The Indian in the Cupboard (1995)

Touches You

It's no definitive masterpiece but it's damn close.

It's entirely possible that sending the audience out feeling lousy was intentional

This movie feels like it was made purely to piss off people who want good shows

On his ninth birthday a boy receives many presents. Two of them first seem to be less important: an old cupboard from his brother and a little Indian figure made of plastic from his best friend. But these two presents turn out to be much more magic than the rest...The movie debuted at number six at the North American box office. The film made only $35 million against a production budget of $45 million, making it a box office bomb; however, the film was in competition with high-profile successes like Apollo 13, Nine Months, Pocahontas, and Batman Forever. As a result, plans to adapt the next three books in the series into films were dropped.Like many others, I grew up reading and loving the book series. You would think this alone would be enough to make some money... each kid who read the book sees the movie once and you're sure to turn a profit. But maybe it just isn't that good. Now, in my thirties, I think the movie is sort of dumb. Is this because it really is dumb, or because I am not 10 years old? I am not sure, but I definitely think there was a big mistake in casting the two lead boys. They just had no personality, no screen magic. The toys were fine, but those kids... ugh.

The Indian in the Cupboard (1995): Dir: Frank Oz / Cast: Hal Scardino, Litefoot, David Keith, Rishi Bhat, Steve Coogan: Imaginative film full of glorious visual wonders about ancestry. The cupboard represents time lapse and the uniting of two worlds or cultures. Omri is given a small plastic Indian figurine with a cupboard. He locks the Indian in the cupboard and discovers the figure come to life. His name is Little Bear and the story never indicates how the cupboard sustains such power. It is disturbing to see these lives in the care of a kid. Directed by Frank Oz who normally makes comedies such as Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, but here he aims at family and fantasy viewers. Hal Scardino plays this kid given a key that holds no explanation, and he is given a responsibility that seems much for a kid his age. Litefoot plays the wise Little Bear but we are given little if any background, but the plot gears towards his dealing with his size verses the world he now inhabits. David Keith is hilarious as cowboy Boone, and easily the film's best performance. Boone enters as a pushover but becomes peaceful after an incident. Rishi Bhat is suitable as Scardino's best friend and soon he attempts to expose the figures. Steve Coogan plays a medical figurine who treats Little Bear when he is wounded. Theme of ancestry make the cupboard worth opening but caution issued for young viewers. Score: 9 / 10

This is one of those movies you watch as a child, and you love it, and when you watch it as an adult, you hope it will live up to your memory. A little boy receives a few unique gifts for his birthday: an old cupboard, an old key, and an old Native American Iroquois toy. When combined, something magical happens. The toy becomes a living man. The young boy is at first excited about being able to make his toys come to life, until he learns that with the people being truly alive, it also means they can die. He learns a lot from the Native American about the man's culture, and brings the information to school. But when the boy's friend learns the truth, he decides to bring an old cowboy to life, which causes fights between the toys. This is a heartwarming tale of friendship, love, and the meaning and consequences of life. For that reason, this movie is sweet, and good. However, from a technical standpoint, this movie is terrible. Therefore, I must say, if you have kids then this would be a sweet movie to watch with them. Otherwise, never see this film.Soundtrack: 4- There were moments of soundtrack that worked, usually when putting in bits of Native American chants, but for the most part it was just bad.Script: 4- There are so many plot holes. Not only that, but the script sounded choppy, and not well thought out. However, there were some moments that seemed to try to be character development, and for the sake of what the script had to offer, it was OK.Originality: 10- This was definitely an excellent idea, and might even work if redone better.Cinematography: 5- The cinematography was not spectacular. There were some strange camera choices. However, the special effects blended pretty decently, giving this an average score.Casting: 2- There were a couple people that worked, but for the most part the cast just wasn't right.Acting: 1- The man playing the Native American was decent, and the only reason the acting is not a zero. No one else in this film could act at all.Overall: 4.3

The main plot of the film is excellent, as it is the development of the characters. The only true fault is the child. Hi is one of the worst child actors I have ever seen, and the close ups really don't help.I think the history is good. it's simple and emotive. if you think that they are just child's, sound pretty logical that they at first use the little people as toys. The don't understand the responsibility of have a human being in your charge. The Indian is wise for a man so young, but He is an Indian, right? He's supposed to be part of a wise people. I'd love the idea of the magic cupboard, and the scene with all the other characters: Darth Vader, Robocop, T-REX, etc. It was impressive.The dialogs are also pretty good.Make the film again with other child ;)