When making a film for children, your first choice of actor is never a foul mouthed stand up comedian, but if George Carlin can star on Shining Time Station than I guess Denis Leary can star in a kids film. That's just one example, however of the mixed signals this film is having. Is it a kid flick or an adult film?
In a rather smart satire of greedy corporate America, the film starts off with a major weapons manufacturor purchasing a toy company (amongst other assorted industries). Leary plays the hard-assed head of the company, and when he want's something done, he gets it done. In this case he wants to design fully interactive action figures which not only move on their own but can think and learn. A toy designer (Jay Mohr) uses his all access company pass and finds himself a chip in company stock which will do just what the boss wants. Of course it's a munitions chips, but he's not thinking of that. It's the type of scenereo that has the makings of a good horror flick (like a cross between Child's Play and Gremlins... the latter film's presence is oddly enough felt in the film ) where anything that can go wrong will, but it's a kids show remember.
Which brings us to small town America, you know, real kids real problems. Alan Abernathy (Gregory Smith) has a past filled with trouble, and his family moved away from the big city in hopes that Alan will straighten out. Alan's father has established a business full of non commercial toys (no violence stuff), and of course it's less than successful. So when Alan, watching over the store, has the chance to finally make his dad some profit by taking in the first shipment of the new Small Soldiers toy line, he jumps at it. Of course we all know what happens....
In quick, the Small Soldiers line is divided into the monsterous-but-peacful knowledge-seeking Gorgonites and the heavily armed Commando Elite, whose sole function is to hunt and destroy the Gorgonites. In the process of fulfilling their command, the Commando Elite destroy the toy store, causing more trouble for Alan. Alan befriends Archer, the Gorgonites leader, and swears to protect the creatures from the sadistic Chip Hazard and his death hungry band of soldiers. The battle turns to the homefront (Alan's house), and Alan's parents (as well as the girl-next-door-of-Alan's-desires (Kirsten Dunst)) see him in a whole new light as he takes charge of the situation and manages to destroy the Commandos threatening his tiny toy friends.
While humerous and entertaining, there are some pretty intense scenes involving sharp objects and some rather creepy Barbie-knock-off mutated dolls, so it may not be too suitable for small kids (under seven... then again, maturity levels do vary... hrm... parents, use your judgement). I must admit I liked it, and I would encourage parents to join their children while watching the film, both for enjoyment and child comfort.
It's not until the end credits where it's revealed that the various Gorgonites and Commando Elite are voice by the surviving Dirty Dozen and Spinal Tap members, and the Gwendy Dolls are actually Sarah Michelle Gellar and Christina Ricci. I just thought that was a cool touch.