*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 – *batteries not included (1987)

Trace every key event in *batteries not included (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Demolition Plans Begin

In New York City's East Village, plans are set in motion to demolish several blocks to make way for Lacey Plaza, a high-rise office and sports complex. Residents of a specific four-story apartment building are resistant to leave, despite the lucrative offers from the property developers.

East Village, New York City
2

Residents Refuse to Leave

Elderly couple Frank and Faye Riley, who have spent over 50 years in their apartment, refuse to relocate. Along with other tenants like the artist Mason Baylor and pregnant Marisa Esteval, they stand against the eviction plans initiated by the developer, Mr. Lacey.

3

Thugs Smash and Vandalize

In an attempt to pressure the tenants into leaving, Lacey sends his thugs to vandalize the diner run by Frank and Faye, leading to destruction in the building. The violent actions escalate tensions between the residents and the developer's team.

Riley's Cafe
4

Initial Police Intervention

Frank Riley reaches out to the police after the thugs vandalize their property, but they advise against pressing charges, suggesting it would provoke further harassment from the vandals. This leaves Frank feeling helpless and concerned for his wife Faye, who has mild dementia.

5

Faye and the Fix-Its Appear

One evening, Faye, in her delusional state, leads the tenants to the roof where she introduces them to two small, flying saucer-like objects she names 'The Fix-Its.' These miraculous beings are responsible for repairing the damage caused by the thugs, bringing hope back to the residents.

Rooftop
6

The Fix-Its' Antics

The Fix-Its start interacting with the tenants, plugging into electrical outlets and playfully making mischief around the building. Frank and the others begin treating the Fix-Its as if they were small children, endearing themselves to these peculiar visitors.

7

Carlos's Attack

Carlos, one of Lacey's henchmen, attempts to confront the Fix-Its. In a surprising turn, the playful beings retaliate by knocking him out with a frying pan when he invades their space, displaying their protective instincts towards the tenants.

8

The Fix-Its' Reproduction

After a series of amusing interactions, the female Fix-It appears to be pregnant, drawing attention and curiosity from the residents. When she gives 'birth' to several smaller Fix-Its, Mason excitedly theorizes about machines being able to reproduce themselves.

9

Lacey's Pressure Increases

As the situation escalates, Mr. Lacey demands that the residents vacate the premises within three days. Meanwhile, the diner experiences unexpected success as Faye, assisted by the Fix-Its, continues to serve her loyal customers in defiance of Lacey's threats.

Riley's Cafe
10

Confrontation and Violence

Carlos, enraged by the defiance of the tenants, resorts to sabotage, damaging essential utilities in the building. In the chaos, a fight breaks out, but Faye mistakes the situation for a reunion with her deceased son, highlighting her deepening dementia.

11

The Great Escape

As the tension peaks, Carlos rushes to save Faye from the imminent explosion planned by Lacey's men. In a race against time, he tries to coax her out of the apartment while battling his own conflicted feelings about her safety.

12

Building Destroyed

Despite Carlos's efforts, the apartment building is destroyed in a fierce explosion, leaving Harry as the only resident left standing amid the rubble. This loss weighs heavily on the tenants who fought so hard to preserve their home and community.

East Village, New York City
13

The Fix-Its' Rebuilding

Night falls over the ruins, and unexpectedly, the Fix-Its return along with their friends. They work tirelessly through the night to rebuild the apartment building, showcasing their miraculous abilities and devotion to the tenants.

14

A New Beginning

The next morning, the residents wake up to find their beloved apartment restored, rejuvenated by the Fix-Its. As Lacey assesses the situation, he realizes he will have to alter his plans for Lacey Plaza to accommodate the resilient spirit of the community.

East Village, New York City

Last Updated: January 18, 2025 at 14:36

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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.

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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.

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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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Characters, Settings & Themes in *batteries not included

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