Click to read the article
Small Soldiers (1998)
Tomatometer
How does the Tomatometer work ![]()
Reviews Counted:40
Fresh:19
Rotten:21
Average Rating:6.2/10
Runtime: 1 hr 50 mins
Genre: Comedies
Synopsis: A toy company believes it is onto something when it employs the latest government military technology in a series of action figures, enabling them to talk. They underestimate the power of the... A toy company believes it is onto something when it employs the latest government military technology in a series of action figures, enabling them to talk. They underestimate the power of the special micro chips they've employed, however, as the two opposing sides of the toy line start thinking for themselves and engaging in real combat. The Commando Elite (belligerent war toys) vow to wipe out the Gorgonites (kindhearted misfit fantasy creature figures) in a suburban neighborhood. A young boy, with the help of the kind Gorgonites, must protect his home and family from the Commandos. Listen for the voices of Spinal Tap (Mike McKean, Chris Guest, and Harry Shearer) as Gorgonite Voices as well as Sarah Michelle Gellar and Christina Ricci (as the voices of evil, mutated Barbie dolls). [More]
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Gregory Edward Smith, Jay Mohr
Starring: Kirsten Dunst, Phil Hartman, Gregory Edward Smith, Jay Mohr, Denis Leary, Kevin Dunn, Ann Magnuson, David Cross, Dick Miller, Tommy Lee Jones, Frank Langella, Ernest Borgnine, Christopher Guest, Michael McKean, Harry Shearer, Jim Brown, Bruce Dern, George Kennedy, Clint Walker, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Christina Ricci
Director: Joe Dante
Director: Joe Dante
Screenwriter: Gavin Scott, Adam Rifkin, Terry Rossio, Ted Elliott
Producer: Michael Finnell, Colin Wilson
Composer: Jerry Goldsmith
Reviews for Small Soldiers
Think Gremlins and Toy Story -- but aim lower -- and you've got the idea.
As absurd as the premise might seem, Small Soldiers works for two primary reasons: the visual effects ... are entirely convincing and the script ... never takes its tongue out of its cheek.
As with many films in which special effects are the real stars, the technology here commands more respect and interest than the material otherwise warrants.
...aside from some funny puns (most of which have already been spoiled by the TV spots) and some pop-culture references that no child and most adults won't understand, Small Soldiers just isn't funny enough.
The fantasy violence is fast and furious (dolls exploding, people cut and shot) however isn't depicted in a gory or graphic nature.
I can't think of a Hollywood entertainment I've enjoyed as much all year, and both audiences I saw the movie with seemed delighted as well.
A charmless and often mean-spirited 'kids' movie' that no kid under eight should be taken to see.
Stan Winston's miniature and CGI effects are wonderful, but they can't conceal an obviously weak script in what is unfortunately a footnote to Dante's better work.
Latest News for Small Soldiers
October 11, 2005:
Filmmaker to Wear Multiple Hats on Prehistoric "Erectus"
Filmmaker Adam Rifkin will write, direct, and star in the caveman comedy "Homo Erectus," says The Hollywood Reporter. Any similarities to films starring Ringo Starr... More...
April 27, 2005:
Courteney Cox to "Zoom" into Superhero Flick
Variety brings news of the next project for former "Friends" star Courtney Cox. The blue-eyed beauty will co-star opposite Tim Allen in "Zoom," a superhero... More...
More DVDs
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 36% 36% | Angels & Demons |
| 25% 25% | Four Christmases |
| 68% 68% | Funny People |
| 95% 95% | Star Trek |
| 14% 14% | The Ugly Truth |
| Tomatometer Percentage | Movie |
|---|---|
| 32% 32% | Terminator Salvation |
| 44% 44% | Night at the Museum: B… |
| 86% 86% | A Christmas Tale |
| 60% 60% | Paper Heart |
What’s Hot On RT
Other News
Sponsored Links
Around The Network
- Small Soldiers at Rotten Tomatoes
- Small Soldiers at IGN
Fresh Links
Featured

Subscribe to RT's YouTube channel and don't miss a second of our cracking video content.

Follow Rotten Tomatoes and join us as we tweet about the week's releases.



Top Critic

