Batteries Not Included (film)

Batteries Not Included styled batteries not included is a 1987 familycomic science fiction film directed by Matthew Robbins about small extraterrestrial living space ships that save an apartment block under threat from property development. The story was originally intended to be featured in the TV series Amazing Stories, but executive producer Steven Spielberg liked the idea so much that he decided to make it a theatrical release. It is also notable for being the feature film screenwriting debut of Brad Bird, who was one of the writers and producers of the movie.

Frank and Faye Riley Hume Cronyn and Jessica Tandy, an elderly couple who run an apartment building and caf in the rundown East Village neighborhood, come under threat by a nearby property development. The development manager, Lacey sends a hoodlum named Carlos and his gang of thugs to bribe the couple and their tenants to move out. When the tenants resist, Carlos and his thugs punch through artist Mason Baylors Dennis Boutsikaris door, intimidate pregnant single mother Marisa Esteval Elizabeth Pea and break retired boxer Harry Knobles Frank McRae jar of tiles. After Frank Riley refuses to move, Carlos vandalizes the caf.This assault does getof the tenants to move out. Masons girlfriend, Pamela is tired of living in an old, depressing building with a guy whose art career is going nowhere. She dumps Mason, packs up and before leaving, advises Mason to quit being an artist and get a steady job. The Rileys friends, Muriel and Sid Hogensin take Laceys bribe and decide to move to a nice retirement home in New Jersey. Frank feels a little betrayed by the Hogensins for taking Laceys bribe but they explain that the building and the area its in just doesnt feel like home anymore. They advise Frank that maybe he and Faye should do the same and come live with them at the retirement home. With the assault and Fayes dementia growing, Frank contemplates giving in. ........

Source: Wikipedia