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Small Soldiers: Gorgonites vs. Commando Elite – A Toy War Retrospective

Released in 1998, Small Soldiers presented a unique premise: what if toys came to life and waged war in your backyard? The film pitted the heroic, albeit unconventional, Gorgonites against the militaristic and ruthless Commando Elite. This article delves into the world of Small Soldiers, examining the characters, the conflict, and the lasting impact of this cult classic. The core conflict between the Gorgonites vs. Commando Elite offers a fascinating exploration of good versus evil, albeit with a healthy dose of dark humor and action.

The Premise of Small Soldiers

Small Soldiers revolves around Globotech Industries, a toy company acquired by Heartland Toy Company. To cut costs and boost profits, CEO Gil Mars tasks his employees with developing a new line of action figures. However, Mars insists on using the X-1000 microprocessors, originally designed for military applications, to give the toys advanced AI. This decision inadvertently brings the toys to life, imbuing them with distinct personalities and motivations. The X-1000 chips were intended for advanced targeting systems, not for children’s playthings.

Meet the Gorgonites

Led by the wise and gentle Archer, the Gorgonites are a group of monstrous-looking but inherently peaceful creatures. They are programmed to “learn” and “protect” but their monstrous appearance often leads to misunderstandings. Key members of the Gorgonites include:

Archer: The leader, a noble and courageous griffin-like creature.
Ocula: A cyclopean creature with immense strength.
Slamfist: A heavily armored warrior with powerful fists.
Insaniac: A wild and unpredictable, but ultimately harmless, creature.
Punchout: A boxer-like Gorgonite, ready for a fight, but ultimately prefers peace.

The Gorgonites are driven by a desire to find their home planet, Gorgon, believing it to be a real place. Their peaceful nature is constantly tested by the aggression of the Commando Elite.

The Commando Elite: Driven by Destruction

In stark contrast to the Gorgonites, the Commando Elite are militaristic action figures led by the ruthless Major Chip Hazard. Programmed to “seek and destroy” the Gorgonites, they are relentless in their pursuit of conquest. Key members of the Commando Elite include:

Major Chip Hazard: The fanatical leader, obsessed with eliminating the Gorgonites.
Brick Bazooka: A demolitions expert with a penchant for explosions.
Link Static: A communications specialist.
Butch Meathook: A brutal and merciless warrior.
Kip Killigan: A stealthy and cunning operative.

The Commando Elite view the Gorgonites as enemies that must be eradicated at all costs. Their militaristic programming and advanced AI make them a formidable threat.

The Human Element: Alan Abernathy

Caught in the middle of this toy war is Alan Abernathy, a teenager who works at his family’s toy store. He unwittingly activates the X-1000 microprocessors when he receives a shipment of the Gorgonites and Commando Elite. Alan quickly realizes the gravity of the situation and becomes the unlikely protector of the Gorgonites and a target for the Commando Elite. His resourcefulness and bravery are crucial in the fight against the Commando Elite.

The Escalating Conflict: From Toy Store to Suburbia

The conflict between the Gorgonites vs. Commando Elite quickly escalates from skirmishes within the toy store to a full-blown war across the Abernathy’s suburban neighborhood. The Commando Elite, with their superior weaponry and tactical skills, wreak havoc, while the Gorgonites, despite their peaceful nature, are forced to defend themselves. The film masterfully blends action, humor, and suspense as the war unfolds.

The Visual Effects and Animatronics

Small Soldiers was notable for its impressive visual effects and animatronics. Stan Winston’s creature effects team brought the Gorgonites and Commando Elite to life with a combination of practical effects and CGI. The animatronic puppets were incredibly detailed and expressive, adding to the believability of the characters. The CGI, while dated by today’s standards, was groundbreaking for its time and seamlessly integrated with the practical effects. The realistic portrayal of the Gorgonites and their conflict with the Commando Elite was a major factor in the film’s success.

Themes and Interpretations

Beyond the action and humor, Small Soldiers explores several thought-provoking themes. The film satirizes the militarization of toys and the influence of violent media on children. It also questions the nature of good and evil, challenging viewers to look beyond appearances and consider the motivations behind actions. The Gorgonites, despite their monstrous appearance, are ultimately the heroes, while the Commando Elite, with their clean-cut image, are the villains. The movie also touches upon themes of environmentalism and the dangers of unchecked technological advancement.

Reception and Legacy

Upon its release, Small Soldiers received mixed reviews. Some critics praised the film’s visual effects and dark humor, while others criticized its excessive violence and questionable tone. However, the film has since gained a cult following, with many appreciating its unique premise, memorable characters, and satirical commentary. The enduring popularity of Small Soldiers is a testament to its originality and its ability to resonate with audiences of all ages. The clash between the Gorgonites vs. Commando Elite continues to captivate viewers.

The Voice Cast

The film boasted an impressive voice cast, including:

Frank Langella as Archer: Langella brought a gravitas and wisdom to the character of Archer.
Tommy Lee Jones as Major Chip Hazard: Jones delivered a chilling and memorable performance as the ruthless leader of the Commando Elite.
Ernest Borgnine as Kip Killigan: Borgnine’s gravelly voice perfectly suited the character of Kip Killigan.
Jim Brown as Butch Meathook: Brown’s imposing voice added to the menace of Butch Meathook.
George Kennedy as Link Static: Kennedy’s authoritative voice lent credibility to the role of Link Static.
Clint Walker as Nick Nitro: Walker’s deep voice was a great fit for Nick Nitro.
Bruce Dern as Slamfist: Dern’s eccentric delivery added a unique flavor to Slamfist.
Christopher Guest as Slamfist and other voices: Guest’s improvisational skills brought a comedic edge to the Gorgonites.
Michael McKean as Insaniac and other voices: McKean’s comedic timing was perfect for the role of Insaniac.
Harry Shearer as Punchout and other voices: Shearer’s versatility added depth to the various Gorgonites characters.

Merchandise and Spin-offs

Despite the film’s mixed reception, Small Soldiers spawned a line of action figures and other merchandise. The toys, based on the Gorgonites and Commando Elite characters, were popular with children and collectors alike. While there were no direct sequels to the film, the concept of toys coming to life has been explored in other movies and TV shows, demonstrating the lasting influence of Small Soldiers. The impact of the Gorgonites vs. Commando Elite narrative continues to be felt in popular culture.

The Lasting Appeal of Small Soldiers

Small Soldiers remains a cult classic due to its unique blend of action, humor, and social commentary. The film’s exploration of the conflict between the Gorgonites vs. Commando Elite offers a compelling narrative that continues to resonate with audiences. The impressive visual effects, memorable characters, and thought-provoking themes have cemented Small Soldiers as a beloved film for many. [See also: The Evolution of Toy Story] The film’s ability to blend dark humor with a message about peace makes it a unique entry in the children’s film genre. The Gorgonites and Commando Elite represent opposing forces, but the film suggests that understanding and empathy are essential for resolving conflict. The legacy of Small Soldiers lives on in the hearts of fans who appreciate its originality and its willingness to challenge conventions.

Where are they now? The Cast of Small Soldiers

Many of the actors in Small Soldiers have continued successful careers in film and television. Kirsten Dunst, who played Alan’s love interest, has become a major star. Denis Leary, who played Gil Mars, has also enjoyed a successful acting career. The voice actors who brought the Gorgonites and Commando Elite to life have continued to work in animation and voice acting. The impact of the film on their careers, and the careers of those behind the scenes, is undeniable.

Small Soldiers: A Timeless Tale of Good vs. Evil

In conclusion, Small Soldiers is more than just a children’s movie; it’s a thought-provoking commentary on war, consumerism, and the power of choice. The battle between the Gorgonites vs. Commando Elite is a microcosm of the larger conflicts that plague the world. The film reminds us that even in the face of overwhelming odds, it’s important to stand up for what is right and to embrace compassion and understanding. The enduring popularity of Small Soldiers is a testament to its timeless themes and its ability to entertain and inspire audiences of all ages. The Gorgonites, with their peaceful nature and desire to find their home, represent the best of humanity, while the Commando Elite, with their militaristic aggression, represent the worst. The film’s message of hope and the importance of choosing peace over violence continues to resonate today.