Plot
When missile technology is used to enhance toy action figures, the toys soon begin to take their battle programming too seriously.
Release Year: 1998
Rating: 5.9/10 (33,742 voted)
Director:
Joe Dante
Stars: Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith, David Cross
Storyline 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.
Writers: Gavin Scott, Adam Rifkin
Cast: David Cross
-
Irwin Wayfair
Jay Mohr
-
Larry Benson
Alexandra Wilson
-
Ms. Kegel
Denis Leary
-
Gil Mars
Gregory Smith
-
Alan Abernathy
Dick Miller
-
Joe
Kirsten Dunst
-
Christy Fimple
Jacob Smith
-
Timmy Fimple
Jonathan Bouck
-
Brad
(as Jonathan David Bouck)
Kevin Dunn
-
Stuart Abernathy
Ann Magnuson
-
Irene Abernathy
Wendy Schaal
-
Marion Fimple
Phil Hartman
-
Phil Fimple
Archie Hahn
-
Satellite Dish Installer
Robert Picardo
-
Ralph, Clean Room Technician
Taglines:
The few, the proud, and the small.
Release Date: 10 July 1998
Filming Locations: Columbia/Warner Bros. Ranch - 411 North Hollywood Way, Burbank, California, USA
Box Office Details
Budget: $40,000,000
(estimated)
Opening Weekend: $14,047,592
(USA)
(12 July 1998)
(2539 Screens)
Gross: $53,955,614
(USA)
(27 September 1998)
Technical Specs
Runtime:|
USA:
Did You Know?
Trivia:
The head of Globotech is named Gil Mars. Mars was the Roman god of war.
Goofs:
Continuity:
In the final scene, when Alan launches the boat, Archer is on the side closer to land. In the next shot, the boat has been turned around and Archer is facing downstream.
Quotes: Archer:
Alan, friend of Archer, defender of all Gorgonites, Keeper of Encarta... Alan:
"Keeper of Encarta"? You were using my computer? If I find a virus in there you're headed for the microwave!
User Review
Great fun!
Rating:
Who would have thought? A "family film" that doesn't suck! Small Soldiers,
while not perfect, is still great fun. It's success is completely down to
Joe Dante, a guy with an obvious love of classic b-grade, sf, horror and
exploitation movies. It's no suprise he started his career with Roger
Corman. Small Soldiers is basically a variation on his previous Gremlins (
cute, seemingly harmless, kiddie-friendly objects run amok) but I enjoyed it
more.
You can always tell how smart a movie is by its supporting cast, and the
presence of the legendary Dick Miller ( a Dante mascot), Phil Hartman,
Dennis Leary, and Mr Show's David Cross, not to mention the terrific voice
talent, emphasize just how cluey Small Soldiers is. And any movie with Bride
Of Frankenstein references gets my thumbs up!
I hope Dante brings Dick Miller back to the big screen SOON! We need
him!
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