Rumor has it that the new movie A.I. was based on the sci-fi short story Super-Toys Last All Summer Long. I don't believe that is true. I believe that this movie was inspired by someone spending too many afternoons watching the classic '80s syndicated sitcom Small Wonder, about a little A.I. who was fantastic, made of plastic, with microchips here and there, a small wonder who brought love and laughter everywhere.


(David)

(Vicki)
A.I.
Small Wonder
  • Features a lovable, yet creepy child robot, David
  • Features a lovable, yet creepy child robot, V.I.C.I. ("Vicki")
  • David's father works for a robotic company -- Cybertronics
  • Vicki's father works for a robotic company -- United Robotronics
  • David's mother is a self-involved woman who appears free of any compassion
  • Vicki's mother is a self-involved woman who appears free of any compassion
  • Conflict and comedy ensue when the "real" son of the family acts like a jerk to David
  • Conflict and comedy ensue when the "real" son of the family acts like a jerk to Vicki
  • David makes coffee so his mother will love him
  • Vicki makes burritos so her mother will love her
  • David gets drafted into a death-defying stage show
  • Vicki gets drafted into a dance-defying stage show
  • David gets in trouble for taking something that doesn't belong to him (a lock of hair)
  • Vicki gets in trouble for taking something that doesn't belong to her (a watch)
  • His "family" throws him a mock birthday party
  • Her "family" throws her a mock birthday party
  • Lasted 4 long hours (or it sure felt that way)
  • Lasted 4 long years (or it sure felt that way)
  • People laughed at the end of the movie
  • There was a laugh track

    • Don't get me wrong, both A.I and Small Wonder were great to watch, but I just want to give a little credit where credit is due. Everyone keeps raving about Spielberg and Kubrick and I wanted to throw a little shout-out to the true genius and talented mind -- the creator of Small Wonder, Howard Leeds. Read his bio on the best Small Wonder page on the net.

    For more about the A.I. movie (or to chat with a robot named ALICE), check out the AI site. --Fred Flores
    7/25/01

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    David photo is from the AI site.
    Vicki photo is from the semi-official Small Wonder site.