I'm constantly amazed at how so many wannabe movie buffs can go ga-ga over something as romantic and unreal as Titanic and slam a film that has so many fine artistic points as this one. Well, as me auld Irish Mither used to say, "There's no counting for taste," I suppose but hey! This is a fine little film with a poignant theme, a fun fantasy frolic and some incredible artistic moments. Robin Williams is at his non-goofiest best in this medium. Indeed, his Leslie, the toymaker, is almost underplayed. Joan Cusack is, simply put, always worth the price of admission and then there's Michael Gambon and a glimpse of the late Donald O'Connor. LL Cool is relatively harmless in his role and does not distract from the pace of the film. Put it all together, it works, gang. Don't go in there expecting instant game-boy entertainment. Look. See. Drink in the colors. Smell the textures of contrasting materialistic profitism with creating bits of beauty that can be enjoyed by children of "all ages." Alas, I realize that is a lot to ask for from an audience, but, hey, you flunked on the firt go-round; now, see this one again and give it try.
