My family owned a VHS copy of  Babes in Toyland, my sisters and I would watch this film traditionally around Christmastime. Featuring a young Drew Barrymore, Keanu Reeves,  and Richard Mulligan. This film is noted as a childrens film, but I feel that this film is far too simple for a child. The plot of the story is about Lisa (Drew Barrymore), who travels to Toyland (a sort of Wizard of Oz)  She meets a variety of characters from nursery rhymes.  Lisa doesn’t believe in toys, yes this what plot boils down to. Would I recommend this movie, sure, if you need a laugh this holiday season.

 

The best review, and I should add, spot on review of Babes in Toyland -curtsy of Robert from Philadelphia, PA (Amazon review)

Babes in Toyland Ate My Soul
“Assuming this craptacular film didn’t eat my soul, I would gladly sell it to whatever evil deity could make me forget the twelve hours (running time will vary in direct correlation with your I.Q.) I wasted watching this nonsensical romp through my worst nightmare.

First off, let me dispel the rumor that this is a “children’s film” so being an adult I shouldn’t like it. Even children will balk the first time they see Toyland and all of the mystical creatures that are comprised of discarded amusement park costumes. The most naïve babe (pardon the pun) will groan at the forced delivery of Richard Mulligan (he delivers five minutes of exposition to the floor), the drunken slurred delivery of Drew Barrymore (listen every time she tries to pronounce anything with an S), the mindless delivery of Keanu Reeves (yes, this makes his work in Point Break seem Oscar worthy) and the nonsensical delivery of Pat (Mr. Myogi) Morita.

The songs are insipid (O-E-I-O, spells Ohio???) from the homage to Cincinnati to the…sorry, I drove a butter knife into my ear drum after that song.

The direction is nonexistent (the foil breaks into a cookie factory and ends up stealing cakes????).

I firmly believe this movie is responsible for the death of Richard Mulligan. This film should be indicted, not brought home for the Holidays…unless you hate your children.

Spend your money on the Burl Ives claymation specials from the 60’s. Even those of you with a nostalgic remembrance of this film (like my wife) will up and leave the room, saddened by the fact that this was considered entertainment in 1986. ”

NOTE : to anyone who would like to see this film (since it’s only available in VHS, you can watch it via youtube.com in five part sections.

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