D.A.R.Y.L. Review

Disclaimer: Contains spoilers!

Plot Summary: An experimental android befriends a family and their neighbors in an attempt to become more human.

Review: This is one of those movies where I'm like the only one who even remembers it exists. Come on, it has Bastian from "The NeverEnding Story" in it! Well, in all fairness, this isn't really all that memorable of a movie so it makes sense that it has fallen into obscurity. However, it's one of those cheesy family movies that can only come into being through the usage of '80s magic. On the plus side you have that image of '80s suburbia where everything appeared fun and wholesome. On the other hand, this is like a blander, dumber version of "E.T." meets "WarGames." I mean, D.A.R.Y.L. is supposed to stand for "data analyzing robot youth lifeform"--which is a mouthful--and yet the poor kid is clearly some kind of android. Actually it's best not to think too deeply about the how and why of Daryl's existence since it won't add up.

So what is happening in this film? Daryl is freed from a laboratory by one of the doctors and is later adopted by a couple. While befriending the neighbors, Daryl tries to observe human behavior and incorporate what he learns meaningfully. There was definitely a missed opportunity to expand on Daryl's experiences, but, hey, what can you do? Instead they focus on bullshit like Daryl learning to play baseball, trying to figure out what a hooker is (don't ask), and dealing with his bitch of an adoptive mom who is annoyed that Daryl is the perfect child. Yeaaah, because I'd be totally pissed if my kid knew calculus at ten! Maybe chalk that one up to zany, '80s shenanigans? Nah. Anyway, there is little in the way of drama or struggle, hence, the blandness to the story. There is no real villain or obstacles to overcome up until the end when things shift into an action movie out of nowhere. Once the military reacquires Daryl, they want to destroy him...because...why not? Yet another doctor helps Daryl escape, they go on the lam, Daryl steals a jet, the military thinks they blow him up, and Daryl seemingly drowns. Since Daryl's brain is a computer, he magically survives and...they live happily ever after...I guess...? Not sure how the military will never figure this shit out or, hell, why they never assumed Daryl would go back to that family in the first place. Also, it's said Daryl can grow into an adult which further complicates the future for this kid and kind of defeats the entire purpose of why the military wants him dead since they claim they want an adult version. Just wait or why the fuck did you make a kid version to begin with, you pedo idiots?!

I know I sometimes make movies sound dumber than they actually are, but "D.A.R.Y.L." is more on the mediocre side than anything else. Yet, it's worth noting that the film has a layer of charm that simply works if you enjoy '80s cinema and their tropes. The events aren't all that exciting, but it won't bore you either--it's just somewhere in the middle. I don't imagine modern audiences will be impressed, however, I think '80s kids could sit down with their own children and get enjoyment out of this one. Of course, others might find greater enjoyment than I--I just thought I remembered this film having more heart to even out the slowness to the pacing. Nevertheless, this is an okay watch, but if you forgot it existed you will not be at much of a loss if you continue on with that mindset.

Notable Moment: When the doctor lets Daryl drive during the random car chase that comes out of the blue. This is so outlandishly preposterous that it becomes awesome!

Final Rating: 5.5/10