5. D.A.R.Y.L. (1985)
"D.A.R.Y.L.", which is an acronym for "Data-Analysing Robot Youth Lifeform," stars Michael McKean (Spinal Tap) and 80's child star Barret Oliver (Bastian from the Neverending Story) and tells the tale of a young boy who after being found in the woods suffering from what is assumed is amnesia, is sent to a foster home where he bonds with his adopted parents. But after initially showing extreme intelligence and motor skills it turns out that he is in fact a military experiment, the prototype for a new type of artificial intelligence that the military plans to use to construct a super soldier..After he is deemed a "failure" by the powers that be and scheduled for termination, he escapes with the help of a kind scientist and eventually reunites with his beloved adopted family. Although the pace is considered a little slow for some, the story's emotional elements, backed up by solid performances by everyone involved (especially the child actors) keeps you invested in the outcome. But that being said, this film flopped big time and has been pretty much consigned to oblivion. It was blasted by critics, although Roger Ebert seem to get it, who not only gave it high praise but recommended the film for all to see. The thing is, a lot of the rhetoric was directed at the film's predictable and formulaic nature. But considering the majority of movies aimed at the demographic D.A.R.Y.L. was intended for all follow this formula for success, I don't see where the argument is in that. And considering some of those beloved "Pixar" movies nowadays (among other animated features) follow a similar story arc every time but they don't receive the same harsh treatment seems a tad hypocritical to me. I don't hate Pixar, far from it, but they seem to be let off when it comes to the same reasons why other films are chastised. But that is another story. Although there is some light language that may offend, the words used are what most kids of that age group like to make their parents angry with anyway. Well, we did as kids, as I am sure most of you did as well. And just like some of those animated films mentioned, there are subtle innuendos for the adults to laugh at that will fly over the younger ones heads, although you may get asked what a "hooker" is. But overall it is a fun little family oriented picture that everyone can enjoy. Plus it features awesome 80's technology like the Atari 2600. Damn I miss owning one of those.