Based on Thomas M Disch’s children’s novel, The Brave Little Toaster is the cute tale of five household appliances – Toaster (known as ‘Slots’ by his pals), Blanky the electric blanket, Lampy the lamp, Radio and Kirby the vacuum cleaner – who are left abandoned in a mountain holiday house, so decide to go and find the Master (a thirteen-year-old boy) who makes their lives worthwhile.
It’s like an animated Incredible Journey (except with appliances instead of animals) as the quintet head off with Kirby attached to a car battery and a chair with wheels so he can transport the troupe, and they encounter an electrical storm and other hazards such as quicksand and a giant magnet. Little kids will probably miss the underlying messages of helping others, never giving up and selflessness, but will be enchanted by the group’s colourful adventures and cute little characters. Aaaah.
Two straight-to-video/DVD sequels followed: The Brave Little Toaster Goes to Mars (1998) and The Brave Little Toaster to the Rescue (1999).
Is The Brave Little Toaster suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
The giant magnet that chases the group of travellers may be a little scary.
Also, viewers may be frightened by the Toaster’s nightmare.
If you like this, why not try: Toy Story, The Adventures Of Elmo In Grouchland, The Magic Pudding, Homeward Bound: The Incredible Journey, Clifford's Really Big Movie,