In the year 1966, a sci-fi adventure film called, “Fantastic Voyage” (no relation to Coolio’s song) was released in theaters. It was a box office success. The film went on to inspire another film about an adventure in the human body. Like this one known as, “Innerspace.” Released in 1987, (same year Lethal Weapon came out) Innerspace earned positive reviews from critics. Unfortunately, it didn’t make enough money at the box office. Despite labeled as a box office failure, the movie went on to win an Oscar for “Best Visual Effects” and became a cult classic on home video.
The Premise is about a pilot named, Tuck Pendleton, who volunteers to take part in an experiment on miniaturization, by using a pod to travel through the body of a rabbit. Things go awry when criminals attempt to steal the miniature pod. A crew member managed to transfer him via syringe, into the body of a wimpy guy named, Jack Putter. The unlikely duo must work together in order to get Tuck out of Jack’s body or he’ll lose oxygen.
This review contains no SPOILERS. For those who have not seen this underrated gem, feel free to read my non-spoiler article.
Smart & Dumb Elements
Pretty: Martin Short, Dennis Quaid & Meg Ryan all did a good job for their respective performances.
Fun Fact 1: Dennis & Meg started dated on set. Then they got married. Now they’re no longer together.
Fun Fact 2: Mel Gibson was considered for the role as Jack. He dropped out in favor of playing Martin Riggs in my favorite film of 1987, “Lethal Weapon.”
Fun Fact 3: Speaking of Lethal Weapon, Innerspace takes place in California.
Joe Dante (Gremlins, The ‘Burbs, Small Soldiers) did a decent job directing.
Steven Spielberg produced the film courtesy of his company, Amblin Entertainment. Although he didn’t direct, his good friend, Joe directed it. Steven was busy making “Empire of the Sun.”
Jeffrey Boam (The Dead Zone, Lethal Weapon 2-3, Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade) wrote the script.
Jerry Goldsmith (Alien, Rambo 1-3, The Mummy 1999) orchestrated the soundtrack.
Special Effects are spectacular. The “Interior” designs for Jack Putter’s body were created with Practical Effects Before C.G.I. was introduced. Now that’s a lot of dedicated hard work for the Special Effects crew. Somebody give them a Christmas Bonus. The Practical Effects surprisingly still hold up. It deserves Bonus Points. Props also goes to the miniaturized pod.
Cinematography never suffered from any technical difficulties whatsoever.
High Concept was interesting on miniaturizing one person going inside the human body.
Action Sequences were great including a battle from within scene. Literally a battle from within the human body. If you’ve seen the film, there is an epic boss fight inside Jack.
Without trying to give anything away, Character Development involving Jack. He goes from a wimp to a brave individual.
Tuck also earns Character Development. He learns to take full responsibility as a pilot without acted like a reckless drunk.
Tuck’s charisma and mannerisms are like a combination of Han Solo & Jack Nicholson.
Jack’s manager is played by the late Henry Gibson. He’s known as the voice of Wilbur from the original “Charlotte’s Web” and he also played the lead nazi from “The Blues Brothers.”
Joe’s fellow collaborators including Robert Picardo, (Doctor from Star Trek: Voyager) Wendy Schaal (Francine Smith from American Dad) and the late Dick Miller (Joe’s good luck charm) also appear.
Chemistry between Jack & Tuck working together felt normal as they must learn to cooperate with one another.
One of the henchmen is played by comic book writer, Frank Miller. As you know, Frank wrote graphic novels including “The Dark Knight Returns,” “Daredevil: The Man Without Fear,” “Wolverine” “300” and last but not least, “Sin City.” Don’t believe me? Look him up.
The film manages to give me a couple of laughs, like a bathroom scene with Jack talking to Tuck. To put the icing on the cake, a random guy misinterprets Jack talking to his “Johnson.” He said, “Play with it pal, don’t talk to it.” That line definitely deserves an Extra Point for making me laugh so hard.
Sound Effect of Tasmanian Devil’s tornado spin is heard when the pod is spinning. Joe also went on to direct “Looney Tunes: Back in Action.” Warner Bros. also distributed Innerspace. Joe is a big Looney Tunes fan.
A bunny rabbit named, Bugs is used for the botched experiment. Again, Joe loves Looney Tunes.
A big reveal pays homage to the ending from “2001: A Space Odyssey.” Stanley Kubrick’s “Full Metal Jacket” also came out the exact same year as Innerspace.
Ugly: The film abruptly ends with no resolution. As if anybody can’t finish a $5 footlong at Subway.
A Dance Scene appears outta nowhere. As a reminder, Tuck is running out of oxygen, if I were in this movie, I would’ve said, “We don’t have time for this nonsense!” Ugh! hate it when a dance scene pops up randomly without actually connected to the plot.
The Final Verdict: B, FOR BIRDIE! (golf term)
Despite two nitpicks, Innerspace wasn’t stupid, it was a smart sci-fi comedy on exploring the human body. I have to give Innerspace credits for taking a big gamble on its high concept of exploring the human body. Way before “Osmosis Jones” & “Inside Out” taking the concept of the human body to another level. It’s one of those multi-genre films mixing action-adventure, sci-fi, and comedy all in one. A darn shame Innerspace never got a sequel. This is why we can’t have nice things.
If you haven’t seen this underrated gem, go ahead and give it a watch. Trust me, you won’t regret it.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 
I’ve got fond memories of Innerspace, I first watched it as a teenager and was instantly smitten with Meg Ryan. Outside of Flesh and Bone I’d say it’s my favourite Dennis Quaid film too.You know your review has got me thinking that it’s probably more than 10 years since I last watched this one. I think it’s high time I dug out the DVD.
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