Movies-TV

Yep, they're small, but boy do they pack a punch!!

I caught this film on t.v. over the xmas holiday's - there was absolutely nothing on, and I was in a weird, "I'll watch anything mood!". This film surprised me, and I really enjoyed it.Some nut at a toy factory has installed these new toys with munition chips - basically chips that should be in army type weapons - as you do!! You get the idea? You see what's gonna happen?! good. So these new toys hit the market and basically they unleash a war on each other, and it all kinda gets outa control!! There are the Soldiers, who you would think are the good guys, and there are others, Gorgonites I think they were called (I can't be bothered to check!) And these are the ones we should care for.It's a good film with loads of sub textual reference's to other films, merchandise, marketing you name it, and it's probably got a reference to it here - even the Spice Girls for God's sakes!!!! Actually that bit is funny - the humans are trapped in a house and suddenly the song 'Wannabe' blasts out of a stereo systemWOMAN - "What's going on??!!" MAN - "Psychological warfare!!"Genius! Best line of the movie? Major Chip Hazzard (Tommy Lee Jones)"He was a good soldier. His battery is dead, but his memory will live on, and on, and on!" (Duracell if you wanna know!!)Yeah so, if your bored and fancy watching a kids' film, then watch this, it'll make you smile.On the whole a good film with great effects.6/10

Typical Dante flick meets dirty dozen

There is a lot to like in this film. The acting talents- (Gregory Smith, Kirsten Dunst, Jay Mohr, Phil Hartman in his last performance, David Cross of Bob and David and Denis Leary), the special effects (sometimes the action figures are real, sometimes they're not) and the story (commando elite are fitted with munition chips and go crazy in a fight against the gorgonites). But it is not completely great. I mean, it isn't the best of the year, but at least it tries. Good to a point, if you like what I've mentioned. A-

great action packed family entertainment

This was a fun exiting movie that a family can watch together.Alot of movies these days are not suitable for the whole family.The movie is probably suitable for kids who are over eight years old.

One of the best movies I've seen in a long time

Well, it's a good movie, not the best, but it is good. The DVD has some good special features (condidering this was probably one of the very first movies to ever be put on DVD) that include a behind the scenes documentary (although I think it is too short), a blooper reel, the making of the video game, theatrical trailer, production notes, and cast and crew information. If I left anything out, I apoligize. Now, on to the movie. It is one of the best movies I've seen in a long time. Altough I was hesitant to purchase it becaue I didn't see it in the theater. So I rented it and watched it over and over and over and over again. I just couldn't stop. Many people say that the story is too predicable and the characters aren't developed that well but the special effects make up for all that. In my opinion, the story is good and too much developmental stuff gets boring after awhile. It takes you in and never lets you out. Although, it may a little violent (then again, what movie isn't violent), I consider this to be a great movie for the entire family. I highly recommend this especially if you're a fan of Phil Hartman. This was, in fact, the final movie he ever starred in. He died about two weeks before it was even released. And though he may not be in as much of the movie as he should, his presence is felt and yes he is funny too. On a side note, being a Cheap Trick fan, I thought I would point out the very good soundtrack including a remixed version of their classic hit "Surrender." It can be heard briefly towards the end of the movie when the commandos attack the delivery man, played by who else but Dick Miller. It wouldn't be a Joe Dante film without him.

Ambitiously small, I suppose

This film was just okay. I understand that I am not exactly the target demographic for this one, but, well, there were no standout acting performances, although all cast members were okay. Of course the animation and CGI were outstanding. It was awfully violent for a "family" genre, though. I got a few chuckles from the references to various war movies. Don't really recommend this one, though. Grade: C-

Vaguely entertaining, but all-in-all a wasted opportunity

I was vaguely entertained watching for the references to other films (of which there were many -- sad to say it, but nearly all the "good stuff" in this movie, such as it was, was stolen from other movies). But it got old very quickly. When "Ride of the Valkyrie's" played I wondered if we were going to see a helicopter fly in, a la "Apocalypse Now." And yes, we did! And just to rub it in a bit further, the pilot of said helicopter (Chip Hazard, voiced by Tommy Lee Jones) says, "I love the smell of polyurethane in the morning."Ha ha ha. We get it, Joe Dante. We got it right away. You didn't have to stretch it out. Or maybe he did have to stretch it out -- filler to hide the lack of actual scriptwriting, perhaps?The late lamented Phil Hartman put in an excellent performance in this as the obnoxious, one-upping, technofreak, materialistic yuppy. Indeed, it is a testement to his talent that he managed to redeem some small amount of the irony and social commentary that the movie was busy bludgeoning to death. It was enjoyable seeing Robert Picardo in his small but perfectly done role, and the "good" toy designer (I forget his name) was a joy to watch.The rest of the film, with a few very small exceptions, was utter dreck. The sledgehammer approach that this movie used was particularily offensive, as was the way that the movie worked so hard at hammering its grudges into the audience's collective skull. I think that Joe Dante often mistakes the airing of his own private grudges for thematic development, and this hurts the movie very badly. It comes across as a bitter, angry fusion of "Toy Story" and "Gremlins," leaning far closer to "Gremlins" in its utter lack of decency and character development.(Then again, the lack of character development should be unsurprising considering the lack of character.)Messages from this film: bribery works. Money is more important than personal values. Parents never understand their children and don't want to. War is evil and horrible unless small children are winning. Defense contractors have the power to hand out DoD security clearances like candy. Children can reasonably be left in charge of a store for a whole weekend. A sleeping pill overdose (paired with alcohol consumption) will wear off with no ill effects in under an hour. And it's funny to put said sleeping pill overdose into your parents' gin and tonic. An electromagnetic pulse (EMP) equivalent to a nuclear blast can be generated by placing a small plastic toy between two random spots on a pair of relatively low-voltage transformers. Said blast with neither electrocute a child attatched to the toy, nor wipe out all electronic devices within its operative radius, nor cause any other problems lasting more than a few seconds. Oh, and a satellite dish is adequate shielding, but is apparently too expensive for military use.I am forgiving the magic microchips that power the toys. Any movie like this requires a few leaps of faith, and I'm figuring that since the premise requires these magic microchips, this is the leap of faith I should make. The rest, however, is complete balderdash.One last comment: some have spoken of the "funny" Gwendy doll scene. Forgiving the obvious plot holes required to make one chip power all of those dolls (and their total lack of armatures, power sources, etc), I felt the use of the dolls was despicable. What could have been a brilliant jab at Barbie turned into a remake of "Frankenhooker." Nice going, Joe Dante.

Small Soldiers

Small Soldiers was so funny its a great movie for monster lovers every where!

War & Peace makes adventure a Breeze

When they made this show, kids were targeted. Yet this show points to the kid in all of us adults too. This film is good against evil. The good--Archer & the Gorgonites, the evil--Chip Hazard & his Marines. When you view this film, you think the marines are good but then you learn that the gorgonites are the true heroes and thus some kids feel sad. I felt this show rocked in all aspects and anyone would enjoy a heart-romping adventure of good vs. evil. Ya all go out and get this film when it is released!!

Not recommended for children!!!!

We recently rented this movie and what a disappointment. My kids 8 years and 5 years were not at all entertained. In fact my five year old questioned the dangers of the power line scene. While I know movies like this are "make believe" I still think it was way too violent and some of the scenes gave a very false impression on the reality of danger. Do not waste time, money or your child's interests on this one.

Dissapointing, all special effects, no movie.

How sad, good performances, but this seems indicative of most movies of late- "lets spend all the money on special effects and for about the human actors". I was so saddened that this was the late great Phil Hartmans last movie. Cute idea, but the (countless) explotions just don't carry this (you thought Gremlins had violence for violence sake??)

A really fun kid's movie

This movie never really popped in my head to see, but my friend had recommend it and said that it was a pretty good movie. So, I decided to go ahead and give it a look. It does have Tommy Lee Jones, Frank Langela, and Phil Hartman, what could I loose? The only thing that scared me was that it looked like such a boy's movie, I was kinda a Barbie girl when I was younger, but Small Soldiers proved itself to be a great family film.Anthony, a pre teen, just got a shipment of toys he wants to sell so he can make his dad's store some money. These toys aren't like any others though, they have chips in them and never wear off. Until one gorganite follows Anthony home and it seems like he is alive and so are the commandos who want to destroy each other. After all, War is Hell! Small Soldiers is a good film for everyone, I was pleasantly surprised and I would recommend this movie for anyone, it was very cute and had a great look to it. Tommy and Frank made great voices for these toys, not to mention that the last war scene was so memorable and cool to watch. For a girlie girl, I loved Small Soldiers! 7/10

WHAT??

This was one of the worst movies I've ever seen. The plot was stupid and simple and totally not creative. If you like this movie then you've got something wrong with you. Totally not an original plot. The only people that should like this movie are little five through eight year old children. If you've never seen this don't waste your money by renting it or buying it. Try to avoid this movie big time. This doesn't deserve three in a half stars, it doesn't even deserve this one star that I'm giving it. I will say once again that this movie was a discrace to all movies, it totally sucks!!!

A Letdown

I was really looking forward to seeing this movie. I love Joe Dante films and I thought he could really make this into a good movie. I was not able to get into this movie at all. The soldiers were all just army cliches that got real tiring. Every character was really boring, especially Chip Hazard. Even Phil Hartman was boring..and making Phil Hartman boring is pretty hard to do! The only thing I liked was the Jerry Goldsmith score. I walked out of the theater not real admitting that it was bad. I later came to terms with it. If you see it expecting something like "Toy Story" you will be very disappointed.

A fun movie, that's kind of funny.

I must say, I found this movie to be quite fun. It was a great movie. It had Phil Hartman in it. Phil Hartman, one of the funniest guys. My favorite scene is when the boy's little, girlfriend goes postal, on the Gwendy dolls. If you liked Gremlins, and like a dark since of humor, and some funny scenes, you must see this movie. I liked it. I wouldn't recommend it for kids though.

I love it!!!!!!!!

I thought this movie was fantastic!!!!!!!!!! great acting, wonderful director, likeable characters--I don't see how people dislike this movie. This is a must see film that should not be missed by anyone!!!!!!!

Toy Story With Teeth

Here we have a story that the Commando Elite fights the feeble and coward Gorgonites. This movie would be a little better if the Commandoes were good guys as well. And if the Gorgonites and Commandoes fight side by side against some evil guy. I would enjoy that! And Dennis Leary's character is almost fitted to the movie. Plus Jerry Goldsmith's score was absolutely amazing, but short.

Good film to kill some time.

THIS TOY STORY NOT FOR KIDS

Sure it's got toys aplenty that'll make your kids' MOST WANTED X-Mas list, and nifty computer animation just like Toy Story... but parents don't let that fool you, this ain't no Disney flick! When, in the first ten minutes of the movie, we're introduced to shock comedian Dennis Lehry you know this isn't for your little ones. Heck, through the whole thing it earns its PG-13 rating in strides. It's even more violent than the comedy/horror film it basically borrows from, Gremlins.

For those young adults and those young at heart, to whom this film is really geared towards, there's enough "inside jokes" and inuendos to keep you in stitches. For those die hard film buffs, director Joe Dante and crew basically made a SFX war between the vetran actors in The Dirty Dozen versus the wacky misfits from This Is Spinal Tap, with homage paid to any number of war and action movies including a little nod to the opening sequence in Patton (with music to boot), and of course Joe Dante's previous classics Gremlins and InnerSpace.

On a sadder note, this was Phil Hartman's final performance before his untimely death. The movie was dedicated to his memory.

With the extra supplemental section, and 16x9 anamorphically enhanced widescreen video (gives an additional bonus to those lucky enough to own 16x9 TVs with higher resolution), it's a keeper.

Dante's had better success.

Special effects may be more advanced
nowadays, but I wonder if Joe Dante really
enjoyed making this film. Now I'm a big
fan of Dante's, I think he is highly
under-rated as a film-maker, and it seems
to me like maybe he just made this movie
as a favor. After all, it is a basic
carbon
copy of his earlier Gremlins pictures. The
special effects were very nice and some of
the satire in Small Soldiers has Dante's
name all over it. This film just felt
empty.

Nice movie

If you liked the movies "Critters" or "Gremlins", you'll like this movie too. Except in this movie, you throw in more advanced special effects in computer animation and have two opposing types of toy soldiers.

Could have been a lot better.

This one needs more laughs and other things...if it had them it would have been a very funny and good movie. What we are left with is a comedy that in places takes itself way to seriously. Missile chips are placed in this toys and it makes them respond to commands and the like. Unfortunately, it also gives them a will of their own and they go on the rampage. It would have been a funnier movie if these toys just overtook a town, or maybe they were harmless and just did stupid things, but instead they are after these other monster robots whose appearance in the film wrecks the whole thing. The monsters are also smart as well and can move about, but they add nothing to the plot. The human characters aren't the best either, with the exceptions of Jay Mohr, Phil Hartman, and David Cross. The rest, including Kirsten Dunst are just not funny or good. The whole premise of the guy with the toy store and not wanting military toys, but the son thinking he should was just bad. I would have preferred some other device to get the toys in town.
Good for a couple of laughs though it is an ok flick...just not what it could have been.