Emlynne Wilke

Written by Emlynne Wilke

Modified & Updated: 05 Mar 2024

Jessica Corbett

Reviewed by Jessica Corbett

49-facts-about-the-movie-small-soldiers
Source: Flicks.co.nz

Get ready to dive into the fascinating world of the movie Small Soldiers! This action-packed adventure film, released in 1998, captured the imaginations of audiences with its unique blend of comedy, fantasy, and thrilling action sequences. Directed by Joe Dante, famous for his work on films like Gremlins, Small Soldiers is a true gem in the world of family-friendly entertainment.

In this article, we will explore 49 intriguing facts about Small Soldiers that will not only entertain you but also deepen your appreciation for the craftsmanship behind this underrated cinematic masterpiece. From behind-the-scenes trivia to interesting tidbits about the cast and characters, we’ve got it all covered. So, sit back, relax, and get ready to journey into the world of animated toy soldiers and their epic battle for supremacy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Small Soldiers, released in 1998, combines action and comedy with groundbreaking special effects, creating an entertaining movie experience loved by fans of all ages.
  • The movie explores themes of friendship, loyalty, and the ethical implications of technology, making it a nostalgic and thought-provoking adventure for viewers.
Table of Contents

Small Soldiers was released in 1998.

Directed by Joe Dante, Small Soldiers is an action-packed adventure film that combines the world of toys with a thrilling storyline.

The movie was produced by Steven Spielberg.

With Spielberg’s involvement, Small Soldiers had high expectations and successfully delivered a unique concept to audiences.

The cast includes Kirsten Dunst and Gregory Smith.

Both Dunst and Smith delivered standout performances, adding depth and authenticity to their characters in the movie.

The plot revolves around two sets of toy action figures coming to life.

In Small Soldiers, the Gorgonites and the Commando Elite, two rival toy factions, gain sentience due to a computer chip malfunction.

The special effects in the movie were groundbreaking.

Small Soldiers pushed the boundaries of visual effects, seamlessly integrating CGI characters into live-action scenes.

The movie explores ethical questions regarding technology and warfare.

Small Soldiers raises thought-provoking questions about the unintended consequences of advanced technology in the wrong hands.

The voice actors for the Commando Elite include Tommy Lee Jones and Jim Brown.

Jones and Brown lent their voices to the Commando Elite, infusing the characters with intensity and authority.

The Gorgonites were voiced by Frank Langella and Christopher Guest.

Langella and Guest brought depth and empathy to the Gorgonite characters, revealing their longing for peace and freedom.

Small Soldiers has a memorable musical score composed by Jerry Goldsmith.

Goldsmith’s score elevates the intensity and emotional impact of the film, adding another layer of excitement to the action sequences.

The movie received mixed reviews from critics.

While some praised its creativity and visual effects, others felt that the plot lacked depth and coherence.

Small Soldiers has gained a cult following over the years.

Despite its initial reception, the movie has garnered a dedicated fan base who appreciate its unique premise and entertainment value.

The toys from Small Soldiers became popular collectibles.

With their intricate designs and iconic status in the film, the action figures from Small Soldiers became sought-after collectibles for toy enthusiasts.

The movie explores themes of loyalty and friendship.

Through the characters’ interactions, Small Soldiers delves into the importance of standing by those we care about and the power of true friendship.

Small Soldiers utilized both practical and digital effects.

The combination of practical effects, such as animatronics and puppetry, along with CGI, added authenticity to the movie’s toy characters.

The Commando Elite toys were designed to emulate real-life military forces.

The attention to detail in the Commando Elite’s design showcased their advanced weaponry and tactical strategies.

The Gorgonite toys were made to resemble mythical creatures.

From their rugged appearances to their distinct personalities, the Gorgonites embodied the imagination and fantasy elements of the toy world.

Small Soldiers was a box office success, grossing over $71 million in the United States alone.

Despite the initial mixed reviews, the movie appealed to audiences and generated significant revenue at the box office.

It combines action and comedy elements to create an entertaining movie experience.

Small Soldiers strikes a balance between thrilling action sequences and comedic moments, appealing to a wide range of viewers.

The movie showcases the power of imagination.

Through the eyes of the characters, Small Soldiers emphasizes the limitless possibilities that imagination brings, even within the realm of toys.

Small Soldiers features references to classic war movies.

From the cinematography to the dialogue, the film pays homage to war movie tropes while adding a unique twist with its toy-centric storyline.

The toy designs were inspired by historical and fictional military figures.

The attention to detail in the toy designs reflects the filmmakers’ commitment to creating a believable toy world within the movie.

Small Soldiers addresses the moral consequences of violence.

The movie raises questions about the repercussions of using violence as a solution and the importance of finding peaceful resolutions.

The movie’s tagline is “Big Action. Big Trouble. Small Soldiers.”

This catchy tagline captures the essence of the film, promising an action-packed and thrilling adventure.

Small Soldiers was released during the summer blockbuster season.

The film’s release during the summer allowed it to compete with other big-budget movies and capture the attention of audiences.

The production budget for Small Soldiers was estimated to be around $40 million.

Investing in cutting-edge visual effects and an all-star cast, the film’s budget reflected the ambition and scope of the project.

The movie features cameos from well-known actors.

Look out for small appearances by actors such as George Kennedy, Clint Walker, and Phil Hartman, adding to the star-studded nature of the film.

Small Soldiers inspired a video game adaptation.

Released for various gaming platforms, the Small Soldiers video game allowed fans to immerse themselves further in the action-packed world of the film.

Small Soldiers explores the themes of identity and self-discovery.

Through the journey of the main characters, the movie delves into the search for identity and the process of discovering one’s true self.

The movie’s runtime is approximately 110 minutes.

This concise runtime ensures that the story is fast-paced and engaging, keeping viewers entertained from start to finish.

Small Soldiers features impressive set design and location choices.

From suburban neighborhoods to toy stores, the film’s settings add depth to the story and enhance the overall visual experience.

The movie’s soundtrack includes popular songs from the late 1990s.

The inclusion of well-known songs from that era adds nostalgia and further immerses viewers in the time period in which the film was released.

Small Soldiers has become a favorite for family movie nights.

Its blend of action, adventure, and humor makes it an ideal choice for families looking for an entertaining film to watch together.

The movie highlights the power of teamwork.

Small Soldiers emphasizes the importance of working together, showcasing the strength that comes from collaboration and unity.

The toy battle sequences in Small Soldiers are visually exciting.

The expertly choreographed toy battles are a visual feast for the eyes, filled with explosive action and thrilling moments.

Small Soldiers features impressive practical effects that bring the toys to life.

The attention to detail in the animatronic and puppetry work gives the toy characters a lifelike quality, enhancing the movie’s believability.

The movie’s release coincided with a tie-in toy line.

Capitalizing on the film’s popularity, a line of Small Soldiers action figures and merchandise was released, allowing fans to recreate the movie’s epic battles.

Small Soldiers remains a beloved film for fans of both action and fantasy genres.

Its unique blend of toy-based adventure and thrilling action has contributed to its enduring popularity among fans of all ages.

The movie’s success led to the creation of a proposed sequel.

Although a sequel was considered following the positive reception of Small Soldiers, it ultimately did not come to fruition.

Small Soldiers received nominations for several awards.

The film was recognized for its visual effects, sound design, and musical score, further highlighting the technical achievements of the production.

The memorable catchphrase “Toy Soliders with an attitude!” became synonymous with the film.

This tagline perfectly encapsulates the rebellious and mischievous nature of the toys in Small Soldiers.

Small Soldiers delivers a good balance of humor and action.

The film’s comedic moments provide a lighter tone to counterbalance the intense action sequences, creating a well-rounded viewing experience.

The movie received praise for its voice acting performances.

The talented voice cast brought the toy characters to life, imbuing them with distinct personalities that resonated with audiences.

Small Soldiers showcases innovative toy designs.

The attention to detail in the toy designs reflects the filmmakers’ commitment to creating a toy world that captivates and engages viewers.

The movie explores themes of good versus evil.

Small Soldiers presents a battle between the morally driven Gorgonites and the ruthless Commando Elite, highlighting the struggle between good and evil.

The movie provides a nostalgic trip for audiences who grew up playing with action figures.

Small Soldiers taps into the nostalgia of viewers who have fond memories of epic toy battles and imaginative play as children.

The concept of Small Soldiers was inspired by the idea of toys coming to life.

The film takes this childhood fantasy and adds a twist by exploring the consequences and challenges that arise when toys gain sentience.

Small Soldiers encourages viewers to consider the ethical implications of technological advancements.

At its core, the film prompts reflection on the responsible use of technology and its impact on society.

The movie features impressive practical effects, enhancing the believability of the toy characters.

The use of practical effects adds a tangible aspect to the film, making the toy characters feel more real and engaging for the audience.

Small Soldiers remains a beloved film that continues to captivate audiences with its imaginative premise and thrilling action.

Through its unique blend of storytelling, memorable characters, and exciting toy battles, Small Soldiers has secured its place in cinema history.

Conclusion

Small Soldiers is a captivating and action-packed movie that has managed to captivate audiences around the world. With its groundbreaking visual effects, thrilling storyline, and memorable characters, it has cemented its place as a cult classic in the realm of sci-fi films. Whether you are a long-time fan or someone discovering the movie for the first time, Small Soldiers offers a unique and entertaining experience that is sure to leave you wanting more. So gather your troops, buckle up, and embark on an adventure unlike any other as the battle between the Gorgonites and Commando Elite unfolds in this epic film.

FAQs

Q: When was Small Soldiers released?

A: Small Soldiers was released on July 10, 1998.

Q: Who directed Small Soldiers?

A: Small Soldiers was directed by Joe Dante.

Q: What is the genre of Small Soldiers?

A: Small Soldiers is a science fiction/action film.

Q: Who are the main characters in Small Soldiers?

A: The main characters in Small Soldiers include Alan Abernathy, Archer, Chip Hazard, and Christy Fimple.

Q: How did Small Soldiers perform at the box office?

A: Small Soldiers grossed over $50 million in the United States and was considered a moderate success.

Q: Are there any sequels or spin-offs of Small Soldiers?

A: No, there were no official sequels or spin-offs of Small Soldiers.

Q: What was the budget for Small Soldiers?

A: The budget for Small Soldiers was estimated to be around $40 million.

Q: Are there any famous actors in Small Soldiers?

A: Yes, Small Soldiers features the talents of actors such as Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith, and Frank Langella.

Q: What are the special effects like in Small Soldiers?

A: Small Soldiers is known for its groundbreaking visual effects, combining live-action and CGI to create lifelike toy soldiers.

Q: Is Small Soldiers suitable for children?

A: Small Soldiers is rated PG-13, so it may not be suitable for very young children due to some intense action scenes.

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