"Toys" looks like a cult film wannabe. But you can't purposely create a cult film. It's just one of those things that happens every now and then to an artsy or goofy picture that bombs in its first theatrical release, slowly finds its audience and then builds a following, albeit a relatively small one.
In fact, there are places in "Toys," specific moments, that bring to mind such dyed-in-the-wool cult films as "Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory," "Brazil," "How I Won the War" and "Harold and Maude."
But there are also too many places where the film is simply chaotic and loud or confused in its exposition or just badly directed. This latter aspect is especially surprising, coming from Barry Levinson, the very talented filmmaker who has given us such successes as "Rain Man," "Avalon" and, with Robin Williams, "Good Morning, Vietnam." Levinson teams with Williams again for "Toys."
The film starts off very well, a whimsical look at a man-boy named Leslie Zevo (Williams) and his even more whimsical sister Alsatia (Joan Cusack), who work in their father's toy factory.
The factory is one of those Disneyland-"Wizard of Oz" places that only exist in the movies, magical and joyous and fascinating to watch. Indeed the factory workers happily sing and dance while they work.
Conflict is inevitable, however. And it comes in the form of an evil uncle, a three-star Army general (Michael Gambon), who arrives to take over the toy factory. At first, he wants to make war toys — to which Leslie meekly objects. Then, he gradually takes over the factory and begins manufacturing the real thing — deadly war weapons in the guise of toys. He even trains children to operate them, via video games, so they will eventually rack up points by actually killing people. Without realizing it, of course.
Suffice it to say, the film turns quite dark at the midway point and gradually gets darker still, climaxing with a War of the Toys inside the factory.
Williams and Cusack are perfectly cast and wonderful in their roles. And, as Gambon's son, LL Cool J has some very funny moments, playing the general's soldier son, who is ridiculously well-versed in camouflage. Robin Wright also has some charming bits, though her character is woefully underdeveloped.
Kudos, too, to those in charge of costumes, set design and special effects — all of which are fascinating and endearing.
Sadly, however, it is all for naught since the irritating directing style, all incessant closeups and jarring angles, surrounded by eardrum-cracking noise, undermines the whimsy.
The audience is likely to leave this one filled with disappointment and a sense that some wonderful opportunities have been missed.
In addition, despite the ad campaign, this is not a family film. The PG-13 rating is well-earned for violence, profanity, vulgarity and sex.