6.7
In a soon to be demolished block of apartments, the residents resist the criminal methods used to force them to leave so a greedy tycoon can build his new skyscraper. When tiny mechanical aliens land for a recharge, they decide to stay and help out.
Hume Cronyn
Frank Riley
Jessica Tandy
Faye Riley
Frank McRae
Harry Noble
Elizabeth Peña
Marisa Esteval
Michael Carmine
Carlos
Dennis Boutsikaris
Mason Baylor
Tom Aldredge
Sid Hogenson
Jane Hoffman
Muriel Hogenson
John DiSanti
Gus
John Pankow
Kovacs
MacIntyre Dixon
DeWitt
Michael Greene
Lacey, Real Estate Developer
Doris Belack
Mrs. Thompson
Wendy Schaal
Pamela
José Angel Santana
Goon #1
James Le Gros
Goon #2
Ronald L. Schwary
Louie
Susan Shoffner
Receptionist
Shelly Kurtz
Policeman at Hospital
Joe Hamer
Policeman at Building
H. Clay Dear
Policeman #2 at Building
Howard Renensland
Reporter #1
Judy Grafe
Reporter #2
Alice Beardsley
Nurse
Dick Martinsen
Fireman
Charles Raymond
Hector
John Arceri
Chauffeur
Riki Colon
Band Member #1
Jon Imparato
Band Member #2
David Vasquez
Band Member #3
Luis Guzmán
Bystander (uncredited)
Director, Screenplay
Matthew Robbins
Screenplay
Brad Bird
Screenplay
Brent Maddock
Screenplay
S.S. Wilson
Story
Mick Garris
September 6, 2014
6
Very tidy little family piece.
Residents of a building under threat of demolition from developers get an answer to their prayers in the form of tiny mechanical aliens.
Firmly embedded in the trench that houses a number of 80s fantastical alienish pictures, *batteries not included is a bit worn around the edges yet still keeps its head above average waters thanks to its unbreakable charm. There is something so joyous about watching bullies {here in the form of vile developers and their hoodlum enforcers} getting a dose of their own medicine, and although the outcome here is never in doubt, it's still an amiable enough ride that manages to lift the spirit and close the picture out with a big cheesy grin. Boasting the solid Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy in the leads, we are in very safe hands, and it may well say Matthew Robbins name on the directors chair, we are in no doubt that producer Stephen Spielberg has his stamp all over this one.
Safe family viewing, 6/10
Status:
Released
Original Language:
English
Budget:
$25,000,000.00
Revenue:
$65,088,797.00