Movie Introduction"Small Soldiers" is a 1998 American science-fiction movie directed by Joe Dante starring Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith, and a stacked voice cast including Tommy Lee Jones, Frank Langella. The movie provides an imaginative, family-friendly twist on the classic fight in between action figures.
Plot SummaryThe plot focuses on 2 entirely contrasting lines of action figures - the grotesque creatures called Gorgonites and the militaristic, war-hungry Commando Elite. Freshly out of the assembly line, these toys are unknowingly fitted with advanced military microprocessors, which turn them sentient, making them capable of learning and adjusting.
A shipment box including members of both factions ends up in a suburban toy shop where Alan Abernathy, a teenager, works. Fascinated by their individuality, Alan decides to buy them. The Commandos and Gorgonites are sworn enemies, with the previous configured to eliminate the latter. Eventually, voracious warfare breaks out in Alan's home in between the Commando Elite, led by action figure Major Chip Hazard voiced by Tommy Lee Jones, and the peace-loving Gorgonites, led by Archer, voiced by Frank Langella.
Characters and HighlightsIn the middle of this mayhem, Alan, in addition to his neighbor and crush, Christy, represented by Kirsten Dunst, tries to stop the Commando Elite and defend the benign Gorgonites. The antagonist toys grow increasingly violent, utilizing homemade weapons and tactics, causing various comic and action-packed exchanges, further sustained by the special results and solid commentary efficiencies.
A distinct feature of Small Soldiers is the excellent characterization of the toy figures. Regardless of their virtual existence, figures like Archer and Chip Hazard progress into well-rounded personalities instilled with their unique likability or loathing aspects.
ConclusionThe film climaxes in an intense face-off in between the human beings and the Commando Elite. With a mix of quick thinking and team effort, Alan, Christy, and the Gorgonites outmaneuver and beat the military toys, guaranteeing their creators will pull them off the market, hence ending the havoc. In spite of their victory, the Gorgonites decide to leave Alan's house and set sail searching for Gorgon, their imaginary homeland.
Significance and Reception"Small Soldiers" depicts the age-old confrontation between war and peace in an unanticipated setting-- an average American household. It brings out the hazardous outcome of the abuse of technology, making a strong statement about the war-mongering nature of human beings. Some critics have praised the movie's creative plot, visual impacts, and funny material, though others argue it is too intense for a family film. Its unique take on toys coming to life definitely precedes and differs significantly from later movies like "Toy Story".
In conclusion, "Small Soldiers" is an engaging mix of science fiction, funny, and action, that uses mini action figures to illustrate a non-traditional, awesome war, underpinning significant styles appropriate to its audience.
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