*batteries not included (1987)

Batteries Not Included has that rare, gently magical quality where a scrappy little story about ordinary people turns into a warm-hearted celebration of community—and it does it without straining for cuteness. Set in a weathered East Village apartment building under siege from big-money bulldozers, it finds humor and hope in the stubborn dignity of its residents, anchored by the tender, lived-in performances of Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy. The tiny “Fix-It” visitors are a delight: imaginative, beautifully designed, and used less as a gimmick than as a spark that brings out the best in everyone, all buoyed by a score that makes the wonder feel sincere. It won’t be for viewers who need fast pacing or sharp-edged comedy, but if you’re in the mood for a sweet, funny, quietly stirring family fantasy with real heart, this one still earns its charm.

Batteries Not Included wants to be a warm, old-school crowd-pleaser about community, gentrification, and a little bit of magic showing up when people need it most. The problem is that it often feels like a gentle TV-movie idea stretched to feature length: the pacing is sleepy, the story beats are predictable, and the “wonder” factor can come off quaint rather than genuinely imaginative. If you’re expecting sharp comedy, big sci‑fi spectacle, or a plot that really surprises you, this will likely feel dated and a bit inert. That said, Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy bring real sweetness, and if you’re in the mood for a soft, sentimental 80s family fantasy, it can still be an easy, comforting watch.