Toys (1992)

Review by Bret Walker

In this delightful and mostly misunderstood film, Barry Levinson shows us the inner workings of what may be the last bastion of purity in the toy industry. The Zevo toy company makes strictly non-violent toys and it's owner, Kenneth Zevo (played by the wonderful Donald O'Connor) keeps it so with his whimsicality and strength of conviction. He realizes, however, that he cannot run the company forever, and so enlists the aid of his brother, the General, to take over the plant when he dies. But after his death, the General commandeers a large part of the plant to secretly develop toys to be used in military operations. It's left to Kenneth's children, Leslie and Alsatia, to stop the General's plan and restore the wholesomeness to Zevo Toys.

Ok, I have to admit that a lot of people I know don't like this movie. But I love it! It's playful and surreal, very reminiscent of Willie Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. When I first saw ads for the movie, I originally thought it was another Terry Gilliam film (the maker of Time Bandits, Brasil, The Fisher King, etc.). Even though it's not, it certainly feels like it. And Levinson brings the whole strange and funny package together in a wonderful film that is worthy of the star power in it.

Perhaps it is in consideration of the fact that this is a Levinson film that makes the critics shudder. I'm not sure. Either way, I viewed it without reservation and without pre-conceived notions and came away feeling very entertained.

Rating:

Trivia:

This is Donald O'Connor's 60th film, coming some 55 years after his debut in Melody for Two (1937).

From the veteran to the rookie: Toys was Jamie Foxx's first cinematic appearance (as "Baker") after first appearing on the Keenan Ivory Wayans variety show In Living Color.

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