This movie really takes me back; it's steeped in nostalgia. Maybe it’s unfair of me to review something I feel so connected to, but I’ll try to set aside my personal fondness and look at it objectively. It belongs to what I consider the Amblin generation of films—though technically it isn’t one—because it arrived during a decade overflowing with wonderful movies for families (like *The Goonies*, *Gremlins*, *Cocoon*, and *The Neverending Story*). That was an era when adults could genuinely enjoy a film marketed towards children just as much as their kids. *D.A.R.Y.L.* is a family drama blended with science fiction; it’s almost two movies in one. The first half is heartwarming, while the second transforms into a sci-fi thriller geared toward kids. These contrasting styles surprisingly mesh well together. There's something incredibly inviting about the initial part of the film, where young D.A.R.Y.L, wonderfully portrayed by Barret Oliver, is discovered in the woods and placed in foster care as a trial run for a couple hoping to adopt. He meets his first friend, Turtle—yes, that’s really his name—and learns important lessons about interacting with adults (since he has no idea how to be a son). The first half of the movie evokes such warmth; it's perfect for a rainy Sunday afternoon. It possesses that undeniable 80s charm. It’s also nice to see a family appreciating simple pleasures like baseball and ice cream. The suburban setting feels welcoming, and the 80s atmosphere will bring back memories for those who grew up then, much like *The Andy Griffith Show* does for children of the 50s. It was a more uncomplicated time, and this film reflects that. Barret Oliver’s portrayal of D.A.R.Y.L is excellent; he's curious, strangely different, and remarkably intelligent—perhaps too intelligent. The second half reveals something unusual about D.A.R.Y.L, which is when the science fiction elements come into play. I won't spoil anything in case anyone reading this hasn’t heard of it (the DVD cover gives far too much away, unfortunately). It’s a great movie for the whole family. If you want to escape from the harsh realities of life, you could hardly choose something more enjoyable! I would rate *D.A.R.Y.L.* an 8 out of 10.

Source on TMDB