*batteries not included (Theatrical Release USA 1987)

Ben Meyers’ rating: 2.6|5.0 Starsìì

*batteries not included—good concept—fails to entertain, lacks interest value, and seems boring. The storyline is thin. There is a little language.

Film Poster Courtesy of Wikipedia

Storyline

Seasoned citizens, Frank Riley (Hume Cronyn) and Faye Riley (Jessica Tandy) live on east side Manhattan borough in a run-down apartment building. By day, the couple run a small restaurant. Lacey (Michael Greene), a development manager, chooses their neighborhood for deconstruction/reconstruction to make room for property development. When Frank and Faye Riley, as well as the other borough’s residents, are resistant to the property development, Lacey sends in a local gang to rough the residents up. Without the power to stop Lacey, Frank prays to G-d for help. That night a couple of miniature spaceships fix broken items within Frank’s apartment and refurbishes the couple’s gang-destroyed restaurant. The story is on as Frank and Faye gather renewed courage to fight for their neighborhood home.

Additional Thanks

Thank you to Director Matthew Robbins for his efforts in directing this film. Thank you to Executive Producers Kathleen Kennedy, Frank Marshall, and Steven Spielberg for making the film possible. Additional characters/cast include: Harry Noble (Frank McRae), Carlos (Michael Carmine), Marisa Estevel (Elizabeth Peña), Mason Baylor (Dennis Boutsikaris), Sid Hogenson (Tom Aldredge), Muriel Hogenson (Jane Hoffman), Gus (John DiSanti), Kovacs (John Pankow), Dewitt (MacIntyre Dixon), and Mrs. Thompson (Doris Belack).

Buy a ticket? Yes? No? Maybe?

Maybe. It’s a slow story. The concept is good; but the portrayal just does not cut it for today’s standards.

Video Critique Available Here:

Ben Meyers