*batteries not included
*batteries not included
A group of tenants in an apartment block are being forced to move out so that it can be demolished. The tenants are reluctant to move, so the developers hire a local gang to 'persuade' them to leave. Fortunately, visiting alien mechanical life-forms come to town. When they befriend the tenants, the aliens use their extraterrestrial abilities to defeat the developers.
theicephoenix reviewedJune 3, 2025
Rewatching batteries not included after all these years feels like opening a time capsule of pure '80s magic. There’s a warmth to this film that hits differently now, like visiting an old friend who hasn’t changed, even when the world around them has.
The story of a struggling apartment block and the tiny alien visitors who come to help still carries a surprising emotional punch. It blends whimsy, humor, and heartache in a way few family films manage to pull off. The practical effects hold up better than expected, and the little “Fix-Its” remain just as charming as they were when I was a kid, sparking that same wide-eyed wonder.
What makes this movie special now is the way it makes me feel. There's a comfort in its optimism and kindness that’s rare in today’s cinema. It's not just nostalgia, though there's plenty of that. It’s the simple reminder that small acts of magic can still have a big impact.
Nearly perfect, but not without a few dated moments and some pacing issues. Still, that doesn’t stop it from being an unforgettable comfort watch. batteries not included is a gem that deserves its spot in any nostalgic movie night lineup.