Steven Spielberg’s Innerspace is a Must-See ’80s Sci-Fi Classic

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This director is known for hugely popular films like Raiders of the Lost Ark and Jurassic Park. He’s also produced exciting adventures, including Back to the Future, which have been very successful. However, one of his films, Innerspace, deserves more recognition.

Director Joe Dante remembers that while the quirky sci-fi film was praised by critics and even won an Oscar for its effects, it didn’t perform well in theaters when it came out in 1987. Now, with Arrow Video releasing a brand new 4K version on April 28th, it’s a great time for both new viewers and longtime fans to experience this hidden gem of a movie.

Innerspace Is A Thrilling, Bizarre Comic Adventure

The movie Fantastic Voyage (1966) features a submarine crew shrunk down and injected into a scientist’s body to fix damage to his brain. But what if that scientist wasn’t sick or unconscious, and was actually terrified by this bizarre journey happening inside him?

The movie Innerspace started with an idea from screenwriter Chip Proser. The story centers around Lt. Tuck Pendleton, played by Dennis Quaid, a test pilot who agrees to a highly confidential experiment. He’s shrunk down to an incredibly small size inside a tiny submersible pod, which is then inserted into a rabbit.

The experiment is threatened when competitors try to ruin it. To save a colleague named Tuck, the lead scientist quickly transfers his consciousness into the body of Jack Putter (Martin Short), a worried man constantly convinced he’s sick. Once Tuck is inside Jack, they need help from Tuck’s former girlfriend, reporter Lydia Maxwell (Meg Ryan), to get him out before Tuck runs out of air.

Watching this unlikely little hero try to succeed is a funny and exciting adventure. A lot of the humor and excitement comes from one particularly famous comedian in the movie.

Martin Short Is Innerspace’s Real MVP

It’s understandable that Dennis Quaid is listed first in the credits for Innerspace, as the story centers on his character and his survival. Still, it feels odd to call him the main star, particularly with someone as memorable as Martin Short also in the film.

Short is at his best when Jack Putter, a tired grocery store worker, unexpectedly finds himself helping a tiny human living inside him. At first, he thinks he’s possessed by a demon, leading to one of the film’s funniest scenes. He’s quickly thrown into a chaotic situation, despite desperately needing a break.

The role of Jack seems perfectly suited to the Canadian comedian, who plays the constantly worried and self-doubting character flawlessly. He expertly balances moments of exaggerated comedy with genuine charm, and convincingly shows Jack becoming more confident and involved in the story. This natural performance is especially impressive considering the fast pace of the film, Innerspace, and something many other actors would find challenging.

Martin Short has gained a new following thanks to his role as Oliver Putnam. But if you love him on that funny murder-mystery show and haven’t seen his movie Innerspace, you’re in for a treat – it’s a truly fantastic performance everyone should experience.

Hollywood Rarely Makes Movies Like Innerspace Today

It’s become common for movie fans to lament that modern Hollywood films aren’t as good as they once were. While this complaint can sometimes feel like a dismissive oversimplification, ignoring the good movies that do get made today, there’s a real sense of truth to it when you think about films like Innerspace.

Innerspace feels like a movie from a golden age of filmmaking, when originality and creative ideas were truly valued. Because computer-generated effects weren’t widely used yet, filmmakers relied on impressive practical effects, and they really showed off their skills.

While Innerspace shares some ideas with the movie Fantastic Voyage, it’s more than just a copy. The story takes a lot of creative and often ridiculous turns, which ultimately make it a unique and enjoyable film in its own right.

Few films match Innerspace in terms of its originality, consistently playful spirit, and remarkable special effects. That combination makes it a truly timeless movie.

At the conclusion of the movie Innerspace, Tuck and Lydia, who would later marry in real life just like the actors who played them, are driven away by a limousine driver who is actually the villain, Cowboy (Robert Picardo). Realizing what’s happening, Jack, now confident and speaking freely, sets out on his own to rescue them.

The film’s conclusion naturally leads to a sequel where Jack, now braver, could rescue Tuck and Lydia and then become involved in a unique situation only he can resolve. If the original movie, Innerspace, had been more successful, this sequel idea likely would have been made. But if Martin Short is interested, it’s still possible!

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2026-02-12 05:37