*batteries not included (1987)
Synopsis:
In a crumbling New York apartment building slated for demolition, a small group of tenants refuses to leave their homes despite pressure from a greedy developer using criminal tactics to force them out. Among the residents are elderly couple Frank and Faye Riley, along with neighbors Harry Noble, Marisa Esteval, and the Hogensons. Their struggle seems hopeless until an unexpected miracle arrives: tiny mechanical aliens land on Earth seeking a recharge. Charmed by the residents' plight, these small extraterrestrial visitors decide to stay and lend their unique abilities to help the tenants fight back against the developer's schemes. This heartwarming tale blends science fiction with comedy as ordinary people discover that sometimes help comes from the most extraordinary places, proving that even the smallest allies can make the biggest difference.
Where To Watch: *batteries not included
Parental Feedback
*batteries not included offers a gentle, heartwarming tone that blends lighthearted comedy with emotional moments centered on community and resilience. Parents should expect a slower-paced story that balances whimsical fantasy elements with themes of aging, loss, and standing up against injustice. The film maintains a family-friendly atmosphere throughout, though some scenes involving threats from developers and moments of sadness may require brief conversations with younger viewers about real-world issues like gentrification and memory loss.
Why Kids Should Watch *batteries not included
This story presents several valuable lessons wrapped in an imaginative science fiction adventure that appeals to family audiences.
The film celebrates the power of community and neighbors helping one another through difficult times. When residents of an apartment building face eviction, they band together rather than give up, demonstrating that unity and mutual support can overcome seemingly impossible challenges.
The arrival of tiny mechanical aliens introduces a sense of wonder and creativity that sparks imagination. These helpful visitors decide to stay and assist the residents, showing children that kindness can come from unexpected places and that even the smallest helpers can make a big difference.
The intergenerational relationships, particularly between Frank and Faye Riley and their younger neighbors, model respect and care across age groups. Children see characters treating elderly residents with dignity and compassion, reinforcing the importance of valuing all community members regardless of age.
The fantasy elements remain accessible and non-threatening, making science fiction concepts approachable for younger viewers. The mechanical aliens are portrayed as friendly and helpful rather than scary, introducing children to the genre in a warm and welcoming way.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch *batteries not included
While generally family-friendly, certain elements may concern parents depending on their child's age and sensitivities.
The film addresses mature themes including dementia and memory loss through Faye Riley's character, which may be confusing or upsetting for younger children. Parents may need to explain these conditions and help children process scenes where Faye experiences confusion or forgetfulness.
Antagonistic characters use intimidation tactics and criminal methods to force residents from their homes, creating tension and conflict throughout the story. Some scenes involve threats and property damage that could be frightening for sensitive viewers, even though violence remains minimal.
The underlying theme of displacement and losing one's home carries emotional weight that may resonate differently with children depending on their own experiences. The threat of demolition and forced eviction introduces real-world anxieties that some families may prefer to address at a later developmental stage.
Verdict: Parent Approved
*batteries not included earns approval for families seeking a gentle science fiction story that emphasizes community, compassion, and standing up for what's right, though parents should be prepared to discuss themes of aging and displacement with younger viewers.
What Parents Should Know About *batteries not included
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the residents demonstrate cooperation, loyalty, and standing up against injustice, while the mechanical aliens model helpfulness and kindness toward those in need. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | Yes, scenes involving Faye's memory difficulties and the residents' fear of losing their homes carry emotional weight that may require parental guidance and discussion. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | Yes, the antagonists who use criminal methods and intimidation ultimately face resistance from the community, demonstrating that bullying and greed have negative outcomes. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the residents work together throughout the story, sharing resources and supporting one another through challenges, with the mechanical aliens joining their collaborative efforts. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Yes, the story emphasizes that community strength, compassion for vulnerable neighbors, and standing together against injustice can overcome powerful opposition. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate the film's warmhearted approach to science fiction and its emphasis on community values, finding it suitable for family viewing with some caveats. Many note that the gentle portrayal of the mechanical aliens makes fantasy elements accessible even to younger children who might typically be frightened by science fiction. The intergenerational relationships receive particular praise for modeling respect and care between young and old. However, parents consistently mention that Faye's cognitive struggles and the threat of eviction introduce mature themes that benefit from adult context and conversation. Most families find the PG rating appropriate, recommending the film for children who can handle mild tension and emotional complexity while appreciating its ultimately hopeful message about neighbors helping neighbors.
Official *batteries not included Trailer
Why Kids Love *batteries not included
The tiny mechanical aliens are the ultimate cool gadgets come to life. These flying saucers zoom around the old apartment building, fixing broken appliances and repairing damage with their glowing tools and spinning parts. Kids love watching these palm-sized spaceships whir through rooms, leaving trails of sparks as they work their mechanical magic.
The aliens become smart problem-solvers when the residents face trouble from criminals trying to force them out. They zip through windows, rebuild smashed furniture, and even create baby saucers that help with the repairs. The teamwork between Frank, Faye, Harry, Marisa, and their miniature metal friends turns ordinary apartment chaos into an exciting rescue mission.
Watching these little flying machines stand up for the residents creates plenty of funny moments and unexpected surprises. The aliens communicate through beeps and light flashes while zooming around fixing everything in sight. Their determination to help people in need makes every repair scene feel like a mini-adventure, especially when they work together to save the crumbling building and outsmart the bad guys trying to tear it down.