D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) ***

One of a slew of adult-friendly family films made in the 1980s, where the sense of peril aimed at kids was much more tangible, D.A.R.Y.L. (1985) is an entertaining and heartfelt sci-fi adventure. It’s one of those films that requires a monumental amount of suspension of disbelief, but it’s a great story and a fun film. Featuring a charming cast, a lush score, impressive stunts, and notable for its use of the SR-71 Blackbird, D.A.R.Y.L. is a modern retelling of Pinocchio where an AI boy must—with the help of a few empathic human friends—outwit the military that created him.

Recommended for fans of WarGames (1983) (review), Cloak & Dagger (1984), Explorers (1985), and Flight Of The Navigator (1986) (review).