory is never revealed, and he is treated like a joke the entire time. It's actually pretty accurate, considering after his initial appearance, he's little more than a common thug. I feel like the original French voice acting would've been better (maybe enough for an extra star), but I doubt it could save the film. In the end, normal people will probably appreciate the loving family depicted, but for those like me, they will annoy the piss out of you.