D.A.R.Y.L. Reviews

• A soul,a conscience,a persuasion,and plenty of 80s schmaltz.

  
  By AOA4X13ZFB1Z5 on 2000-03-11
  This is one of those movies from way back in the day that I saw in the theater when it first came out when I was in fourth grade that remind of me of when life was much simpler. I recently rented it for nostalgia value, and it's interesting now to watch it with an adult perspective on its undertones and propagandistic elements which it has in common with certain other movies of around the same time. I find it interesting to observe the attitudes of the filmmakers and to be aware of the fact that their aim is not just to tug the heartstrings but to tug them in a certain direction.

  Innocent-looking little boy is dropped off in the middle of nowhere by a man in a car who then proceeds to drive it over a cliff. Fortunately, there is a professional, loving institution not far away for just such cases, and the boy, after being picked up by a kindly old couple and given some lumberjack clothes, is whisked away into its hallowed halls (As a sidenote unrelated to my central thrust, throughout the post-modernist 90's, pop culture has so steeped us in irony and misanthropy that to go back in time and find none of the above has a jarring effect on the contemporary psyche; this accounts for my tone!). Before you can cough twice, he is spirited away to Everytown, U.S.A., to foster at the home of the filmmakers' Ideal Parents: warm, unassuming backyard barbecuers; not religious, magnanimously tolerant of bad language in kids and promiscuity in teenagers. Long story short, this kid is Special and we watch him blossom amidst an Everytown background of Baseball, Elementary School... even an ATM machine makes an appearance. We eventually find out that the reason he is Special is because he was incubated in a test-tube and given a microchip-enhanced brain as part of a Pentagon-sponsored experiment in artificial intelligence. Daryl gets picked up later by some of their scientists under the pretense of being his parents, and is taken back to a Secret Government Installation, where the scientists Run Some Tests on him. Alas, their benefactors at the Department of Defense have decided to nix the project, and along with it the life of this innocent little boy. But he is smuggled away once again by a Scientist With A Conscience, who risks his life to save Daryl from the evil clutches of the heartless military, etc. etc.

  This film is really very well made, and does have a genuine heart when it comes to the value of human life. But it is also one of a whole oeuvre of mid-eighties films ("Short Circuit," for example) which heavy-handedly demonize the military, a theme which gets pretty hackneyed and tiresome after the nth iteration. But I guess it was all harmless after all, since we won the Cold War anyway, despite the best efforts of Hollywood. ;-) No, really, it's an entertaining movie and kids'll like it, especially boys.
  
  

• An oldie but goodie.

  
  By A179FX09EG0RHJ on 2004-12-02
  This is one of my favorite childhood movies. The foster mom reminded me of one of my aunts. That is not why I loved it though. There is just something about it. I can watch this one over and over. Even today I still enjoy it. I loved the chase scene. The plot was strong and well knited. When I first saw this I had seen nothing like it before. I am not sure I have seen anything quite like it since. It is one that stands the test of time.
  
  

• EXCITING MOVIE FOR CHILDREN AND PARENTS

  
  By A3O4OVCGQPQ912 on 2002-09-14
  This is an exciting and intelligent film for everyone. Do not let
  the box cover art make you think this is a kiddie film only. It
  is a neat little film that teaches many lessons. D.A.R.Y.L. is
  actually a child robot that is too perfect a child and a scient
  ist working with him wants him to have a life outside the gov
  ernment lab. D.A.R.Y.L. winds up with a foster family, makes a
  life long friend has an exciting finale. This is a uniformly
  well-made and acted film with excellent special effects on what
  was a shoe-string budget. This film is as enjoyable as most of
  Disney's big budget offerings. Also it shows that a wonderful
  film without gratuitous trash and language can be made.
  The film works so well because of the performance of Barrett
  Oliver as D.A.R.Y.L. He gives the presence of the perfect, loving child. He also was in The Neverending Story and Cocoon
  parts one and two. Strangely he seems to have disappeared from
  film in his teens. I would like to see him in more films
  
  

• "what's a hooker?"

  
  By A31A9GENAJYD64 on 2005-12-02
  Sure it's about as syrup heavy on the compassion scale as an 80's movie can get, but where else will you find such an incredible story of humanity as in D.A.R.Y.L. ?
  
  Government builds a robot child different than the cyborgs we've seen before. This is not a terminator type robot with a metal endoskeleton covered by flesh, this is a true human boy with a computer for a brain.
  One of the research scientists sets Daryl free in the woods and there is where the adventure truly begins. He is taken in by a group home for boys and then sent to live with foster parents until someone comes to claim him. Daryl meets the boy next door, nicknamed Turtle and starts to understand what friendship is all about. His foster dad, played by Laverne & Shirley's "Lenny" Mike Mckean in a completely normal dad role, teaches Daryl baseball while Turtle's sister gets him into video games. His foster mom is surprised to find his incredible talent at piano playing and the fact that he irons his own clothes. It's all going so well that you just know trouble is on the horizon.
  The other two researchers on the project show up to claim their "son" Daryl and bring him back to the lab to study his memory banks on what he's learned. Plus, even more grim is the fact the military wants Daryl to go to the scrapheap. The deadline is on to save this all too human child from being the target of the military's junk pile. The film then becomes an action filled thrill ride that is truly unforgettable.
  
  What makes this film rise above it's all too Hollywood heavy handed emotionalism is the one fact that is inescapable about Daryl: (played perfectly by Barrett Oliver) He really IS human, and can grow up just as a normal boy with a human brain can. This movie is still just as enjoyable to watch as it was when it hit theaters in the mid 80s. Anytime I am asked about a movie with family values to the hilt, true compassion and adventure without talking down to kids, this is the movie I recommend. 6 stars
  
  

• Touching film all the family can watch and enjoy

  
  By A1HO9J4DCQDGP9 on 2000-07-26
  A heart-warming story about a genetically engineered child whose brain is a computer processor and his physical strength is that of a young adult. Daryl as he is called, however, was not created to interact with other people, least of all a childless family who grow to love him when he put into their care. His "escape" into the real world (aided by a military scientist who gets a dose of conscience) teaches him things he would never have learnt in the artificial world he was being raised in. Befriended by Turtle, an ordinary child, Daryl is integrated into family life, and soon acquires emotions, such as love, friendship and compassion, the very things he was denied in his artificial world. There are many touching scenes such as Daryl purposely pretending he can't hit the ball properly during a baseball practice so his adopted mother will feel wanted and needed by him. Eventually however Daryl is returned to his origins, to a world that is now alien to him, and his knew found emotions and ethics soon make him redundant in the eyes of his creators. However Daryl's changes have been noticed by a once hard line scientist who realizes that the boundary between computer and child have been breeched and to terminate his existence is to murder a child, even if the child has somewhat usual mental and physical capabilities such as driving cars, flying military planes and creating an effective escape stragegy that will help him return to the family and friends he has grown to love. The final scene in the movie is poignant as Daryl bought back from the brink of "death" by yet another scientist who also now realizes that Daryl is in fact a child and not a super-computer and his return to his adopted family is heart-wrenchingly touching. There is a great musical score to accompany this film, plus some above average acting, especially from Daryl, as well as many funny and often moving moments. Watch out for the scene at the Cash Point, it tickled my funny bone no end. A nice mushy family film to enjoy, and not too overtly cerebral either!
  
  
• one bright actor
  By A48C8M5OM9ETJ on 2004-10-18
  Oliver Barret is the same actor that played in Neverending Story and did a great job in that movie. He is already grown up, but he'll be my buddy for life. I like how natural Oiver Barret was in this movie. He played the part of a boy who had a "brain chip" implant, this gave him extraordinary abilities. He was eventually reclaimed by the government taken from his adopted family. Even though some of the technology is outdated like seeing an old-fashioned Atari computer the movie is still fun to see. I hope a DVD version comes out. I dearly love this movie to pieces, but I want a DVD copy for myself.
  If I had any kids I would definitely allow them to see this one entertaining movie. You're the best Oliver Barret. THANK YOU
  
  
  
• What an awesome movie
  By A1N643TZ48RPG7 on 2004-11-20
  D.A.R.Y.L. has to be right up there in my top-15 movies of all time, and for good reason. Quality action, thought-provoking plot, and killer acting make this cutting-edge high-tech cyberthriller a must-see.
  
  The movie came out at an impressionable time for me, and it made a big impact. I remember seeing it and thinking, 'How great would it be to be a robot!' For a few months after seeing the film, I tried living life robotically. I would approach my problems in a cold, logical manner - no friends, no flirting with girls - and I tried not to ever laugh. Whenever it was time to eat with people I would say, "This unit does not technically need your primative foodstuffs, but the basic protein compounds should provide some benefit once my servos have broken them down into a more usable form." You should have seen the stares THAT got! I think people really started to think I was a robotic being!
  
  Eventually though, enough taunting and failure on the baseball field helped me realize that I was just a mere human after all, and that I had better stop pretending. But I've never stopped loving this movie, and all of the positive and warm things it makes me feel. If you like movies about robot boys, check it out!
  
  
• Lovely story about the conflict between humanity and technology
  By ALP5YTSQO6VMD on 2005-11-21
  I am thrilled this film is out on DVD. I was about Daryl's age when this film came out, and I just loved it. It was ahead of its time in its exploration of humanity versus technology. Daryl is a part human, part robotic child, who, as you may guess has many special talents that other children do not have. He is abandoned by a scientist and left on his own, until he is adopted by a foster family. Of course, the military wants him back, and the argument ensues as to whether Daryl is a mere lab rat, or if he has developed to such a degree that there is nothing that distinguishes him from other humans. The story is very magical, and while there are many twists you will anticipate well-before, the real magic is in the performances, especially that of Barret Oliver, who was one of the best child actors of the 80s, and beyond. He breathes life into Daryl, and his melt-your-heart smile brings such genuine pathos into the story. I am a little annoyed that the DVD art has Michael McKean and Mary Beth Hurt above the title because the movie belongs to Barret Oliver. Having seen it again in adulthood, I felt that rush of nostalgia for family films that are warm and magical, yet do not insult the intelligence. With the holidays coming up, this is a movie kids will love and adults may as well. It's fast paced, charming, and has some genuine tear-jerking moments. I have noticed amid the reviews it has been compared several times to Spielberg's A.I. While I think A.I. is a brilliant film, and the comparison's are inevitable, they are VERY different films. A.I. is far too dark, disturbing, and philosophically complex for younger viewers. D.A.R.Y.L. is the kind of movie I miss, a technically well made, beautifully acted, and magical film. It stirs the imagination, and avoids degenerating into cynicism, a trait all too common in today's films. Do yourself and your children a favor and treat them to this film. You will not regret it and I assure you, neither will they.
  
  
• Bye-bye, Blackbird
  By A2VLM3Z7KYN98P on 2000-08-06
  As a Lockheed engineer in the late '60's and early '70's, I had some contact with my peers from the legendary (then and now) "Skunk Works." More importantly, I had a close friend who was a former U-2 pilot. He once told me about a mission he was flying, at [I'm going to assume that this is still a Classified number] feet at the edge of the stratosphere, confident that there was no aircraft on earth that could come anywhere NEAR him. Suddenly, just a few miles away, he saw a black blur. The overwhelming thing for him was that the black blur was on its way straight UP. He pointed the nose of the U-2 up and watched the other aircraft "top out" [another probably still-Classified number] feet higher. He said that it was the most awe-inspiring thing he's seen before or since.

  D.A.R.Y.L. is an interesting movie. It has some thought-provoking ideas about the future of Artificial Intelligence and a (ho-hum) car chase. But MAINLY what it has is the closest that the rest of us mortals will ever come to flying a Blackbird. Sure, it's smoke and mirrors (or maybe Industrial Light and Magic), but it's still impressive -- at least to this naive engineer.
  
  

• Beats the Pants off AI
  By A1GHUN5HXMHZ89 on 2002-11-19
  To bad Spielberg didn't opt to make a movie more like D.A.R.Y.L. instead of AI. D.A.R.Y.L. is a boy robot. He lives with a family that falls in love with him. When it looks like he will be deactivated the ensueing chase scenes with an exceptional flight in a Blackbird jet is great. If you like movies like "Flight of the Navigator", "The Explorers", or "ET" you should enjoy this movie.
  
  
• One of the best movies of the 80s
  By A3P121GNV5QYIN on 2003-04-25
  Long before Steven Spielberg's A.I. came out in the summer of 2001,there was a film that came out in 1985 called D.A.R.Y.L.which is way better then A.I.I grew up on this film since the age of 4 years old and it's still wonderful to me even at the age of 22.While A.I. is a good film,it lacks the warmth,awe and the wonder that Daryl had.His name stands of Data Analyzing Robot Youth Lifeform and noone,not even Daryl himself knows he's a robot,they just think of him as a normal boy with extraordinary talents.Daryl is a warm and touching film not only for childern but for adults too.
  
  
• A sci fi goodie for children
  By on 2002-08-15
  D.A.R.Y.L. is an interesting, loving film that can be enjoyed by a family. I'd love to see a sequel with Daryl in college or working as a scientist. Very enjoyable.
  
  
• FINALLY! - PURE 80's FARE!
  By A3I54T27J7I5A0 on 2004-09-21
  Engaging, heartwarming and intelligent film that makes you think "What If?". Saw this when it opened and have liked it ever since but this DVD release was way overdue. Have watched in on laserdisc many times. Watch this, "Wargames" and "The Manhattan Project" for pure eighties escapism!
  
  
• One of my favorites!!
  By A3MK3YW2QKBAO5 on 2004-12-22
  Simon Wincer one of my favorite Directors. Barret Oliver a truly gifted and talented actor. I also liked seeing Michael McKean aka Lenny from Laverne and Shirley. Gosh the 80s were definitely a memorable period!
  Can't believe that it's finally on DVD. To enjoy this movie in its nicely transfered 2.35:1 version, is fulfilling like a hot cup of cocoa. Round up the family and cozy on up. Definitely one of my favorites. The only negative is notta a single extra, no commentaries, nothing.
  
  
• A childhood fantasy makes it one of my favorite movies!
  By ATH4RQ3GIQJ3G on 1999-08-04
  I saw this movie when I was a kid--during the eighties. I was facinated with the combination of the technology of computers and the capablities of a normally nerdy kid in real life. I thought that it would be really neat to either have half of a brain as a super computer or have a friend who had one. I have been looking for this movie for a long time and finally found it. Thank you.
  
  
• d.a.r.y.l.
  By A2SU6P5W5MAYNX on 2004-02-14
  from the first time i saw this film,i knew this was a great family movie.has a very good story line and excitement for all ages.paramount is brining this film out on dvd sometime in 2004.hope it will be in widescreen.check it out,you'll love it!
  
  
• Constantly fascinating
  By A55MRYPUAX4QU on 2004-10-03
  Using cinematic, scientific and literary license, this story is one that immediately captures the viewer and does not let go. I guess the central question is the answer to the age-old Turing test - "When a machine is indistinguishable from a human is it still a machine?"
  
  The plot - mad scientists create a boy robot who escapes and is adopted by a couple - is fleshed out to include scenes of emotion, action and pathos. It is a great movie for both kids AND adults, definitely GP rated. It is refreshing, optimistic and has a great, satisfying ending.
  
  
• Cute Movie About A Robot Boy!
  By on 2005-10-15
  D.A.R.Y.L. is a cute movie from the 1980's about a little boy who turns out to be a robot! I'm pleased the movie has been put on DVD!
  
  
• DARYL is a Great movie with polictical undertones
  By A24XL3NHQHJ1FK on 2007-03-20
  I saw this movie many years ago and just watched it again. The technology and plot were just as refreshing as when I first saw it.
  
  It seems strange the world has not progressed beyond this point, but the military is still in charge and there are still victims of its struggle for power. D.A.R.Y.L.(Digital Analyzing Robotic Youth Life form) is a young boy played by Bret Oliver (Never ending story, Cocoon) who was created as an experiment. The intent was to create the perfect soldier, but it backfired and Daryl became a "Real Boy" with extraordinary powers. With the help he escapes his Laboratory home and I given to a foster family while his "real" parents are found. They fall in love with him but the military want him "terminated" and he is recaptured. His captures are surprised by his growth and human abilities so that save him and he is returned to his loving family and friends. A story of intrigue, love, compassion, sacrifice and friendship well worth having.
  
  A great movie and a must have for collectors.
  
  
  
• miraculous
  By on 2003-01-01
  Barret Oliver, who plays DARYL, is one of the greatest child actors in my opinion. This movie is not only heartwarming, but intreaging.
  
  
• Pure Bliss
  By A2WEAUEASKF2ZD on 2004-08-08
  This is one of those movies that stick with you for a long time. It was well done and complete. By far better than AI or I, Robot, this movie remains my favorite movie of all. It is wholesome and fun with a great lesson in humanity, perfection, and what it means to be loved. People should take a movie such as this to heart because it holds ideas that are necessary to understand what a diverse world should hold most important and strive towards.
  
  
• classic 80s
  By A1AT4IE710WRDJ on 2004-09-01
  DARYL is a classic 80s movie from back in my day, because i grew up in the 80s. This movie is very heart warming and very touching and shows people how much we should cherrish every moment with our children and families. I am very pleased that Paramount has finally decided to release this title. When this movie cameout on the VHS format, I used to rewind it, and play it again, over and over. 6 weeks to til this movie will be released.
  You will not be disapointed in this feature film, more films should be like this title, its alot better than the other crap thats out there these days that they say are childrens movies
  
  
• A machine becomes human when you can't tell the difference anymore
  By AFZU6XDO5L75R on 2006-11-11
  I like this film. It is a delightful story of an android boy who when exposed to humanity becomes one of us. It explores the naivety of sheltered youth coming of age and trying to learn the things of the world, from a different point of view. Touching and emotional. A very good "feel good" movie that is sure to hold your interest as you watch with anticipation as to how the plot will unfold. Very good casting and acting, film quality and sound. A good family film. You will be taken back a bit to your own youth as you watch D.A.R.Y.L. learn about love, affection, the basics of human emotion and acceptance in a world that is very much alien to him. I recommend this film whole heartedly.
  
  
• Great family movie
  By AHEDU8D8SRP3G on 2007-02-09
  D.A.R.Y.L has always been one of our favorite family movies. It shows that love doesn't have to be about your own biological children but also about children of your heart....even if they are little robots (lol).
  
  
• discover again
  By A3C89C7D34985U on 2000-06-08
  I saw D.A.R.Y.L. when I was avery little girl and 11 months ago I saw it again and I was charmed. I started looking for informations about this film.It was no easy!Now I have fond your sit I am happy!"Short circuit" as an other customers said is a film which can be compared with D.A.R.Y.L.I think it is a good film so.In my opinion D.A.R.Y.L. is a reflexion about Artificial Intelligence and the science which is trying,today,to make machines as much intelligente as us.Also it is enjoyable to have make this excellent film with a little boy.Contact me if you want discuss about it.
  
  
• I love this
  By A3OG71PX8SK8WH on 2005-09-03
  One of the old classics that i used to watch as a child growing up in thr hills of PA. Yes it's a tad generic with the SPX, but hey... that's what made the 80's so fab!
  
  
• Good service
  By A1I30CTDGR02RL on 2005-09-20
  My movie arrived on time, with out defect. I would use this vendor again.
  
  
• My Review on the first robot movie !
  By A2G1BMXBBZRPEP on 2007-03-15
  Corny science fiction less favorite of mine not even in the top 10 !
  Afi took the idea on a better approache of this movie about a boy robot !
  
  
• Great Child Movie
  By A1LA2U56L87TQ5 on 2007-09-18
  THis is one of the most touching films I have seen after E.T. I was looking everywhere for a copy of this. I am so glad it's now out on DVD. I really enjoyed this and even though the modern film have all the great effects this movie still rings true in terms of a good story line. It's one to see.
  
  
• *Great 80's Movie!*
  By A1RJXK6KF3LL5R on 2008-01-20
  I think this is definitely a must see for fans of 80's movies.I really enjoyed it and thought it was a very good watch.
  
  

• Flight of the Navigator
• Explorers
• The Last Starfighter
• Cloak & Dagger
• War Games (25th Anniversary Edition)