Director: Joe Dante
Producer: Steven Spielberg
Genre: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi
Plot Summary
Small Soldiers follows a group of action-figure toys brought to life with military-grade technology. The Commando Elite are designed for war, while their rivals, the peaceful Gorgonites, are more laid-back. When the toys malfunction, they become self-aware, and chaos ensues.
The story begins when Alan Abernathy (Gregory Smith) buys these advanced toys for his store. Soon, the Commando Elite, led by Chip Hazard (voiced by Tommy Lee Jones), wage war against the Gorgonites, led by Archer (voiced by Frank Langella). Alan, with his friend Christy (Kirsten Dunst), gets caught in the middle of the battle, trying to protect the Gorgonites and stop the rampage.
Themes
- Technology and Consequences: The film raises important questions about creating autonomous machines without considering the impact. The Commando Elite’s violent behavior reflects the darker side of advanced technology.
- Good vs Evil: The movie explores traditional themes of good versus evil. The ruthless, aggressive Commando Elite represent evil, while the peaceful Gorgonites symbolize good, creating tension throughout the film.
- Childhood and Responsibility: The film also taps into the adventurous spirit of childhood. Alan and Christyโs efforts to stop the toys’ chaos show their growing sense of responsibility and courage.
Visuals and Effects
The film was groundbreaking for its time in terms of visual effects. Combining practical effects, animatronics, and CGI, Small Soldiers brought the toys to life in realistic and entertaining ways. The design of both the Commando Elite and the Gorgonites gave each toy a unique personality, which made the characters memorable.
Conclusion
Small Soldiers (1998) blends action, humor, and technology with a deeper message about the potential dangers of advanced tech. Although it wasnโt a major hit initially, the film has since gained a cult following. It appeals to both children and adults, with its nostalgic feel and thought-provoking themes.
