Weeeeeeeeeiiiiiiird.Barry Levinson really wanted to make this film. I'd just like to know what he was smokin' while he made the script.
It's like a bad Dr. Seuss story come to life. Kenneth Zevo (Donald O'Connor), the founder of Zevo Toys, is nearing death and wishes to leave his company to his wacked-out son, Leslie (Robin Williams). But while Leslie tries to prove that he is competent enough to run the place, his military-general relative (Michael Gambon) makes a hostile takeover and starts turning the toy factory into a munitions plant/tactical strategy unit. Other featured players are Robin Wright as a business associate and LL Cool J as a security guard.
This film probably would have worked better if the story made more sense, and if Robin Williams had more wisecracks in his lines. Plot-wise... ah, forget it. I'll go mental just trying to decipher everything. The climax is a battle between good toys and evil toys. Go figure.
The visuals, however, I have no problem with. The factory is built like a huge funhouse. Security cameras turn into music videos. Walls move in on you like a Tetris game. Outside shots border on the surreal. It all gives a peculiar yet whimsical effect to the film. The music (by Wendy and Lisa, or the Artists Formerly In Prince's Band) is pretty cool as well.As it is, Toys is pure eye candy for the avant-garde, and little else. It would probably be best to be high on something before watching this movie.
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