Here Come the Littles

Here Come the Littles is a delightful animated family movie from 1985 that combines adventure, friendship, and heart in a story that captivates its young audience while also offering nostalgia to adults who grew up in the 80s. The film features the voices of Jimmy Keegan, Bettina Bush, and Donavan Freberg and was directed by Bernard Deyriès. It is based on the characters from the "Littles" series of children’s books written by John Peterson.

The Littles are a race of tiny, intelligent creatures that live unseen among humans, sharing many similarities with their giant counterparts but also boasting a few unique characteristics of their own, such as furry tails and pointed ears. They have their own community, culture, and way of life, mirroring the human world in many charming and quirky ways but adapting everything to their miniature scale. The Littles are resourceful, using items discarded or overlooked by humans to furnish their homes and facilitate their livelihood.

The story follows a young boy named Henry Bigg, who, unbeknownst to him, lives in the same house as a family of Littles. Henry leads an ordinary life until his parents take off for a vacation, temporarily leaving him under the supervision of his Uncle Augustus. However, there is something suspicious about Uncle Augustus, and it’s clear from the beginning that he has some shady plans concerning Henry's house.

On the other side, in the tiny world of the Littles, we meet our other main protagonist, Tom Little, who along with his sister Lucy and their Grandpa Little, provides a stark contrast to the lonely existence of Henry Bigg. The Littles' lives are suddenly thrown into disarray when they discover the impending danger posed by Uncle Augustus's secret intentions which could mean the destruction of their home, risking their veil of secrecy and possibly even their lives.

Fate intervenes when Henry and the Littles cross paths. Although initially shocked by the unexpected guests, Henry quickly bonds with his diminutive friends, and so begins an unlikely alliance that is at the heart of the movie. Tom Little is particularly charismatic and brave, serving as a sort of liaison between Henry and the Littles community. With Henry’s navigation through the "giant" world and the Littles' tiny perspective and ingenuity, the group becomes an effective, if unconventional, team.

As Henry and the Littles work together, the movie explores themes like the power and value of teamwork, the importance of family and friendship, and the idea that courage comes in all sizes. The narrative sees the group concocting a plan to save the Littles' existence, all the while learning more about each other and the worlds they each inhabit. There’s a mix of charm with gentle lessons about taking care of those around you and standing up for what is right, regardless of the odds.

The animation style of Here Come the Littles is typical of the mid-1980s and may appear a bit dated by modern standards, but it adds a sense of time-capsule charm to the whole experience, with bright, vibrant colors and expressive character designs. The voice actors bring great energy and warmth to their characters, and the dynamics among the Littles and between them and Henry feel authentic and heartfelt.

The movie has several musical numbers that underscore the action and emotions of the scenes. The songs have a distinct 80's vibe to them, which serves well in setting the tone and era of the story, adding a layer of joy and rhythm to the unfolding drama.

Audiences are taken through a series of increasingly daring escapades, as Henry and the Littles navigate obstacles, both physical and metaphorical. The excitement and emotional stakes ramp up, gripping the audience as they root for the protagonists. Pastoral depictions of home and hilarious spectacle are seamlessly interwoven, creating a rich tapestry that fully immerses the viewer into the twofold worlds of the story.

Here Come the Littles doesn't break new ground in animated storytelling—it never aspires to be anything other than a lighthearted and engaging tale for children (and the young at heart). However, it stands as a charming little piece of 80s pop culture with a moral core that encourages finding friends in unexpected places and discovering one’s strength and bravery regardless of scale. The film is about discovering the extraordinary possibilities that can emerge from friendships that might seem, on the surface, rather unlikely. It tells a tale that endears itself to its audience with charm, adventure, and a subtle message about the power individuals have to chart their own course through the unpredictable waves of life.