Why Small Soldiers Is a Hidden 90s Gem Critics Overlooked

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Small Soldiers, a beloved gem from the 1990s, often overshadowed by critic’s reviews, was directed by Joe Dante, famously known for his work on Gremlins. The similarities between these two films are evident, as both feature chaos ensuing from seemingly innocuous sources. In this case, a toy company’s desire to make their GI Joe-like soldier toys more appealing by incorporating advanced microchips results in the toys perceiving themselves as real soldiers on a mission, causing quite a stir.

The film was an exciting family-oriented adventure, having less of the scary-fun elements like those found in “Gremlins”. It boasts a talented cast, including Kirsten Dunst, David Cross, and Phil Hartman in his final screen performance. I vividly recall the excitement as a kid when I watched “Small Soldiers” at the cinema, captivated by the idea that my toys might magically come to life and wage war amongst themselves. Yet, critics didn’t share the same enthusiasm for the movie back in 1998; however, “Small Soldiers” is more enjoyable than what critics would lead you to believe.

Small Soldiers Is “Rotten” On Rotten Tomatoes & Critics Weren’t Kind About It

Joe Dante’s Family-Friendly Action Movie Was Seen As One Of His Lesser Efforts

In a surprising twist, the 1990s favorite “Small Soldiers” – much-loved by fans – wasn’t generally well-received by critics. Despite its fanbase, the film garnered only a 50% score on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating a split response from reviewers. The film’s accolades primarily focused on the stunning visual effects, encompassing both puppetry and computer-generated imagery, which breathed life into these toy characters. However, the narrative was frequently criticized for being underdeveloped.

At its release, some critics voiced strong disagreements with the film “Small Soldiers.” The renowned reviewers Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert both gave it a negative rating of “Two Thumbs Down.” Notably, Roger Ebert himself criticized the movie’s portrayal of violence, stating that it was unsuitable for a family-oriented film. He cautioned younger viewers through his platform, RogerEbert.com.

At first glance, ‘Small Soldiers’ appears to be a family-friendly film; however, it hides a harsh, action-packed narrative beneath its surface. The violence is primarily directed towards toys, which might make it seem acceptable, but the portrayal of these toys as self-aware entities with heroes and villains among them could potentially create an intense, frightening experience for younger viewers.

Some found it more lenient towards the movie “Small Soldiers,” but they agreed that it didn’t introduce anything novel and was essentially attempting to imitate successful films of its time, similar to the assessment made by Empire.

“It’s Gremlins with toy soldiers, except not quite as dark or funny.”

On the contrary, other critics found a more skeptical perspective towards “Small Soldiers”. They felt that it exploited the toy-selling premise over developing a comprehensive narrative, according to the review in The Globe and Mail.

…this smells like a script slapped together around a toy-product launch.

Why Small Soldiers Is An Underrated 1990s Kids’ Movie

Small Soldiers Thrills Young Audiences With Its Premise

Reframing the statement in a more casual and engaging manner: Just like many of us remember fondly, childhood movies often gain an extra shine with the passage of time. But let me tell you about one movie that deserves even more appreciation than its reviews suggest – “Small Soldiers”. You know how every child fantasizes about their toys coming to life? Well, this movie brings that fantasy to the screen and shows what could happen when those toys start acting out. It’s a rollercoaster ride of fun that truly explores the potential chaos that can arise from our childhood daydreams!

The film “Small Soldiers” profited from being released following the success of Toy Story as Pixar’s first blockbuster hit. This movie explored a universe where our toys come alive when we’re not around, much like what was depicted in Toy Story. However, “Small Soldiers” presents this concept with an interesting twist: instead of the toys being aware that they are merely playthings, they believe their games and stories to be real and are prepared to execute their missions as if these narratives were actual events.

The ensuing confusion offers exciting action scenes, such as the Commando Elite ingeniously fashioning lethal weapons from everyday household items and gardening tools, transforming them into truly awe-inspiring killing machines. This creative process is further enhanced by the exceptional puppetry work of Stan Winston’s team that breathes life into these captivating toys.

In my opinion, the movie brilliantly explores an intriguing power shift among its characters. Initially, the heroes and antagonists were clearly defined – the Commandos Elite, with their striking prowess, represented our action-packed protagonists, while the Gorgonites, with their monstrous appearance, served as the ominous adversaries. Yet, as the narrative unfolds, a fascinating twist emerges: the new intelligence systems inadvertently transform the Commandos into relentless foes, whereas the Gorgonites reveal themselves to be compassionate and tranquil beings. This dynamic keeps you guessing until the very end!

As a die-hard film enthusiast, I can’t help but appreciate the clever casting choices in this movie. Not only do we have Tommy Lee Jones commanding the Commando Elite, but the legendary war movie cast from “The Dirty Dozen,” featuring Jim Brown, George Kennedy, and Ernest Borgnine, lend their voices to these elite troops. The Gorgonites, on the other hand, are led by Frank Langella as Archer, while the witty cast of “This is Spinal Tap,” including Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, and Harry Shearer, bring the rest of them to life.

Small Soldiers might not be a flawless film, but it certainly offers the desired mix of action, humor, and creativity that its intended viewers crave. Its striking special effects make it a movie that remains compelling even after all these years. Although critics may have had some reservations about the movie, it’s easy to understand why this ’90s gem continues to resonate with us long after its release.

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2025-05-17 20:39