Small Soldiers stands as a memorable treasure of the 1990s, despite receiving a lukewarm reception from critics upon its release. Directed by Joe Dante, famed for his work on Gremlins, the film shares thematic elements with this classic, showcasing how seemingly innocent toys can descend into chaos when animated by technology. In the narrative, toy soldiers equipped with advanced microchips become convinced they are real soldiers on a dangerous mission, leading to unpredictable consequences.
This family-oriented adventure flick diverges from the darker comedic tones of Gremlins, featuring a talented cast that includes Kirsten Dunst, David Cross, and Phil Hartman in his final film role. As a child, I recall the excitement of watching Small Soldiers in theaters, captivated by the idea of my toys coming to life and embarking on epic battles. Although critics downplayed its merits when it debuted in 1998, a closer look reveals that there is much more to appreciate about this film than what initial reviews suggested.
Critical Reception of Small Soldiers: A “Rotten”Rating on Rotten Tomatoes
Joe Dante’s Family-Friendly Action Film: A Lesser-Known Effort
Like other cherished films from the ’90s such as Hook or Hocus Pocus, Small Soldiers has garnered a loyal fanbase, yet its critical reception was far from favorable. With a score of only 50% on Rotten Tomatoes, the film exemplifies a spectrum of mixed reviews. Despite this, it received recognition for its cutting-edge special effects, utilizing both puppetry and CGI to bring the toy characters to life. However, the narrative itself faced scrutiny, lacking depth according to many reviewers.
Notable critics Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert were particularly harsh, awarding the film “Two Thumbs Down.”Ebert specifically criticized the film’s portrayal of violence, finding it discordant with its family-oriented marketing, and cautioned audiences as follows (via RogerEbert.com):
“Small Soldiers” is a family picture on the outside, and a mean, violent action picture on the inside. Since most of the violence happens to toys, I guess we’re supposed to give it a pass, but I dunno: The toys are presented as individuals who can think for themselves, and there are believable heroes and villains among them.
Some reviewers, while not as scathing, pointed out that the film offered little originality, resembling more popular films without achieving their distinctiveness, as expressed in a review from Empire:
“It’s Gremlins with toy soldiers, except not quite as dark or funny.”
Conversely, other critics implied that the film’s script felt like a marketing vehicle, lacking a coherent story beyond promoting the toy line, as noted by The Globe and Mail:
…this smells like a script slapped together around a toy-product launch.
The Undeniable Charm of Small Soldiers: A 1990s Classic
A Concept That Resonates With Young Audiences
While nostalgia often enhances the perception of childhood films, Small Soldiers deserves recognition beyond its lackluster reviews. It captures the imagination of its audience, brilliantly depicting the childhood fantasy of toys coming to life. The film expertly explores the chaos that can ensue when that fantasy becomes reality.
Strategically released after the iconic success of Toy Story, which introduced the enchanting world of animated toys, Small Soldiers offers a unique twist. Instead of likening toys to playful beings, it presents them as highly intelligent militants, oblivious to their toy nature, tasked with executing missions as though their fictitious battles were serious endeavors.
The film’s action sequences benefit from clever improvisation by the Commando Elite, who transform everyday household items into formidable weapons, creating visually engaging and thrilling chaos. The craftsmanship of Stan Winston’s puppetry further amplifies the sense of reality for these animated figures.
Another captivating aspect of Small Soldiers is the dynamic between its characters. Comprising two factions—the formidable Commando Elite and the gentle Gorgonites—this playful dichotomy provides rich contrast. Emerging technology alters the commandos, fashioning them into ruthless adversaries, while the Gorgonites are portrayed as peaceful beings seeking to coexist.
Additionally, the voice cast enhances the film’s charm. The Commando Elite are led by Tommy Lee Jones and feature actors from the legendary ensemble of The Dirty Dozen, including Jim Brown, George Kennedy, and Ernest Borgnine. On the other hand, Frank Langella voices the Gorgonite leader, Archer, while the iconic cast of This Is Spinal Tap lends their talents to other Gorgonite characters.
Small Soldiers may not achieve perfection; however, its blend of excitement, humor, and creativity resonates with its intended audience. With remarkable special effects, the film has proven to be enduring over the years. Despite the criticisms it faced, it is evident why this ’90s classic continues to capture the hearts of viewers even decades later.