Small Soldiers (PG) PRESENTED IN 35MM FILM

Small Soldiers (PG, 1998) Presented in 35mm Film by The Revival House Perth

When teenager Alan Abernathy (Gregory Smith) receives a shipment of new action figures for his father's toy store, he discovers they're not ordinary dolls. The Commando Elite are tiny soldiers equipped with advanced military technology and artificial intelligence, while their rivals, the Gorgonites, are grotesque but pacifist creatures. Due to a military microchip accidentally installed in their systems, the Commando Elite believe they're fighting a real war, and they're determined to eliminate the Gorgonites by any means necessary. Alan soon finds himself caught in the middle of a miniature war that spills out of the toy box and into his suburban neighborhood, with the violent Commando Elite causing destruction far beyond their tiny stature. With help from his neighbor Christy (Kirsten Dunst) and reluctant alliance with the intelligent Gorgonite leader Archer (voiced by Frank Langella), Alan must stop the Commando Elite before their battle escalates into genuine harm.

Director Joe Dante brings dark humor and satirical edge to this 1998 action-comedy that deconstructs toy marketing and military culture. The film operates as both kid-friendly adventure and surprisingly pointed critique of how we package violence for children. The Commando Elite, with their war-movie dialogue and trigger-happy mentality, become unintentional parodies of action movie excess when transplanted into suburban America. Gregory Smith brings earnest determination to Alan, while Kirsten Dunst provides smart, capable support as Christy. The practical creature effects for both the Commando Elite and Gorgonites are impressive, combining animatronics with early CGI. The film's action sequences showcase creative destruction—tiny soldiers causing oversized chaos through determination and firepower. Dante's direction celebrates the absurdity while delivering genuine thrills and laughs. The film's satirical commentary on toy violence and militaristic entertainment remains relevant, disguised within entertaining spectacle that appeals to both children and adults.

Original format and audio experience of this film faithfully reproduced by The Revival House. Presented in 35mm film unless noted otherwise.

When: Sunday, July 26th at 1:30PM
Where: The Revival House at the Como Theatre
Rating: PG (Medium level violence, Low level coarse language)