Indian in the Cupboard MPAA Rating: PG Entertainment: +3 1/2 Content: +2

Nine year old Omri (Hal Scardino) is astounded when he puts a toy Indian in a small cupboard his mother gave him and it turns magically into a real live miniature early American Indian named Little Bear (Litefoot). Before long, they become good friends and Omri does his best to introduce Little Bear to the modern world, but still keep him a secret from everyone. And Little Bear teaches Omri about his 18th century Onondoga tribe and their Indian ways. But Omri's best friend, Patrick discovers Little Bear and the magic cupboard and creates Boone (David Keith), a real live miniature cowboy from the frontier west. Boone and Little Bear don't get along well at first, but, after some confrontations, grow to respect each other. The boys and their miniature companions have lots of fun, exciting experiences together. Eventually Omri comes to realize that both Little Bear and Boone must be "sent back" to their real existence. INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD is truly a fascinating, fun film with lots of pathos and suspense. Children will be enthralled by it and parents will be immensely entertained as well.

Although there's plenty of action in this film, it has a gentle feeling primarily because Omri has a loving family. His mom and dad are concerned about his well being and Omri loves and obeys them. In contrast, the antagonism between Boone and Little Bear breaks into an all-out shooting confrontation, but no one is injured. However, when Little Bear sees Indians being shot down in a TV program, he shoots Boone with an arrow and seriously injures him. In another TV incident, the boys and Boone are watching a MTV type program with scantily clad women doing a suggestive dance. Boone says it's a disgusting display and insists it's plenty "real" even though the boys defend it. Unfortunately, Boone uses some mild crudities in his frontier language and at one time seems to utter a regular profanity. Even Omri uses one or two "damns" imitating Boone. This film's magic is pure fantasy and not occultic. Although INDIAN IN THE CUPBOARD has its flaws, it is an unusually uplifting, moving film with lots of positive features.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Paramount Pictures, 15 Columbus Circle, NY, NY 10023