Inside Jack Putter there’s a hero trying to get out.

Test pilot Quaid and his ship are miniaturized and accidentally inserted into the body of a store clerk (Short); dangerous thieves want the technology that made it possible. Director Dante delivers his usual mix of comedy, thrills and fun special effects; it’s not bad at all, even though the running time is pushing it a bit. The idea of putting a miniaturized human inside another human is terrific and provides Short with many opportunities for slapstick; Quaid and Ryan are also likeable. The film keeps moving, but the thieves are the least involving part.

1987-U.S. 120 min. Color. Directed by Joe Dante. Visual Effects: Dennis Muren, and others. Cast: Dennis Quaid (Tuck Pendleton), Martin Short (Jack Putter), Meg Ryan (Lydia Maxwell), Kevin McCarthy, Fiona Lewis, Vernon Wells… Henry Gibson.

Oscar: Best Visual Effects.

Published 2007-04-27 08:34