SMALL SOLDIERS (1998) Breakdown | Easter Eggs, Hidden Details, Making Of
Small Soldiers (1998) Hidden Details and Production Breakdown
Uncover the studio battles that sabotaged the film's box office, revealing how director Joe Dante navigated drastic tonal shifts applied by the higher-ups. Readers will gain an appreciation for the detailed special effects work and the surprising web of film history woven throughout this 90s classic.
Short Summary
- The movie underperformed financially due to conflicting mandates that created a confusing mix of edgy action and children's content.
- Special effects relied equally on animatronics, puppetry, and Industrial Light & Magic (ILM) CGI to achieve realistic toy movement.
- Voice actors for the Commando Elite often shared credits with the 1967 war film The Dirty Dozen.
- Marketing materials largely removed actor Phil Hartman following his tragic death shortly before release.
This breakdown explores the fascinating production history of Small Soldiers, highlighting numerous trivia points relating to pop culture cameos, unique sound design cues, and the technical challenges overcome by Stan Winston's team. Use this analysis to rewatch the film and catch the extensive references you missed.
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Top Comments (10)
SMALL SOLDIERS IS A CLASSIC!! My childhood thanks you all so much for this breakdown! ❤️❤️❤️
This was one of my favourite films growing up. Loved it. Like a darker toy story.
Small Soliders is set in the same universe as The Terminator.
Gizmo wasn't a gremlin, he was a magwai that when fed after midnight can turn into gremlins.
omg the Commandos being voiced by the Predator crew would have been MENTAL! i want it
This was my grandmother’s 2nd favorite movie, right after the wizard of oz. She collected all of the gorgonite toys and got an antique model boat to display them in her living room for close to 20 years of my life.
My favorite thing about this movie was the burger king tie in that introduced us all to the rodeo burger
Gizmo is a mogwai, not gremlin. Gremlins come from the mystery of "feeding after midnight" we must remember the fuzzy ones aren't gremlins.
One of the best movies of my childhood.
One of my favorite movies as a kid. I also loved their video games.
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Top Comments (10)
SMALL SOLDIERS IS A CLASSIC!! My childhood thanks you all so much for this breakdown! ❤️❤️❤️
This was one of my favourite films growing up. Loved it. Like a darker toy story.
Small Soliders is set in the same universe as The Terminator.
Gizmo wasn't a gremlin, he was a magwai that when fed after midnight can turn into gremlins.
omg the Commandos being voiced by the Predator crew would have been MENTAL! i want it
This was my grandmother’s 2nd favorite movie, right after the wizard of oz. She collected all of the gorgonite toys and got an antique model boat to display them in her living room for close to 20 years of my life.
My favorite thing about this movie was the burger king tie in that introduced us all to the rodeo burger
Gizmo is a mogwai, not gremlin. Gremlins come from the mystery of "feeding after midnight" we must remember the fuzzy ones aren't gremlins.
One of the best movies of my childhood.
One of my favorite movies as a kid. I also loved their video games.