Toys(1992) WK

The film Toys (1992) directed by Barry Levinson, is very colorful and goofy, but also dark and militaristic at the same time.  Most sets in the film include very bright vibrant colors that remind me of the Technicolor from The Adventures of Robin Hood (1938).

Characters actions and costumes make the film seem childish.  For example

 Alsatia Zevo’s (Joan Cusack) doll costumes, and hard wigs look ridiculous to an adult but very welcoming to a child. The fact that Robin Williams is in the film make’s the movie funny, and he fits the role of Leslie Zevo perfectly.  A young jokester, who only wants what is best for his workers, but is to immature to handle the company.  The film may seem childish superficially, but actually seems to have more of an adult meaning.

            The militaristic darkness that surrounds the film is an example of how a future military may train soldiers.  War with remote controlled weapons is already happening in today’s world.  The thought of training children to kill people without any idea of the destruction they are causing is a very corrupt and inhuman thing to do.  Any child watching the film might not catch on to this logic that has a deeper meaning in the film.

            This film also signifies to me the end of classic toys such as the teddy bear and action figure and the beginning of more complex forms of child entertainment such as videogames.  I believe that the author is trying to explain that violent forms of young adult entertainment could potentially lead to inhumane forms of government control.

            Overall I thought that the film was a good watch for all ages, but there were some messages that would only appeal to the older generation.  This film is very relevant today because the situation in the film is a very realistic situation with todays weapon technology.