As years go by , this will become a gem . I have heard that this is one of Robin Williams personal favourites , and while I admit it's easy to see what people don't like about this movie ( eccentricity , continual whimsy ) I agree it's his best film . In it you will see all his vast talents displayed in varying measures , and it's obvious there was a lot his own input during filming . The ultimate storyline of good versus evil plays out beautifully as the demented General ( marvelously portrayed by Michael Gambon ) wages war with robotical war toys against the more traditional products of the dream factory built by his recently deceased brother . A rare appearance by Donald O'Connor at the beginning adds to film's sense of purity and charm . The opening sequence is , in my opinion , one of the very best ever produced , with a staged musical and ballet depicting the initial innocence to introduce the characters and the child-like motives of the toymaker . LLCoolJ turns in a great , if muted , performance as the lunatic Gambon's militaristic son , and Joan Cusack is perfect as William's sibling foil . Watch for Robin's speech , spoofing many great real speeches , to his wind-up toys as they prepare to do battle against the evil war machines , it's clear he had much to do with it's cleverness and scripting . Sure , there are flaws here, but just ignore them , watch and be happy . I have found that the more times you view this film , the more little jewels of movie magic emerge from it . A lot of people didn't like this film when it came out, and there are a lot who still don't , but I believe they are lacking in whimsical imagination and patience , because both are needed to enjoy this cinematic masterpiece. Mjc
Review of Toys
