Date: Fri 25-Aug-1995

Publication: Bee

Author: SHANNO

Illustration: C

Location: A-10

Quick Words:

Playing-Indian-Cupboard

Full Text:

STD HEAD: NOW PLAYING

`Indian in the Cupboard'

Lives Up To Expectations

By Trey Paul Alexander III

I was excited when I heard the Edmond Town Hall Theatre would be showing The

Indian in the Cupboard . However, I must admit it wasn't because I had read

Lynne Reid Banks' award-winning children's book on which the film is based. I

spent more of my time as a youngster reading tales about Superman and Batman

than anything else. My fascination with Indian has more to do with Frank Oz.

The name may not mean much to you (and no, he does not have anything to do

with Dorothy, Toto or the Wicked Witch of the West), but he has been involved

with some of the more beloved characters in popular culture from the last few

decades.

Frank Oz is the puppeteer and voice behind both Miss Piggy of "The Muppet

Show" fame, and George Lucas' creation, Yoda, from the Star Wars saga of

films. But beyond his hands-on skills, Oz is also a director who has been

behind the scenes of some of the funniest films of the last few years - Dirty

Rotten Scoundrels , What About Bob? and Housesitter . I admire Oz's talents

and looked forward to seeing what they would produce with The Indian in the

Cupboard .

My expectations were not disappointed. The Indian in the Cupboard is an

engaging film that tells its story well, without the overblown accoutrements

that often accompany films aimed at kids. Although it is definitely

appropriate for children, like any true, enduring movie, is also appeals to

adults.

The plot is simple, yet not over-explained. A 9-year old boy, Omri (Hal

Scardino, a likable actor who has a refreshingly unaffected approach, unlike

the Culkin school of mugging for the camera), gets an old, wooden cupboard, a

small plastic Indian and an antique key for his birthday. They become a

special combination, for when he sets the figure in the cupboard and locks it

for the night, he discovers the toy somehow comes to life.

From there, the script is admirable in its ability to stay away from sweeping

story arcs or grand moments in the plot. Basically, Omri gets to better

understand his new friend, Little Bear (Litefoot), and his Iroquois heritage,

while also unearthing lessons in responsibility. Omri never figures out quite

why and how his cupboard works, but he quickly learns how to care for the

formerly inanimate figure.

Aside from Frank Oz, the film also has a fine pedigree in the statue of its

screenwriter, Melissa Mathison. She is the accomplished writer behind the

screenplay of E.T. , which is still the highest-grossing film in US history.

Just as she charmed a nation with that film and its subtle contexts, Mathison

provides a light touch here as well.

Halfway through the film, issues on conflict within relationships emerge when

one of Omri's friends brings a plastic cowboy, Boone (David Keith), to life.

Instant discord arises between Boone and Little Bear, and Omri is left playing

peace-keeper. Eventually, when left to see one another as human beings, a

mutual respect between the two rivals slowly begins to develop. However, there

is a later incident in the movie that suggests the influential powers of

television upon people's conduct, and it has huge repercussions on the future

of Omri's diminutive pals.

The Indian in the Cupboard is a truly magical motion picture. But that magic

has nothing to do with its efficient visual effects. Actually, it does, but

not in the way in which we are often accustomed. The effects take a back seat

to what is going in in The Indian in the Cupboard , and rarely draw attention

to themselves. What Oz and his production crew have done is make sure the

effects do not dictate the sense of wonder and awe that are instilled into the

moviegoer. The visual effects help us believe the story, but never draw

attention away from that story.

The Indian in the Cupboard is an enjoyable time at the movies. It is rated PG

for some intermittent, mild cussing, but should be appropriate for most

audiences.