D.A.R.Y.L.

Directed by: Simon Wincer
Written by: David Ambrose, Allan Scott, Jeffrey Ellis
Produced by: John Heyman
Starring: Mary Beth Hurt, Michael McKean, Kathryn Walker, Colleen Camp, Josef Sommer
Music by: Marvin Hamlisch
Production Companies: World Film Services
Release date: June 14, 1985
Content: Youth

Plot: Daryl, an acronym for "Data-Analysing Robot Youth Life-form," is the central character in the movie. He is an artificial intelligence experiment developed by a government company called TASCOM. Despite having the physical appearance of a ten-year-old boy, Daryl's brain is actually a highly advanced microcomputer with exceptional abilities, such as outstanding reflexes, multitasking skills, and the capability to hack computer systems. The experiment was aimed at creating a super-soldier and was financially supported by the military.

Dr. Mulligan, a scientist working on the project, becomes disheartened and chooses to release Daryl. While being chased by a helicopter, Dr. Mulligan sacrifices himself to guarantee Daryl's freedom by driving his car off a cliff. Daryl is later found by an elderly couple and brought to an orphanage in Barkenton, South Carolina. Despite not remembering his real identity, Daryl starts showing remarkable abilities after being placed with his foster parents.

Daryl grew up isolated, so his social skills are lacking. However, he becomes friends with Turtle, a witty Neighbour. Daryl reveals he has amnesia and hopes to reunite with his birth parents one day. While watching Turtle play Pole Position, Daryl surprises everyone with his exceptional skills. Andy takes it upon himself to teach Daryl social skills through baseball, where Daryl shines by hitting numerous home runs. Daryl's talents don't stop there - he also helps Andy fix an ATM issue and even manages to display a fake large sum of money on the screen.

End of Spoilers

Review: This a fun youth movie. Full of great adolescent jokes that even adults will appreciate. The protagonist is a young boy with curious abilities. He's good at playing baseball He even washes and irons his own clothes. So what could be so wrong with a perfect teenage son? Maybe the parents are missing the all important rebellious nature of most teenagers? But how can that be? You'll need to watch the movie to see what fun and games Daryl gets up to.

Well worth a Saturday movie night with the kids and lots of popcorn.