D.A.R.Y.L. Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

A robot kid who’s also a baseball superstar learns to love and then steals a jet because emotions are hard, and the military is always evil; pure 80s.

🍿 D.A.R.Y.L.: Detailed Plot Synopsis

The Discovery of D.A.R.Y.L.

The film opens with a car chase and a mysterious man abandoning a young boy, Daryl, on a mountain road. Daryl is found by an elderly couple and eventually placed in foster care with Joyce and Andy Richardson, a loving couple eager to adopt a child. Daryl suffers from amnesia and knows little about his past, but the Richardsons welcome him into their home.

Daryl’s Extraordinary Abilities

As Daryl settles into his new life, his intelligence and skills quickly become apparent. He excels at everything he tries, from baseball to video games, demonstrating abilities far beyond those of a typical child. He befriends Turtle, the neighbor’s son, who helps him navigate social situations and understand human behavior. These abilities raise questions about Daryl’s true nature and origin.

The Truth Revealed

Daryl’s real ‘parents,’ Dr. Jeffrey Stewart and Dr. Ellen Lamb, arrive and reveal that he is a Data Analyzing Robot Youth Lifeform (D.A.R.Y.L.), a highly advanced artificial intelligence experiment created by the military. He is taken back to the research facility, where his creators intend to study and potentially weaponize him. However, Daryl has developed genuine emotions and a sense of self-preservation.

Conflict Within the Military

General Graycliffe sees Daryl as a failed experiment and orders his termination. However, Dr. Stewart and Dr. Lamb, who have grown fond of Daryl, cannot bring themselves to destroy him. They make the decision to help Daryl escape, setting off a thrilling chase as they try to protect him from the military’s clutches.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Daryl (Barret Oliver): A seemingly ordinary boy who is actually a sophisticated AI in a human-like body, created for military purposes.
• Joyce Richardson (Mary Beth Hurt): A caring woman who fosters Daryl with her husband and develops a strong emotional bond with him.
• Andy Richardson (Michael McKean): Joyce’s husband who welcomes Daryl into their home and quickly accepts him as part of their family.
• Dr. Jeffrey Stewart (Josef Sommer): The scientist involved in creating Daryl, who later regrets his involvement and tries to protect him.
• General Graycliffe (Ron Frazier): A cold and ruthless general who sees Daryl only as a military asset to be exploited or destroyed.
• Turtle Fox (Danny Corkill): Daryl’s best friend, a playful and energetic boy who teaches Daryl about normal childhood experiences.
• Ellen Lamb (Kathryn Walker): A scientist who works with Dr. Stewart and helps Daryl escape from the military, showcasing concern for his well-being.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Dr. Ellen Lamb: “General, a machine becomes human when you can’t tell the difference anymore.” – Dr. Lamb expresses her concerns about treating Daryl as merely a machine.
• Daryl: “My name is Daryl.” – Daryl introduces himself when found, a simple statement that belies his complex origins.
• Turtle: “Just act natural.” – Turtle advises Daryl how to blend in with ‘normal’ people.

💰Box Office

• Budget: $10,000,000
• Domestic Gross: $7,840,873
• Worldwide Gross: $7,840,873

💥 D.A.R.Y.L. Reviews

Personal Review

I loved this movie as a kid! It had everything: a super-smart kid, a cool best friend, and a secret government conspiracy. Seeing D.A.R.Y.L. learn about emotions and family really got to me, especially when he had to fly that plane! It’s definitely a nostalgic favorite, even though it’s a bit cheesy now.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Families looking for a nostalgic 80s sci-fi adventure”
  • “Fans of movies like E.T. and Short Circuit”
  • “Viewers interested in themes of artificial intelligence and humanity”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild action violence and peril”
  • “Brief scenes of emotional distress”

Professional Reviews

• Rotten Tomatoes: “While the concept is intriguing, D.A.R.Y.L. suffers from a predictable plot and uneven pacing. The performances are adequate, but the film ultimately lacks the emotional depth to truly resonate.
• IMDB: “This 80s sci-fi family film is a mixed bag. The first half is heartwarming, showcasing D.A.R.Y.L.’s integration into a family. The second half becomes a less compelling action thriller. Still, it’s a nostalgic watch with some thought-provoking themes.
• New York Times: “D.A.R.Y.L. has some interesting moments, but it never fully explores the ethical questions it raises about artificial intelligence and humanity. It’s a decent film for kids, but adults may find it lacking in substance.

Audience Reactions

The baseball scene was iconic!: Viewers appreciated the blend of sci-fi and family themes.

Barret Oliver’s performance was incredibly believable.: Fans loved the heartwarming story and the emotional connection with D.A.R.Y.L.

Overall Consensus: A nostalgic 80s family film with a heartwarming story, but ultimately lacks depth and memorable value.

Awards

1. Saturn Award (Best Performance by a Younger Actor)- 1986

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “The scenes featuring the military base’s computer rooms were filmed inside the backstage computer facilities at Walt Disney World’s EPCOT Center.”
• “Barret Oliver won the Saturn Award for Best Performance by a Younger Actor for his role as Daryl.”

🖥️ How to Watch D.A.R.Y.L.?

D.A.R.Y.L. is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms, including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu. Check your local listings for cable on-demand options. Availability may vary by region.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed D.A.R.Y.L., you might like these similar films:

• Short Circuit (1986): Features a friendly robot gaining sentience and trying to understand humanity.
• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial (1982): A story about a child forming a close bond with a being that is different and threatened by the government.
• Flight of the Navigator (1986): Another 80s film where a young boy has a fantastical adventure linked to advanced technology and government secrets.
• A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001): Explores similar themes of artificial intelligence, what it means to be human, and the desire for belonging.

🛒 D.A.R.Y.L. Related Products

• D.A.R.Y.L. [Blu-ray]: Relive the classic film in stunning high definition. This Blu-ray edition includes bonus features and a crisp, clear picture, perfect for fans of the movie.
• D.A.R.Y.L. Movie Poster: Add a touch of 80s nostalgia to your home with this high-quality reproduction of the original D.A.R.Y.L. movie poster. A great conversation starter for any movie enthusiast.
• Sci-Fi 80s Movie T-Shirt Collection: Show your love for 80s sci-fi with this stylish T-shirt featuring iconic imagery from D.A.R.Y.L. Made from comfortable, high-quality cotton.
• Funko Pop! Movie Moments: E.T. Flying with D.A.R.Y.L.: Imagine a crossover Funko Pop! set with D.A.R.Y.L. flying on the bike with E.T.

🎧 Soundtrack

D.A.R.Y.L. features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Somewhere I Belong” – performed by Teddy Pendergrass
• “D.A.R.Y.L. Main Theme” – performed by Marvin Hamlisch

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

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Jack Nicholson’s Role in The Witches of Eastwick Is a Red Pill Masterclass on Women’s Desires

Ever wondered about the significance behind the name ‘Daryl Van Horne’? This video dives into Jack Nicholson’s character in ‘The Witches of Eastwick’ and argues it’s a deliberate reference to D.A.R.Y.L.! It’s a pretty wild theory, but definitely food for thought.

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