Small Soldiers
Directed by Joe Dante
TheoScope Rating
Worldview · content · moral framework
Plot
Fifteen-year-old Alan Abernathy, the son of a toy store owner, tries out some new action figures: The Commando Elite versus The Gorgonites. But three months ago, a toy company believes it is onto something when it employs the latest government military technology in a series of action figures, enabling them to talk. They underestimate the power of the special micro chips they've employed, however, as the two opposing sides of the toy line start thinking for themselves and engaging in real combat! The Commando Elite vow to wipe out the Gorgonites in a suburban neighborhood. Alan, his neighbor Christy Fimple, (on whom he has a massive crush) with the help of the kind Gorgonites, must protect his home and family from the Commandos.
Discern Score Breakdown
30%
30%
25%
15%
Audience Suitability
Kids
Under 10
Teens
10–17
Adults
18+
Family
Mixed ages
Content Flags
Small Soldiers is a smart, satirical action-comedy that uses the premise of living toys to critique militarism, corporate irresponsibility, and the glorification of aggression — values a Christian parent can appreciate. However, the sustained intensity of the violence and the genuinely disturbing Gwendy doll sequences make it inappropriate for young children despite its toy-store premise. It lands as a thoughtful film for older teens and adults who can engage its subversive critique of action-hero mythology.
Pastoral Take
Small Soldiers is best suited for teenagers 13 and up rather than the younger kids its toy-based marketing might attract — the violence is sustained and some scenes, particularly the Gwendy doll sequence, are genuinely unsettling in ways that can disturb children under 10 significantly. Parents of teens will find some worthwhile conversation hooks here, especially around the film's critique of blind militarism, the danger of labeling people as enemies, and the way corporate greed can cause real harm to real families. It has no redemptive Christian content, but it's a morally serious film that rewards discussion rather than one to skip outright.
Discussion Points
- 1The Gorgonites are labeled 'monsters' on their packaging, but in the film they turn out to be peaceful, curious, and kind — while the heroic-looking Commando Elite are actually dangerous and destructive. Can you think of times in life when something looks good on the outside but isn't, or when something looks scary but turns out to be good? What does Jesus say about judging by appearances?
- 2Chip Hazard and the Commandos keep saying they're just following their mission — wiping out the Gorgonites — even when it causes real harm to innocent people. Do you think 'just following orders' or 'just doing what I was made to do' is ever a good excuse for hurting others? What does the Bible say about our responsibility for our own choices?
- 3At the end of the film, the Gorgonites finally reach 'Gorgon' — but it turns out to be the whole world, not a specific hidden place. They were already home without knowing it. Does that idea remind you of anything about how people search for belonging, purpose, or even God? Where does the Bible say our true home is found?
- 4Alan gets into serious trouble partly because he was trying to impress Christy and prove himself without thinking about consequences. Have you ever done something risky or wrong because you wanted someone to think well of you? What does Proverbs say about the kind of friends and influences we choose?
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Cast
Kirsten Dunst, Gregory Smith, David Cross
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