91 reviews
- dacksonflux
- Sep 20, 2017
- Permalink
- ironhorse_iv
- Feb 14, 2015
- Permalink
This is excellent stuff, thank god for Channel 4 in the UK for showing it from time to time. I caught it one early morning, straight after a night of serious zonked-out clubbing - probably in the "right" frame of mind for it, you could say - and ten minutes into it I was hooked. Funny, witty, crisp and unusually dark for a cartoon kiddies story, it does work throughout, bar a couple of plodding moments. But the points the film makes and the motives it revolves around, although not new or original, are well placed and executed - companionship, callousness, bonding, slip shoddiness, arrogance, transience and loyalty are all treated in a way which justifies even the occasional lapses into exaggerated sentimentality.
What's even more interesting is to see how the film works in the setting of it's own initial premise - that is, an "older" apparatus, with cruder animation, compared to the marvels of CG graphics which nowadays we take as set standards. And even there it's an overall winner, it shows that one doesn't need a high flying budget, the latest technology or big name voice characterisations to make a point and come up with a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming cartoon flick.
Whether this will become a true children's animated classic is yet to be seen, but it's on the right path, and it's ageing really well. Recommended for pre-teens and their parents everywhere, plus just about anyone who gives it a chance. True, there are a few moments of horror which very young children might find upsetting (I myself never really got over my first viewing of "Bambi" all those years ago -even my mum was in tears) - but that's the deal.
Watch it, highly recommended.
What's even more interesting is to see how the film works in the setting of it's own initial premise - that is, an "older" apparatus, with cruder animation, compared to the marvels of CG graphics which nowadays we take as set standards. And even there it's an overall winner, it shows that one doesn't need a high flying budget, the latest technology or big name voice characterisations to make a point and come up with a thoroughly enjoyable and heartwarming cartoon flick.
Whether this will become a true children's animated classic is yet to be seen, but it's on the right path, and it's ageing really well. Recommended for pre-teens and their parents everywhere, plus just about anyone who gives it a chance. True, there are a few moments of horror which very young children might find upsetting (I myself never really got over my first viewing of "Bambi" all those years ago -even my mum was in tears) - but that's the deal.
Watch it, highly recommended.
On the whole, it's a nice idea to make some domestic appliances the leading characters in a movie for kids. There are some good jokes connected with this idea because a new world is created that exists inside human being's world who of course have no idea that their toasters and hoovers are able to speak.
Unfortunately, the quality of the pictures is rather poor, the movie is directed with some confusion, and also in the plot there are some holes, some developments which are insinuated but not unfolded then, e. g. the toaster kinda falling in love` with the cuddly blanket. It's a pity that producers of such cartoons often think that kids are naïve enough anyway.
The German version is a complete disaster concerning voices and dialogue becuause I think they changed a lot (I cannot prove it) and they were barbaric enough to dub the songs again. Hopeless.
Unfortunately, the quality of the pictures is rather poor, the movie is directed with some confusion, and also in the plot there are some holes, some developments which are insinuated but not unfolded then, e. g. the toaster kinda falling in love` with the cuddly blanket. It's a pity that producers of such cartoons often think that kids are naïve enough anyway.
The German version is a complete disaster concerning voices and dialogue becuause I think they changed a lot (I cannot prove it) and they were barbaric enough to dub the songs again. Hopeless.
- Iama5yrold
- Nov 7, 2005
- Permalink
I can't actually say if this movie is appropriate for kids or not but what I can say is that all of its characters remain very vivid to me now still, 1 month after I watched it - and I'm in my twenties, so I can imagine what an impact this movie could have for a 5-year-old. Be that as it may, and although it's full of cliches, this movie is enjoyable mostly because of the originality of the whole concept. I think it will remain fresh no matter how many years will pass, entertaining people of all ages.
When I was a kid, I absolutely loved this movie. I watched it essentially every week. Now, of course, I watch it a lot less, but it's still a great movie. With some awesome voices (Phil Hartman, Jon Lovitz etc.) and some good humor for adults, it's excellent family fun. A movie that kids love, and then adults can stand to watch with little pain. If you have kids, then I really suggest this movie.
- TheMediocreGatsby
- Sep 6, 2002
- Permalink
I saw this for the first time when I was four or five, and I've loved every second since. It's more than a kids' movie; it's actually incredibly funny and insightful. (My mom started cracking up when she heard the 'They couldn't. I lied' part when I was watching it last week.) Great work from the entire cast, great animation, great script, great, well, great everything.
- SimpsonsRock11
- Dec 22, 2003
- Permalink
What exactly was novelist Thomas M. Disch imaging of when he created this story? I mean, this can be asked of for any novelist but I guess the fact that the idea seems so out in left field, just makes it so much more significant to ask. Did Mr. Disch have a connection between himself and the appliances he had at his house? It is definitely a creative idea but what inspired him to come up with it? In some ways it presents itself as a premature movie that inspired Toy Story (1995) (considering John Lasseter was on the animation team originally), and in other ways in dives into territories some viewers may not expect.
The story follows the travels of five appliance items who long to hear from their master, or the kid who consistently used them from their childhood. Come to find out, their master has moved on permanently. Refusing to be left alone or to be taken over by another person, the group of appliances set out to find their owner. To do this, they test the fates by stepping outside the house and venture out to accomplish their mission. Along their journey they will also learn some very startling truths that the real world has in store (no pun intended).
The screenplay written by Jerry Rees and now deceased Disney veteran Joe Ranft is praiseworthy for its creativeness and heartfelt characters. The voice casts behind the characters are great. Jon Lovitz as the radio is probably the most comical of the bunch for his quick remarks and energetic attitude. That's not to say the others aren't memorable either. Deanna Oliver as the toaster is by far the most memorable for her soft voice and caring heart. Every viewer will find his or her own character to latch onto. However, with good characters come some flaws that need to be addressed in the story. One of them is continuity - if the group needs an outlet so they can move; the story cannot all of a sudden drop the need for one.
The other flaw that needs to be addressed is the element of death. A family picture has every right to portray a death in a story. The world is not always happy-go-lucky and that's something people learn to understand as they grow up. So the idea that this exists in the movie isn't the flaw - the flaw is how some scenes portray the death. A dramatic death is the best type to be used in a kid's film. But ones that involve torture or mutilation? That may be diving a little too deep for young viewers. Of course it's OK because guts and blood are replaced with nuts, bolts and battery acid, but that's just as graphic as portraying it to a kid as is blood and guts to an adult. I mean props for taking on adult material but why is it handled with such care as if it were for a horror film? Take it easy guys.
Other than that the rest of the film provides solid entertainment. Along with likable characters, are unique songs (although they may not stick), colorful animation and appropriate film music. David Newman, who produced the score didn't create a theme for these characters but it does match the scenes effectively and do convey the correct emotion. If a family film is what you're looking for, this is definitely one that can be on your list. Hopefully for young one's now a days it shouldn't be too scary.
Its story does suffer from minor continuity errors and portrays death fairly harsh for young viewers, but that doesn't stop the characters from being any memorable than they already are today. It may seem kiddy when in fact it is more adult like than some may know.
The story follows the travels of five appliance items who long to hear from their master, or the kid who consistently used them from their childhood. Come to find out, their master has moved on permanently. Refusing to be left alone or to be taken over by another person, the group of appliances set out to find their owner. To do this, they test the fates by stepping outside the house and venture out to accomplish their mission. Along their journey they will also learn some very startling truths that the real world has in store (no pun intended).
The screenplay written by Jerry Rees and now deceased Disney veteran Joe Ranft is praiseworthy for its creativeness and heartfelt characters. The voice casts behind the characters are great. Jon Lovitz as the radio is probably the most comical of the bunch for his quick remarks and energetic attitude. That's not to say the others aren't memorable either. Deanna Oliver as the toaster is by far the most memorable for her soft voice and caring heart. Every viewer will find his or her own character to latch onto. However, with good characters come some flaws that need to be addressed in the story. One of them is continuity - if the group needs an outlet so they can move; the story cannot all of a sudden drop the need for one.
The other flaw that needs to be addressed is the element of death. A family picture has every right to portray a death in a story. The world is not always happy-go-lucky and that's something people learn to understand as they grow up. So the idea that this exists in the movie isn't the flaw - the flaw is how some scenes portray the death. A dramatic death is the best type to be used in a kid's film. But ones that involve torture or mutilation? That may be diving a little too deep for young viewers. Of course it's OK because guts and blood are replaced with nuts, bolts and battery acid, but that's just as graphic as portraying it to a kid as is blood and guts to an adult. I mean props for taking on adult material but why is it handled with such care as if it were for a horror film? Take it easy guys.
Other than that the rest of the film provides solid entertainment. Along with likable characters, are unique songs (although they may not stick), colorful animation and appropriate film music. David Newman, who produced the score didn't create a theme for these characters but it does match the scenes effectively and do convey the correct emotion. If a family film is what you're looking for, this is definitely one that can be on your list. Hopefully for young one's now a days it shouldn't be too scary.
Its story does suffer from minor continuity errors and portrays death fairly harsh for young viewers, but that doesn't stop the characters from being any memorable than they already are today. It may seem kiddy when in fact it is more adult like than some may know.
- breakdownthatfilm-blogspot-com
- Apr 2, 2014
- Permalink
I have not watched this movie in over ten years but I still remember almost every scene with great accuracy. This movie entertained me till no end. It's hard to find one person who did not watch this movie as a child and even harder to find one that disliked it.
This is a wonderful movie.
I still get the song "Tooty Fruity" stuck in my head and think of the little toaster sliding down the rail. I hope to find my old copy and watch it again. Its movies like this one that make my childhood seem so fun and innocent.
This movie gets a ten out of ten for originality and for its obvious impact. If I were to name my favorite movie from my childhood this would be it.
This is a wonderful movie.
I still get the song "Tooty Fruity" stuck in my head and think of the little toaster sliding down the rail. I hope to find my old copy and watch it again. Its movies like this one that make my childhood seem so fun and innocent.
This movie gets a ten out of ten for originality and for its obvious impact. If I were to name my favorite movie from my childhood this would be it.
- Tenacious_heiner
- May 10, 2005
- Permalink
If I could choose just one word to describe this entire movie, it would have to be "weird". "The Brave Little Toaster" is probably not the best recommendation for viewers of any age. Once you've watched it for the first time and you are at a very mature stage, you will be ready for years of therapy! It's not all bad, though. The only weird part about it is just seeing appliances come to life and have personalities of their own. The story mainly focuses on six specific appliances left behind at a country house (who all happen to be guys; not one female). They decide to go on a journey to find their owners. One of them, an air conditioner, didn't go with them since he was attached to a wall. The team consisted of a bright (yet easily annoyed) lamp, a comical and annoying radio, a short-tempered vacuum cleaner who's oblivious to reality, a cuddly blanket (probably the best representation of a youngster), and their leader, a courageous toaster. The strong points and weak points of these characters are both equal in a lot of ways. Now for the things I liked about this movie. Now that I look back at it, a lot of great actors worked on this movie. Many could probably easily recognize the voices of Jon Lovitz, Phil Hartman, and of course, Thurl Ravenscoft. I also enjoyed the songs on this movie. You gotta admit, the songs on this movie are really cool songs; well, this movie came out in the 80's, so one would very likely expect it to have songs with very high-tech styles. It kinda sucks that I'm not able to find those songs anywhere. Despite the cast and the songs, the movie is still overall weird; then again, the movie did come out in the 80's, and I guess a lot of people were drunk around that time. Yeah, that may have something to do with it. My suggestion, if you ever get an urge to watch this movie, watch it for the songs; those are really the best part of the movie. That's pretty much all I gotta say about it.
- rockndaparadise
- Mar 24, 2006
- Permalink
The movie is quite simplistic but what would you expect i do have my problems with the movie however.
My main quarrel with this movie is that they missed the opportunity to cast timothee chalamet as the toaster.
My main quarrel with this movie is that they missed the opportunity to cast timothee chalamet as the toaster.
- mccurleybradley
- Oct 25, 2021
- Permalink
I watched this film about a thousand times when I was a kid and upon a nostalgia induced viewing of it on the Disney Channel, it has joined my list as one of the most oddly pleasurable films ever made. First of all, you have to give it credit for its premise alone. Take a standard road trip buddy picture and cast it with talking household appliances. Acid induced? Maybe. But they take this ridiculous premise and roll with it, turning it into something that is honestly funny, sometimes sweet and strangely enough, kind of thought provoking in it's own way. The dialog is almost Toy Story sharp at times, referencing everything from Joan Rivers to Teddy Roosevelt, and just like it's computer animated descendant, throws around some heavy ideas. We watch as cars reminisce about their glory days before being crushed into cubes, look on in horror as appliances are gutted barbarically at a used parts store and root our quaint heroes on as they are confronted with the techno marvels of the modern age. The characters just struggle to get home but the movie is about the struggle to stay relevant when you're constantly being replaced by a faster model. An interesting idea when you think about it, and a fun, cool little movie worth seeing no matter what your age.
- jboothmillard
- Jul 7, 2005
- Permalink
It's funny to watch The Brave Little Toaster over the years and see how your tastes change. As a young boy I loved this movie. As a teenager I thought BLT was stupid and nonsensical. Now I'm in my twenties and have a different opinion about this movie. BLT has a strong subtext of time passing and becoming obsolete by the new generation. Then being abandoned and forgotten about. This movie is full of hidden meanings which I did not realize when I was young.
The first thing I noticed when I watched BLT was how simple the animation looked. You get kinda desensitized after watching the graphics on Toy Story & Finding Nemo that it takes a little getting used to the animation in BLT. Some scenes look now better than a flash movie you'd play on Quicktime. The animation is like a mixture of The Lion King and The Simpsons. The characters expressions, on the other hand, are as good as it gets. From the Radio pointing his antenna to Lampy using his cord like hand gestures is brilliant!
Story:9/10 Acting:9/10 Animation:7/10 Characters Expressions:10/10!
The first thing I noticed when I watched BLT was how simple the animation looked. You get kinda desensitized after watching the graphics on Toy Story & Finding Nemo that it takes a little getting used to the animation in BLT. Some scenes look now better than a flash movie you'd play on Quicktime. The animation is like a mixture of The Lion King and The Simpsons. The characters expressions, on the other hand, are as good as it gets. From the Radio pointing his antenna to Lampy using his cord like hand gestures is brilliant!
Story:9/10 Acting:9/10 Animation:7/10 Characters Expressions:10/10!
- mcplatinum2
- Jan 27, 2004
- Permalink
Brave Little Toaster is a solid animated film that isn't really for the whole family. It's kind of creepy.
Before Toy Story was a thing The Brave Little Toaster was also a movie about inanimate objects that come to life and because their master (also a little boy) has left them behind they go on a very scary adventure to reconnect.
I knew before there was a very scary moment that traumatised the kids, just like The Witches traumatised me as a kid, but I did not expect there to be so many sketchy moments. There were far too many moments a kid will remember forever and not for "nice" reasons. I liked how arbitrary they were with the "plugged-in" rule.
Good thing this was not from my childhood. I am still conflicted if I am going to show this to my future kids or not haha.
I knew before there was a very scary moment that traumatised the kids, just like The Witches traumatised me as a kid, but I did not expect there to be so many sketchy moments. There were far too many moments a kid will remember forever and not for "nice" reasons. I liked how arbitrary they were with the "plugged-in" rule.
Good thing this was not from my childhood. I am still conflicted if I am going to show this to my future kids or not haha.
- M0n0_bogdan
- Apr 12, 2023
- Permalink
Well I'm glad this review allows for some level of anonymity, because what comes next could get me cast in one of those unmanly beer commercials. As the Dad of two, I've probably been forced to watch ~100 animated films. The BLT is without question in my top 5
and the same goes for my kids, who wanted to watch it over and over again. Yes, the title and premise are silly enough, but what's really wimpy is how emotionally attached you become with the characters. In the classic mold of "The Wizard of Oz" and "The Incredible Journey", this band of vulnerable underdogs is determined to reach their destination, and have to overcome all kinds of obstacles. I think it's an especially great move for little ones, with just the right amount of drama and suspense
though some parts might be a little scary for the overly sensitive. The music is really catchy also, and unfortunately, have found myself singing it in business meetings, lunches and while hanging out with friends in the man cave; NOT GOOD!
Though animated more like a saturday morning cartoon than a feature and featuring rather bland character designs, "The Brave Little Toaster" is still better than a lot of other cartoons. It has a visual creativity (part-Looney Tunes, part Silly Symphonies, and (a small)part MTV) that makes up for its limitations. Plus, the story (about animate appliances going on a road trip to find their master) beats Toy Story to the punch by about seven years (though I suppose animate inanimate objects were just about the first things put into cartoons). The songs are fun, if not performed perfectly, and fit better with the story than in a lot of recent Disney movies. The scene where the appliances all clean the house to Little Richard's "Tutti Frutti" is a lot more entertaining than the "whistle While You Work" scene from Snow White. The best thing about "BLT," though, is Toaster himself, who is the most convincing of the characters as he transforms from a bit of a coward and a follower into a full-fledged hero in the end. The scene he has with the flower is really beautiful.
I was ten when this movie first came out, and I watched it whenever I could on the Disney channel. It's still one of my favorite English-language cartoons from the eighties.
I was ten when this movie first came out, and I watched it whenever I could on the Disney channel. It's still one of my favorite English-language cartoons from the eighties.
- Jeremy Bristol
- Jun 26, 2002
- Permalink
- Illyngophobia
- Jan 8, 2008
- Permalink
- sandlot1992
- Jan 27, 2024
- Permalink
Cannot believe Disney produced this video for young children. Purchased it for my 3 year old granddaughter and she had nightmares for weeks. Imagine watching your friend being chased by a giant magnet that wants to drop him into a giant compacting machine. Doesn't sound like happy family fare to me.
- margaret-5
- Jan 7, 1999
- Permalink