*batteries not included Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Some robot hubcaps help old people avoid getting evicted because gentrification is the real monster.

🍿 *batteries not included: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Eviction Threat

In New York City’s East Village, a real estate developer, Lacey, is determined to demolish a run-down apartment building to make way for a new development. However, a handful of tenants stubbornly refuse to leave, clinging to their homes and memories. Among them are Frank and Faye Riley, an elderly couple who run a small diner in the building.

Arrival of the Fix-Its

As the tenants face increasing pressure and intimidation from Lacey’s thugs, a pair of small, mysterious, mechanical beings arrives. These ‘Fix-Its,’ as they are dubbed by Faye Riley, seem to have the ability to repair broken objects and even bring inanimate objects to life. They quickly become allies to the tenants, fixing the damage caused by the developer’s goons.

Growing Hope and Conflict

The Fix-Its not only repair physical damage but also bring hope to the residents, helping them to stand up to Lacey and his relentless tactics. However, the Fix-Its’ presence also attracts unwanted attention from Lacey and his men, who become determined to eliminate them. Meanwhile, the tenants’ lives become intertwined as they support each other in the face of adversity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Frank Riley (Hume Cronyn): Frank is the steadfast owner of Riley’s Cafe and the husband of Faye, struggling to care for her and maintain their home.
• Faye Riley (Jessica Tandy): Faye is Frank’s wife, an elderly woman with dementia who finds joy in the simple things and connects with the Fix-Its.
• Marisa Esteval (Elizabeth Peña): Marisa is a pregnant single mother and tenant in the building who finds unexpected support and romance.
• Mason Baylor (Dennis Boutsikaris): Mason is a struggling artist living in the building who develops feelings for Marisa and helps the tenants.
• Carlos (Michael Carmine): Carlos is the initially ruthless gang leader hired to evict the tenants, but experiences a change of heart.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Frank Riley: “The quickest way to end a miracle is to ask it why it is… or what it wants.” – Frank advises against questioning the origins or motives of the ‘Fix-Its’ to preserve their magic.
• Faye Riley: “They’re just little guys, Frank.” – Faye affectionately refers to the newly arrived alien robots, highlighting her innocent and accepting nature.
• Mason Baylor: “This is the ’80s, Mason, nobody likes reality anymore!” – Pamela says to Mason highlighting the escapism that audiences prefer in the movies of the time.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $25,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $32,945,797
• Worldwide Gross: $65,088,797

💥 *batteries not included Reviews

Personal Review

I remember watching this as a kid and being completely captivated by the little robot aliens. They were so cute and helpful! Seeing it again, the story is a bit cheesy, but the sentimentality still works. Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn are amazing. I cried when the building burned down, and cheered when it was rebuilt! It’s a perfect movie for a cozy night in with the family, a real feel-good flick!

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of family-friendly sci-fi movies”
  • “Viewers who enjoy heartwarming stories about community and hope”
  • “Those who appreciate films with a touch of fantasy and wonder”
  • “Fans of Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild violence and property damage”
  • “Brief scenes of peril and threat”
  • “Mature themes of eviction and dementia”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “”*batteries not included” is a well-meaning but uneven fantasy. While the special effects are charming, the sentimental story and predictable plot points make it a lightweight cinematic experience. The performances of Tandy and Cronyn provide a touching anchor, but the film ultimately lacks the depth to resonate beyond its superficial charm.”
• Roger Ebert: “A heartwarming family film with solid performances, especially from Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy. Although predictable, the movie delivers a satisfying message about community and hope. The special effects, while dated, are charming and contribute to the movie’s overall whimsical tone. It is sentimental, but genuinely so.

Audience Reactions

The heartwarming story of community and hope resonated deeply with viewers.: Most audience members agreed that the movie had a strong sentimental core and relatable characters.

The unique design and charm of the robot aliens were a major draw for viewers.: Viewers often praised the special effects as being creative and memorable for their time.

Overall Consensus: A sentimental and heartwarming family film that, while predictable, offers a comforting message of hope and community, elevated by strong performances and charming special effects.

Awards

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The movie was originally conceived as a segment for Steven Spielberg’s ‘Amazing Stories’ TV series.”
• “The opening credits include real wedding photos of Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, who were married for over 50 years.”

🖥️ How to Watch *batteries not included?

Check streaming availability on platforms like Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Purchase options may also be available through these services. Physical copies (DVDs and Blu-rays) can often be found on Amazon and at major retailers.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed *batteries not included, you might like these similar films:

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): Shares the theme of friendly extraterrestrial beings helping humans in need and the wonder of their arrival.
• Cocoon (1985): Features elderly protagonists finding renewed vitality and purpose through contact with benevolent aliens.
• Short Circuit (1986): A friendly robot gains sentience and befriends a human, going on adventures and causing comedic mayhem.
• The Iron Giant (1999): A boy befriends a giant robot from outer space, highlighting themes of friendship, sacrifice, and finding humanity in unexpected places.
• Wall-E (2008): Explores themes of environmentalism, consumerism, and the potential for robots to rediscover human connection in a dystopian future.

🛒 *batteries not included Related Products

• *batteries not included [Blu-ray]: A remastered Blu-ray edition of this 80s classic. A must-have for collectors and fans of classic sci-fi family movies. Comes with special features and behind-the-scenes content.
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Ultimate Cookbook: Inspired Dishes From The Film: Inspired by E.T. and Spielberg movies. Featuring creative dishes. A great item for foodies and fans of the movie.
• Funko Pop! Movies: E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial – E.T.: A Funko Pop! vinyl figure of E.T.
• Sci-Fi Movie Poster Set (Set of 6) – 12×18 UNFRAMED Prints – Vintage Science Fiction Film Posters: High-quality prints featuring iconic sci-fi movie posters from the 80’s. Perfect for decorating a home theater or office.

🎧 Soundtrack

*batteries not included features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Main Title” – performed by James Horner
• “Riley’s Cafe” – performed by James Horner
• “Let’s Have Another Cup of Coffee” – performed by Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

10 Things You Didn’t Know About batteries not included

Think you know everything about *Batteries Not Included*? This video reveals some behind-the-scenes secrets and fun facts that even I didn’t know! Prepare to be surprised!

ILM’s “Batteries Not Included” Robot Puppet!

Ever wondered how they brought those adorable robots to life in *Batteries Not Included*? Adam Savage gets up close and personal with one of the original puppets from ILM, and the craftsmanship is incredible!

Show and Tell: Batteries Not Included’s Wheems Replica!

This fan-made Wheems replica from *Batteries Not Included* is seriously impressive! The detail and functionality are spot-on; you won’t believe how much love went into this project!

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