*Batteries Not Included (1987)

3.5 / 5
Tagline: Five ordinary people needed a miracle. Then one night, Faye Riley left the window open.
Directed by: Matthew Robbins
Written by: Mick Garris, Brad Bird
Actors include: Hume Cronyn, Jessica Tandy, Frank McRae
Genre: Sci-Fi, Family, Comedy
Length: 106 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is a charmingly adorable little family film that everyone should be able to appreciate. A group of folks in an apartment complex are being forced to move so that the area can be demolished, but of course they love their homes and don't want to move. The evil land developers then hire a gang to try to force the people to leave in a less than friendly manner. It seems like all hope is lost until an elderly couple leave their window open one night. See little mechanical aliens (that is pretty cute) have arrived and are ready and willing to help the tenants using their special powers. The cast are really great in this, Jessica Tandy and Hume Cronyn are hard to resist and the aliens are great too. I haven't seen this in many years but it still brings warm fuzzies to think about watching it, definitely recommended for most.

Availability:  On DVD

Android (1982)

3.5 / 5 Aug '10
Tagline: On a remote space laboratory, Android Model MAX 404 has learnt how to live...and learnt how to kill!
Directed by: Aaron Lipstadt
Written by: James Reigle, Don Keith Opper
Actors include: Klaus Kinski, Brie Howard, Norbert Weisser
Genre: Sci-Fi
Length: 80 minutes
Banned: Nope

Review:
This is a rather unusual and cheap sci-fi film, but on the other hand it's rather effective and well acted, plus the plot is an intriguing one. Klaus Kinski plays Dr. Daniel a Scientist on a research station who is completely alone...except for Max. Together they carry out research about Androids (who were banned several years ago for rape and various other problems that existed). Max is clumsy and awkward, weird, horny and lonely too. He watches sexual training videos for fun! When three space refugees land on their ship Max is eager to make nice with the girl. He's not the only one who has the hots for her though, Dr. Daniel has an eye for her too. It's a very strange film that leaves you kind of guessing where it's going but in a way I liked that about it. It's not going to be for everyone but I think it was a memorable little oddball sci-fi flick that should appeal to some.

Availability:  On DVD