*batteries not included

*batteries not included

Year: 1987

Runtime: 106 min

Language: English

Director: Matthew Robbins

Sci-FiFantasyComedyFamily

Frank and Faye Riley, a devoted elderly couple, face a daunting challenge when a determined developer plots to demolish their cherished apartment building and diner. Unexpectedly, a group of unusual flying saucers arrives, sparking a whimsical battle against gentrification. Along with their eccentric tenants, the couple fights to preserve their community’s heart and spirit in this heartwarming science fiction comedy.

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Timeline & Setting – *batteries not included (1987)

Explore the full timeline and setting of *batteries not included (1987). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

The events of 'batteries not included' encapsulate contemporary urban life, reflecting the struggles faced by residents in a changing cityscape during the late 20th century. Themes of resilience and community are prominent as characters confront modern challenges posed by developers and shifting dynamics in their neighborhood.

Location

New York City's East Village

New York City's East Village is a vibrant neighborhood known for its rich cultural history and artistic communities. Once a hub for counterculture movements, it now features a mix of restaurants, bars, and eclectic shops, standing in stark contrast to the impending development of Lacey Plaza. The neighborhood embodies a unique blend of old-world charm and modern ambition, making it a significant backdrop for the residents fighting to stay in their homes.

🏙️ City 🏠 Home

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Main Characters – *batteries not included (1987)

Meet the key characters of *batteries not included (1987), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Frank Riley (Hume Cronyn)

Frank Riley is a resilient and loving husband who fiercely protects his home amidst the encroaching threat of eviction. He balances caring for his wife, Faye, who suffers from dementia, with the pressures of defending their diner from destruction. Frank embodies deep-rooted devotion and a fighting spirit that resonates throughout the community.

👴 Elderly ❤️ Love 💪 Resilience

Faye Riley (Jessica Tandy)

Faye Riley is a warm-hearted and nurturing figure whose mild dementia adds a poignant layer to her character. As Frank's partner, she symbolizes the deep emotional ties that bind the residents to their home. Her whimsical interactions with the Fix-Its highlight themes of innocence and the importance of imagination in the face of reality.

👵 Dementia 💖 Caregiver 🌟 Dreamer

Mason Baylor (Dennis Boutsikaris)

Mason Baylor is a starving artist who captures the struggles and aspirations of the community. Torn between artistic integrity and burgeoning feelings for Marisa, he provides a voice for the younger generation trying to navigate love and ambition amidst societal upheaval. His journey reflects the intersections of creativity and survival.

🎨 Artist ❤️ Romance 🎭 Struggle

Marisa Esteval (Elizabeth Peña)

Marisa Esteval is a pregnant woman facing uncertainty about her future. As a single mother, she represents the challenges facing young women in urban environments. Her complex relationship with Mason intertwines themes of love, jealousy, and community support, highlighting maternal strength amidst vulnerability.

👩‍👧 Motherhood 💕 Love 🤰 Pregnancy

Harry Noble (Frank McRae)

Harry Noble is a retired boxer embodying strength and loyalty. His willingness to defend his neighbors makes him a vital protector in the community. His character provides both comic relief and moments of genuine tension, particularly in his interactions with Lacey's henchmen, showcasing the duality of toughness and compassion.

🥊 Boxer 🔥 Brave 😂 Humor

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

Major Themes – *batteries not included (1987)

Explore the central themes of *batteries not included (1987), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🏘️ Community

The theme of community is central to the narrative as the tenants of the East Village building come together to support each other against eviction. Their shared memories and collective resistance highlight the bond that forms among neighbors in the face of adversity. This theme is amplified by the mysterious Fix-Its, which symbolize hope and togetherness.

⚔️ Conflict

Conflict is portrayed through the struggle between the residents and the ruthless developer, Mr. Lacey. The physical and psychological battles they endure unveil deeper social themes like gentrification and the fight for one's home. The violence of Lacey’s henchmen against the tenants reflects a broader commentary on power dynamics in urban settings.

🛠️ Resilience

Resilience is embodied in the elderly couple, Frank and Faye, who refuse to leave their home despite overwhelming odds. Their determination, alongside the supportive antics of the Fix-Its, illustrates a profound message about the strength found in maintaining one's roots and fighting for a place to belong.

Last Updated: January 14, 2025 at 22:07

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Explore Movie Threads

Discover curated groups of movies connected by mood, themes, and story style. Browse collections built around emotion, atmosphere, and narrative focus to easily find films that match what you feel like watching right now.

Movies with magical helpers saving a community like in *batteries not included

Quaint communities unite with charming creatures to save their homes.If you enjoyed the charming robotic aid in *batteries not included, you'll love these movies where magical or fantastical beings assist a community in need. These films blend light sci-fi or fantasy with heartfelt stories of resilience, often featuring eccentric characters banding together against a common threat in an uplifting and whimsical way.

whimsicalhopefulcharmingfantasticalcommunityupliftingheartwarmingquaint

Narrative Summary

The narrative follows a community, typically in a distinct, cherished location, that is threatened by a larger force like developers or corporations. The conflict is introduced with moderate tension, but the arrival of benevolent, often non-human allies introduces wonder and practical solutions. The story unfolds steadily as the community learns to trust their new friends, culminating in a collaborative victory that reaffirms the power of unity and small miracles.

Why These Movies?

Movies in this thread share a core premise of supernatural assistance in a mundane struggle, blending light conflict with a consistently hopeful and whimsical tone. They prioritize charm and emotional warmth over high stakes, creating a comforting viewing experience centered on community, resilience, and the joy of the fantastical intersecting with the everyday.

Cozy urban fantasy movies about found family like *batteries not included

Feel-good stories where magic brings together unlikely families in the city.Fans of the heartwarming community in *batteries not included will appreciate these gentle urban fantasies. These movies feature a blend of everyday city life with magical elements, where a group of eccentric characters form a deep bond and overcome challenges together, resulting in an uplifting and sentimental story.

cozysentimentalhopefulupliftingfound familyurban fantasycharminggentle

Narrative Summary

The narrative typically begins by establishing a group of isolated or struggling individuals in an urban environment. A fantastical event or being enters their lives, acting as a catalyst that forces them to interact and rely on each other. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, focusing on character development and the growth of their relationships, with the magical element serving to highlight themes of belonging, care, and mutual support rather than driving a complex high-stakes plot.

Why These Movies?

These films are grouped by their shared mood: a cozy, sentimental, and hopeful atmosphere created by merging a realistic city setting with light fantastical elements. The central theme is always the formation and strengthening of a chosen family, resulting in stories that are comforting, emotionally light, and ultimately joyful.

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*batteries not included Summary

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*batteries not included Summary

*batteries not included Timeline

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*batteries not included Timeline

*batteries not included Spoiler-Free Summary

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*batteries not included Spoiler-Free Summary

More About *batteries not included

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