Amazon.com

There are two reasons to see Toys: some phenomenal visual spectacle and the utterly adorable performance of Joan Cusack. The story: When the founder of the Zevo toy factory dies, he leaves it to his militaristic brother Leland (Michael Gambon) instead of to his whimsical son Leslie (Robin Williams). When Leland starts making war toys (and worse, actual weapons masquerading as toys), Leslie is forced to stop being capricious and take on some authority. Toys is supposedly about innocence and peace, but really it's director Barry Levinson's cry of anxiety about modern-day playthings, particularly video games--which is almost psychic of him, given how video games have started to devour the entertainment market. Fans of Williams will enjoy his performance; the visual design really is gorgeous; and Cusack, as Leslie's sister Alsatia, is so lovely she almost carries the film through its muddled themes. Almost. --Bret Fetzer ... Read more

Reviews (58)

A visual wonder, but a misguided film
Here is a film that has some of the most wonderous sights I have seen in any film. TOYS creates a world of a toy factory that is so wonderful, so imaginative, that you wonder how this movie could possibly have gone wrong. Barry Levinson had this film in mind since before he did DINER, and he found his main star in Robin Williams after they worked on GOOD MORNING VIETNAM. It is obvious what he wants to accomplish. To show us a fantasy world that couldn't exist but that you would love it if it did, that only innocence should prevail in the world of toys. He accomplishes the first half with exuberance. He is aided by three absolutely wonderful performances: Robin Williams, Joan Cusack, and Robin Wright Penn. But he comes to a conclusion that is not only confusing but really bizarre.

Robin Williams is Leslie Zevo. His father is Kenneth Zevo, founder of Zevo Toys, a factory that doesn't so much exist in a town but in the middle of its own world. Zevo is old and dying and played by the legendary Donald O'Connor. (His funeral scene creates a nice little laugh until I remembered that O'Connor himself passed away a few months ago.) Kenneth Zevo must hand over control of his factory, but feels that his son Leslie isn't ready for this job. And his daughter Al-Sashia (Joan Cusack) isn't, well you find out at the end of the film. So he turns the factory over to his brother General Zevo (Michael Gambon) of the U.S. Army.

General Zevo clearly doesn't want the job, but the Army isn't the way he remembers it. He is the kind of soldier who would shoot a fly with his .45 sidearm instead of using a fly swatter. That creates a nice laugh, but in a really funny scene he goes to visit his father, who never tires of humiliating hiis son by showing how he outranks him. What to do? He tours the factory in a sequence that demonstrates again and again the visual wonder of this world. But this isn't his world. He begins to think that there may be a market in the world of war toys, but Willaims and everyone else at the company feels that it isn't the company's style.

General Zevo comes up with an idea. The only reason I can reveal this idea is to explain how the film goes off the rails. The company will manufacture miniature toys armed with real bullets, missiles, and bombs. They will be controlled by children who think they are playing videogames and scoring points. When his scheme is discovered by Williams and Cusack they find themselves running through the factory pursued by the miniature war toys. Bullets are soon flying, explosions are going off, and everything leads to a battle between the evil war toys and the old innocent wind-up toys. It is here when my heart started to really sink. Why couldn't Barry Levinson come up with a more imaginative solution to stop the General than having innocent toys attack (and be blown to pieces) by war toys? Surely a movie with such imaginative setting could give us a payoff just as imaginative, couldn't it?

Robin Williams was born to play this character. He is so convincing as a man who never seemed to grow up. Again and again he uses his gift for verbal improvisation that for once doesn't stop a film dead in its tracks. Joan Cusack displays a charming innocence that many times I don't always see. At the end the secret of who her character really is doesn't come across as a surprise. And there's a nice sweet romance between Williams and Robin Wright Penn as a new employee. And all during the opening, first act, and middle, is that wonderful look. The production designer Ferdinand Scafforeili was nominated for an Academy Award, and perhaps should have received a special achievement for it.

So, TOYS has a magnificent extravagant look, terrific performances, and even some really sweet and delightful music (especially the opening song). But it doesn't have an imaginative conclusion or a good third act. I guess I will recommend this film. Its good qualities really are the price of admission. But ask yourself, what was that ending all about?

This is one you experience, not watch.
If some songs are enjoyable more on account of their phonic sound than the actual melody they offer, then Toys likewise, is a film that can be enjoyed more for its sheer imagery than for its none-too-profound storyline. As many critics--even the adoring ones--will tell you, this movie won't be remembered on the strength of its plot. It's an uncomplicated (if also a little thematically-preachy) story of youthful innocense, big-bully intimidation, and then conclusively, of victorious, passive retaliation. And they're all worthy concepts. However, Barry Levinson doesn't make his audiences mull them over during the movie. To the contrary, it's rather difficult to ponder much of anything in light of the devastatingly gorgeous scenery, the brilliantly simple contraptions, and the fairytale-like quality of the characters.

If ever there was a celluloid catalyst for shattering actor typecasts, this was it. Robin Williams' performance reveals a mostly unfamiliar vulnerable sincerity that, frankly, creeped me out a couple times throughout the story. Similarly, you have Joan Cusack at her most delicate and gently-spoken (with exception of course to the laughable observation she makes in regards to war being "the domain of a small..." so on and so forth). L.L. Cool J competently delivers the role of a convincingly clean, wholesome, family-valued military man caught between the warring factions of his own family, represented by a hawk (his own father, played by the appropriately casted Michael Gambon) and the dove (a perpetually juvenile Williams). Robin Wright Penn isn't given much of a stage in Toys, and consequently her performance is less than striking here. But to her credit, she nurses a few otherwise-forgettable scenes (particularly the overtly ad-libbed cafeteria scene with Williams) back to life with her disarming laugh and sincere attention.

The trivia fanatics will keenly spot the underutilized, but aptly included cameos of Yeardly Smith and Jamie Foxx.

I'm not a big movie fan, in fact I rent/buy movies reluctantly. But this one captivated me from square one and it's a hard one to let go of. Incidentally, I highly recommend the soundtrack. It's a musical revelation that does great honor to the film (with an outstanding and uncredited brief performance by the incomparable Seal).

Chances are, anyone who's reading these reviews has already seen the movie; it's not a film that is naturally attracting new audiences this long after its making. However, I'm convinced this was due in monster proportions to the lack of popular exposure that Toys received, both initially in theaters and subsequently in it's video/DVD release. I, for one, happened to see Toys only by dumb luck, and have been grateful for walking into the theater ever since. But the minimal promotion that was afforded to Toys is all right by me. This is one cinematic secret I'm happy to be in on.

Get Lost!
Watching "Toys" was like watching "Teletubbies" dumbed down for an audience of subhumans.

Six Millions Jews died in concentration camps during World War II. It took the combined forces of the free world to stop this genocide. Williams and the production company that made "Toys" are just closet nazis.

Inasmuch as I watched this self-righteous piece of elitist garbage, I can say without any hesitation that if you believe that the world would be better off in the hands of some two-bit despot, then maybe you'll be stupid enough to accept the premise of this peice of unadulterated nonsense...

By the way, I'm not runblader. I just agree with him.

May Innocence And Joy Prevail....
"runblader", the person who gave this movie a low-rating in which he called this movie "Anti-American Propaganda", needs to grow the hell up. This is a great film. About a man of peace. What's so wrong about that, runblader? What is it that you are lacking inside that you need to invoke images of 9/11 to attack this film? Anyone who debases this film based on notions of patriotism needs to get a smack in the head. Williams, Cusack, LL Cool J and a host of other actors make this well-directed romp a joy to view. It's actually entertaining enough for multiple viewings. The visual effects, as some reviewers more intelligent that runblader have suggested, are amazing. It's as though someone shot film straight from someone's dream. Visually impactful like The Truman Show, as an example. Shun anyone who doesn't like this film. Make them pariahs. It's no less than they deserve.

This movie is still ahead of it's time, but getting closer
A strange choice of metaphors, but still a very compelling critique of the American democratic process and it's mishandling by different citizenry.
If the Toy Factory is US republican democracy, and the elder Zevo the generation leaving the country in it's current quandry this movie can make a bit of sense. The "poor" choices of the past(militaristic Uncle in charge of the factory) compell the newer generations to reorient the system(democracy as toy factory) towards it's original intent. The founder(or founders Jefferson,Madison et al) Zevo had no idea of the damage the company would tolerate and still move towards a stronger more democratic outcome. An allegory for the younger Bush administration, we should all be amazed at how our poor choices inflict harm and ruin our way of life. Catch the Tori Amos, happy worker song at the beginning of the movie and contrast this with the miltary dictatorship that insues.
It's hard to know if the intent of the father was to shake the son out of his doldrums and trivial existence, or a truly poor choice of leadership. As we relinquish our rights, it becomes harder and harder to reacquire them as the newer systems congeal. Warren Zevo has early and ample opportunity to question the decisions, but inaction allows the Uncle to overwhelm and adulterate the system. In the end, in revolutionary fashion, the jackbooted thugs are defeated and retired to a quiet existence. The world is saved, and innocence prevails. ... Read more

Reviews (133)

"Falling Down" and the danger of self pity and bitterness
Michael Douglas is splendid as William Foster who loses both his engineering job and existential place within the universe. Unemployment was not part of the tacit contract he thought existed between him and his social milieu. Hadn't he always played by the rules and conformed to the standard mores? His marriage to Beth (Barbara Hershey) has already dissolved, and this new crisis puts him over the edge. We go along with this alienated man as he travels by foot all over the diverse cultures of Los Angeles. Foster ceases responding to the challenges and slights of everyday life in a mature manner. He instead reacts violently to even perceived insults and minor inconveniences. Needless to add, the resulting death and destruction soon captures the attention of the police. Officer Prendergast (Robert Duval) is committed to putting a stop to Foster's irascible behavior. The resulting situations are riveting and may even be found disturbing. One cannot but wonder if they might likewise flip out sometime in the future.

In one particularly gripping incident, Foster stops into a hardware store and converses with its ultra-right wing owner (Frederic Forrest). Our protagonist may be indulging in self pity and a sense of victimhood, but soon realizes that he is not about to partner with this hate mongering Nazi. Foster might be bitter, but he still retains the ability to say no to unambiguous evil. The last scene is profound, and should be seen by anyone who is ever tempted to think that life is unfair. Prendergast finally corners Foster and listens to the latter complain how he feels deceived by the establishment. The police man quickly dismisses Foster's excuses--and points out that most folks may have legitimate reasons to feel this way at one time or another. Nonetheless, this still does not justify going off the deep end! The makers of "Falling Down" should have been a bit more courageous. The story line had enough going for it that the excess blood shed only got in the way. This film is not quite worthy of a five star endorsement, but it definitely earns a solid four.

America: What's happened?
I found this movie absolutely fascinating and overall quite entertaining. Although the frequent acts of random violence are somewhat comical, the rest of the film is a biosphere of our "American" culture. Douglas treks a path through L.A. and encounters various problems in society - sort of a modernized Greek "Odyssey". Douglas, our tragic hero, is the only character who isn't asleep . . . asleep to all the hate and injustice that is occurring in our lives. And therefore, like any hero, is doomed to die by his convictions.

Michael Douglas portrays your typical patriotic citizen who becomes "obsolete" in a constantly changing world. I think perhaps all viewers can relate with this character because we all have been rubbed the wrong way by the exact same people Douglas encounters in the film. And sometimes we'd like to flip out too.

The end of the film is particularly symbolic in the climactic resolution. There is a sense of sadness when Douglas' character is killed, but at the same time their is a liberation. A liberation from the hell he was living . . . so perhaps the death is not sad at all. If you can't move with society, than you are doomed to fall prey to it. I would definitely recommend this film to anyone who has at times felt betrayed by life or our "American" ideals.

Not Bad.
'Falling Down' is movie about a man who finally snaps because he feels his society, family, and friends have cheated him. He goes on a rampage across Los Angeles only to find that it doesn't solve anything. A fascinating idea, but it wasn't executed that well. Might be worth watching though.

RIGHT IDEA, WRONG EXECUTION
As we journey with Michael Douglas in this excellent film, cant' we all identify with his frustration and anger? 85 cents for a can of soda? A store that won't give you change unless you buy something? Panhandlers looking for food, money and making you feel you owe it to them? People who think gays, blacks and other minorities are worthless? A fast food place that won't serve you breakfast even when they have tons of left overs they'll have to throw out? Wealthy old farts who think they own the golf course they pay membership in?
Yes, indeed, one can see why Douglas is so mad...it's just that his way of dealing with it is not one that we all should take.
Joel Schumacher's direction is right on, I think; people tend to like to pan Schumacher, when he has actually given us some vastly entertaining films. He knows what the audience wants and he knows that in FALLING DOWN, there can be no happy endings, so let's just enjoy Douglas getting revenge on people we'll never get a chance to!
Douglas is superb in the role, one of his best performances. Robert Duvall is very good in his role of the almost retired cop; Tuesday Weld is dazzling in her brief role as Duvall's wife; Rachel Ticotin does well in her role as Duvall's partner; John Diehl is very effective in his very brief role as the guy at the pool who offers to go with Douglas in order to protect his wife and child; and Barbara Hershey does wonders as Douglas' ex-wife.
Manipulative thought it may be, FALLING DOWN makes a statement, and makes one wonder what we would do if we snapped like Douglas!!!

Entertaining but Flawed by a Substandard Director
Joel Schumacher, the director best known for putting nipples on the Batsuit, and thus ruining a perfectly good franchise, is an expert at taking something good and turning it into trash. He is, in fact, the prime example of a moviemaker who could've been, but isn't ... in all aspects of the phrase.

"Falling Down" could've been an gripping drama with tons of social commentary tossed in. And for more than half of the film, Schumacher, with the help of an incredible performance by Michael Douglas, achieves this. Douglas's comments on the price of a can of soda reflect the frustration of the poor in rising inflation. His attack on the golf course, again, is a fist in the air for the needy in the United States. Not until Schumacher has Douglas shoot apart a telephone booth for the sake of shooting something to shreds does he lose the integrity of a good film. He is now out for bang and bucks, and from there, the whole movie goes somewhat downhill.

Yet not entirely. Michael Douglas still keeps this film afloat. His performance, as mentioned before, is one of the actor's greatest, and will be remembered alongside his reptilian turn in "Wall Street." Robert Duvall is great as the cop on the brink of retirement - a film cliche, but workable here - and when the pair finally meet, the sparks fly.

Yet in the meantime, Douglas's "comments" on society become more vague, or else they strike the viewer on the head with their obviousness. To mention the golf course scene again - Schumacher could've executed the comment beautifully without having Douglas burst into preachy prose. Subtlety is a skill Hollywood hasn't possessed since the birth of special effects. Everything is a hammer over the head. Moviemakers have no faith in their audience. They think we're stupid.

While "Falling Down" is a vastly entertaining film that has a great re-watch value, it still leaves you feeling dissatisfied in the end. You want something more. And that something is exactly what Schumacher, as long as he keeps making films, cannot give you. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Call it "Desperate Movie," because this ludicrous thriller deteriorates into unintentional comedy. For reasons that are never explained, a sociopathic killer (Michael Keaton) is the only available bone marrow donor for the cancer-stricken son of a San Francisco cop (Andy Garcia), who must capture the killer alive after a laughable escape in a labyrinthine hospital. The ensuing manhunt relies on plentiful plot holes and ridiculous shortcuts (like Keaton's use of a surgical laser to cut leg irons, or accessing hospital schematics from a prison computer). Self-consciously shot in film noir style, the cat-and-mouse routine leads to a briefly impressive car chase, but the premise (which even the movie's original press notes described as "intriguing, if unlikely") is based on "moral ambiguity" that doesn't translate from script to screen. Instead of forcing Keaton's typically "sick genius" to prove his ingenuity, the film pits him against a squad of cops who couldn't find a beer in a crowded pub. --Jeff Shannon ... Read more

Reviews (23)

Too Fast & Slick For It's Own Good!
Boy this movie is fast. It certainly uses all it's cards at once and doesn't save enough moderately and sparsely. It really reminded me of Speed in some stark way.

Michael Keaton acts great, trying to be a Hannibal. He pulls it of well. Andy Garcia does an OK job but his acting wasn't spectacular.
For some inane reason I wanted Keaton's evil character to win through in the end. Wasn't he abused or something as a child. Again that's reverse psychology - the viewer going for the bad guy ala Hannibal.

The Australian DVD version has about 30 extra minutes of interviews and behind the scenes footage. That is something you Americans it looks like, don't appear to have. But we missed out - we didn't have any closed captions or subtitles. That would've been handy considering some of the dialogue was incomprehensible.

Overall I think this movie was too fast for it's own good. It should have slowed down a bit so the viewer isn't overloaded with too much pace. The aftertaste of the movie was one where you won't want to watch it again. But during it did have massive classic potential. But giving the viewer too much can lessen the goodness and impact of the movie...

Rating: 2 and a half stars out of 5!

Some plot is missing, but it has its exciting suspense
Peter McCabe (Michael Keaton) is in jail for several murders. He is one of the most dreaded criminals in his prison. However, a cop, Frank Conner (Andy Garcia), finds out that Peter is the only one who can save his son by giving him a bone marrow transplant. Peter agrees to do so after getting several of his privileges, such as smoking, back. However, things take an interesting twist after Peter somehow escapes while in the hospital. Frank can't allow anybody to kill Peter because that would kill Frank's son, but he also doesn't want Peter to do what he is known for, being a murderer.

I can't believe that "Desperate Measures" isn't getting a lot better ratings than it's getting. I thought it was a great movie. I like for movies to have a plot, and I'll admit that this movie is choppy in that department, but it does feature one of Michael Keaton's best job as an actor and it has great suspense. That's why I really liked "Desperate Measures." If you can put up with a movie that doesn't have one of the best plots in the world, but one that has good acting and great suspense, I recommend getting "Desperate Measures."

Just sad
Plot, writing, and dialog are rediculous. Both actors could do a much better job, but given the sillyness of the whole thing, did passibly well. Really silly b-movie horror ending. Yuck.

One of the best physcotic thrillers you'll come across
This movie has its point and the cast are amazing, especially Acadamy Award winning actress Marcia Gay Harden. Action, Suspense, Thriller and drama provided, this movie is all what it is, Andy Garcia and Michael Keaton provide their best preformance and the race to save Andy's child begins...

Best to watch it in Widescreen.

Good Movie
This is a good movie.Not classic but not stupid a good suspence/action flick.Andy Garcia is a good actor ... Read more