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Click above to purchase "Toys" at amazon.com
Toys
review by Zach B.
Rated PG-13
Running Time: 101 minutes
Starring Robin Williams, Michael Gambon, Joan Cusack,
Robin Wright, LL Cool J
Written by Valerie Curtin & Barry Levinson
Directed by Barry Levinson
Studio: Fox
Retail Price: $19.98
Features: Featurette, Theatrical Trailers, TV
Spots
Specs: 1.85:1 Anamorphic Widescreen, English Dolby
Digital 5.1, English Dolby Surround, French Dolby Surround,
English Closed Captions, English Subtitles, Spanish
Subtitles, Scene Selection
Released: October 2nd, 2001
Robin Williams is Leslie Zevo, an adult who's like a
giant, big kid (doesn't Williams always play those usually
with great fun and joy?). Leslie is the son of a toy factory
owner, who, at the start of the movie, passes away. So our
plot gets set up, of taking over the factory. Leslie seems
to be the key choice who has a natural love of toys and
ideas, but his uncle, Leland (Michael Gambson) takes it
over, but for the wrong needs. Leland is a crazed military
guy, who is plotting to build toys that are really weapons
at heart. So it's up to Leslie to reclaim his father's
legacy and stop Leland.
"Toys" is a movie that's often bashed and a movie that
people don't automatically think Barry Levinson for, but I
really believe it's an underrated movie. No, it's not great
and truly pales in comparison when you compare it to other
Levinson writing-directing works, such as "Diner" and
"Liberty Heights." Still, while some may not be fond of the
plot or "weirdness," there's no denying how creative and how
great this movie looks. I think Levinson does a pretty solid
directing job, capturing great shots and directing the movie
in good fashion. The script is a classic good vs. evil
story, written by Levinson and Valerie Curtin. While the
script tells the story, packs a few jokes and a variety of
moments, I felt there could have been a little more
development as far as characters. Not to mention the movie
meanders a little with a two hour running time, so trimming
it a little would have been a bit better if you ask me.
The quirky and rather delightful score from Hans Zimmer
and Trevor Horn is nice, while some fine performances make
this movie watchable. Williams gives another great, comical
and somewhat heartfelt role as Leslie. Williams passion and
energy bursts onto the screen like usual as he reteams with
his "Good Morning Vietnam" director. Michael Gambor makes a
good villain, while supporting performances from Joan Cusack
and Robin Wright are cool, not to mention smaller roles from
stars who have gotten bigger over the years, such as Jamie
Foxx and LL Cool J.
But perhaps the real star of "Toys" is the wonderful
design aspect. The movie received Oscar® nods for
Costume Design and Set Decoration, and there's no wonder why
it shouldn't. The visuals in the movie are beautiful, neat,
over the top, absurd and in all, magnificent. The design
production shows, no matter how small or big a scene may be,
each one has its own unique feel thanks to the production
designers. It's all really clever and well done, and really
brings a good amount to the movie. Not that it replaces
plot, but it's all great to see.
"Toys" isn't a great movie, but it's pretty good. I feel
the time when it was released it wasn't given so much of a
chance, and while it hasn't gained so much of an audience
over time, if you like visuals, this is a movie worth
checking out.
With a 1.85:1 anamorphic widescreen transfer, "Toys"
looks pretty decent. I was a bit disappointed though. This
movie feels like just a direct transfer. It could have
really shined if there was some extra effort. It looks a bit
dull and murky, and I felt if it was a bit brighter and
sharper, the wonderful visuals would have just popped off
the screen and make it a great experience. However, that
does not happen. Black levels are good, detail is fine but
there are blemishes and scratches here and there. By no
means bad, but considering the film, it should have been a
lot better.
"Toys" includes an English Dolby Digital 5.1 track that
is pretty good. The score sounds particularly nice through
the channels, while dialogue is clear and easy to hear.
There is some good surround use with the more action
oriented scenes (the sound really brought me into them).
There's some good imaging between the channels. The front
speakers sound fine. There's a solid ambience to this mix
that can't be denied with just enough .1 LFE. Worthwhile
for sure. English and French Dolby surround tracks are
included, plus the usual English closed captions, English
subtitles and French subtitles.
All promo here, though I would have loved to see in-depth
featurettes about the film's design. In anycase, there's the
usual Fox promotional Featurette which doesn't feel
so promo at all. It has a jokey attitude to it, but it
explores what the movie actually is and it's "secrecy" and
has footage of filming the movie, on the set interviews and
shooting the trailers for it. The interviews are pretty
good. Williams' constant jokes are great. This lasts a
little over eight minutes.
We're also treated to all four Trailers. These are
pretty fun, especially Williams' lines. No doubt that they
were improv. Two TV Spots are also included plus
Fox Flix Trailers for "Mrs. Doubtfire," "Home Alone,"
"Jingle All the Way" and the 1994 version of "Miracle on
34th Street."
"Toys" is not a bad movie, and this DVD is a bit
disappointing. However, you can get it a good price, so fans
of the movie should pick it up. If you've never seen it,
it's worth renting.
 (3.5/5 - NOT included in
final score)
(3.5/5)
(3.5/5)
 (1.5/5)
(3.5/5, NOT an average)
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