Quartile rating: 6.5/10 · 1 rating
In a soon to be demolished block of apartments, the residents resist the criminal methods used to force them to leave so a greedy tycoon can build his new skyscraper. When tiny mechanical aliens land for a recharge, they decide to stay and help out.
*batteries not included is a warmhearted Spielberg-produced fantasy that blends urban social drama with whimsical alien intervention. The plot is functional and charming but predictable, hitting familiar underdog-vs-developer beats. The ensemble acting, led by Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, is genuinely heartfelt and elevates the material above its premise. Cinematography is workmanlike for the era, serviceable but unremarkable. The tiny mechanical aliens (the Fix-Its) are a memorable and distinctive conceit that gives the film a singular charm, earning above-average novelty. The ending is emotionally satisfying in a crowd-pleasing but somewhat saccharine way — effective within the film's own terms without being especially surprising.