*batteries not included 04/20/24

Family-friendly Steven Spielberg once again seeks out the sentimental corner of sci-fi, with memorable roles for his lovable cast and a technical workout for his visual effects experts. Cute flying saucers behave like storybook elves, to make magic for elderly evictees (Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy). The writers in this warm-hearted show would later specialize in fantasy, even horror — Mick Garris, Brent Maddock, S.S. Wilson, Brad Bird; they and writer-director Matthew Robbins deliver Spielberg’s positive message. Does sweetness and light still have a chance?  We can vouch for the film’s effect on little kids — it was a memorable matinee experience for my family. On Blu-ray from Viavision [Imprint].
04/20/24