Small Soldiers (1998) 6.1
When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously. Director:Joe Dante |
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Small Soldiers (1998) 6.1
When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously. Director:Joe Dante |
|
Watch Trailer 0Share... |
Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
David Cross | ... | ||
Jay Mohr | ... | ||
Alexandra Wilson | ... | ||
Denis Leary | ... | ||
Gregory Smith | ... | ||
Dick Miller | ... | ||
Kirsten Dunst | ... | ||
Jacob Smith | ... | ||
Jonathan Bouck | ... |
Brad
(as Jonathan David Bouck)
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Kevin Dunn | ... | ||
Ann Magnuson | ... | ||
Wendy Schaal | ... | ||
Phil Hartman | ... | ||
Archie Hahn | ... | ||
Robert Picardo | ... |
Ralph, Clean Room Technician
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15-year-old Alan Abernathy, the son of a toy store owner, tries out some new action figures: The Commando Elite vs. The Gorgonites. But three months ago, a toy company believes it is onto something when it employs the latest government military technology in a series of action figures, enabling them to talk. They underestimate the power of the special micro chips they've employed, however, as the two opposing sides of the toy line start thinking for themselves and engaging in real combat! The Commando Elite vow to wipe out the Gorgonites in a suburban neighborhood. Alan, his neighbor Christy Fimple, (on whom he has a massive crush) with the help of the kind Gorgonites, must protect his home and family from the Commandos. Written by Anthony Pereyra {hypersonic91@yahoo.com}
The characters were not well developed because of the archetypal nature of the story, which was simple and insightful, with a lot of action and no real brutality. Filled with parodies and even musical quotes from other films, this film has a plot similar to _Gremlins_ with the greater feel of its sequel with its archetypal powerhouse of a Daniel Clamp (that is, sans Clamp's failings). Dante makes the film comical and thought-provoking, with main characters who seem like we are supposed to see ourselves in their place, rather than learn about who they are. There is wonderful use of a boat motif leading to an ending straight out of _The Gods Must Be Crazy_, with its power and charm. Despite this, Dante realized he was doing somewhat of a retread, hence all of the gremlin jokes. Dante had a better portrait of younger teenagers with _Explorers_ for those who miss the character development, which really only seems lacking after the film is over.