'Batteries not included' is a great feel good film about a family of rather helpful little visitors. In order to make room for a new array of skyscrapers a wealthy developer is purchasing and demolishing what was once a thriving housing estate. There is just one building left, but they won't budge. Despite the state of disrepair, its inhabitants still think of it as home. When some hired goons enter to force the inhabitants to move out, their lives are filled with dispair leaving them wishing for a miracle. That night the visitors arrive and a lot of things that were broken the previous night are found, as new. Everyone is confused until the crazy older lady proves that she isn't delusional. The visitors are cute mini flying saucers who feed off electricity and its easy to see why this is such a classic. This is one of Spielburgs earlier works but it clearly shows his touch with similar effects to those in his other movies. This is on tv around Christmas most years, but it can also be found on DVD if you really look for it.

see also:
Arthur Christmas, Up, Flushed Away, Cloudy with a chance of meatballs

[rate this movie]
photo © Universal.