batteries not included (Widescreen)

 

 

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I can't help but believe that *Batteries Not Included would never have been made without the imprimatur of Steven Spielberg stamped upon it. It's a wonderful film, but it couldn't have made for an easy pitch: we've got a group of disparate characters trying to save their run-down building from demolition by your basic big bad developer, and the miracle they all hope for comes in the form of these little alien gizmos -- who not only go around fixing things, they also reproduce. I just don't see a lot of Hollywood studio blowhards jumping up and down in excitement over such a wacky idea. With Spielberg being Spielberg, though, the project was approved, and the end result is a film that delivers a rather amazing amount of heartfelt emotion.

I'm not saying it's Spielberg's best, mind you, not by a long shot, but this little film is disarmingly good. Many a viewer will go in expecting something a little silly, maybe some sort of Gremlins-like story; a half hour into it, that viewer will almost certainly be wondering when the fun is going to start. You can't help but have an almost immediate connection with all of the characters, though. They are surrounded by destruction, as their building is the last one standing in the way of redevelopment by a stereotypically greedy businessman who doesn't care how his goons get the people out -- as long as they get them out. Frank Riley (Hume Cronyn) stands to lose his home and his business -- and he already has the extra burden of looking after his wife Faye (Jessica Tandy), who is constantly confused due to senility and an emotional tragedy from the past. I'll just tell you right now -- that Jessica Tandy is a true actress; her amazing performance here makes her the heart and soul of the film. Frank McRae also contributes in a major way, despite the fact that his character speaks only rarely (and in catch phrases and slogans when he does open his mouth). As for the other two neighbors, you've got a pregnant woman (Elizabeth Pena) waiting for her musician boyfriend to come back for her after his current tour ends, and you also have a young man (Dennis Boutsikaris) struggling to find himself after losing his girlfriend and beginning to question his determination to be an artist.

All of these wonderful characters are essentially doomed, needing a true miracle to save their building from destruction. That miracle comes in the form of strange, miniature UFO-like creatures that excel in fixing things. A little shy at first, the cute little guys eventually warm up to everyone, drawing these former strangers close together in the process. The special effects are good (but not outstanding), making these mysterious creatures a lot of fun to watch -- especially the cute little baby ones. We never learn the origins or true natures of the little gizmos, but they most definitely pump new life into a cast of characters wasting away from worries and fears. Make no mistake -- the little mechanical guys are great, but this story is really all about the human characters rising up from despair to achieve a new lease on life. It is an exceedingly human story, one that will most likely touch your heart in ways you won't expect. That is what makes *Batteries Not Included such a special movie.

This is a great movie. I loved it as a kid, and I still love it. I bought the movie for my 8 year old nephew. I had a hard time convincing him to watch it, but in the end, he loved the movie too!

I forgot what a nice film this was. I shared it with my children on family night and they really liked it as well. A little dated for them but a great family picture we all could enjoy. Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy.... say no more.

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1.0 out of 5 stars Not Enough Batteries Could Power This Lame Film
Another film produced by Spielberg in the vain of "Disney-esque" family fare (i.e. HARRY AND THE HENDERSONS, GOONIES). Read more

Published on May 28 2004

4.0 out of 5 stars Belongs in every children's collection
... whether or not you have kids. It has some moments that might make a four-year-old cling to an adult, but every kid I know likes it. Read more

Published on Mar 24 2004 by wiredweird

4.0 out of 5 stars Still a good movie
I used to watch this movie when I was a little girl, over and over again until I wore out the tape. I haven't seen it in a long time, but I resently got it as a birthday gift and... Read more

Published on Feb 3 2004

5.0 out of 5 stars A sentimental little beauty from Spielberg
This 1987 little sentimental ditty was utterly irresistible to the public, even as critics panned it as too schmaltzy. Read more

Published on Dec 24 2003 by Peggy Vincent

3.0 out of 5 stars Cute Film
When you think about it, there aren't too many movies with a premise like this one. I mean, robot aliens who resemble UFOs that can procreate, raise families, and repair anything... Read more

Published on Oct 28 2003 by Keith Doyle

3.0 out of 5 stars No Extras.
This is a classic from 1987. I remember watching this movie when I was younger and loveing it. Steven Spielberg endorses this film directed by Matthew Robbins. Read more

Published on Sep 6 2003 by Damon M Marvin

5.0 out of 5 stars A Masterpiece for Children and the Young at Heart
Spielberg's movies are typically epic in proportion - in contrast to his other movies this special effects masterpiece is aimed at children and the young at heart perfectly... Read more

Published on May 20 2003 by Kenneth S. Wheelock

5.0 out of 5 stars one of my favorites
This was one of my favorite movies growing up. Not every film has to have some dark, deep meaning to be a good film. Read more

Published on April 23 2003

3.0 out of 5 stars Cute at best
It is probably worth viewing once. For those who notice background music the composer is James Horner. Read more

Published on Mar 7 2003 by bernie

5.0 out of 5 stars Must be Spielberg haters here?
There are so many good movies, and so many bad movies, and reviews are certain to sway both ways. This movie is one that should not reflect bad ratings, or reviews. Read more

Published on Aug 16 2002

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