*batteries not included: More Than Just Cute Robots!

Okay, so I just rewatched batteries not included (1987) and while the little alien robots are ADORABLE, I was actually paying more attention to the human* costumes this time around. Like, the styling really tells a story about that neighborhood. Obviously, it's set in a lower-income area of NYC, and it totally shows in the clothing. The older folks, especially Hume Cronyn's Frank and Jessica Tandy's Faye, are dressed so simply - practical, worn cardigans and aprons for Faye, and Frank's perpetual flat cap and working man clothes. It just screams 'we've lived here forever and don't have much.' Then you have Carlos, the heavily-pregnant Marisa Tomei's character. Her outfits are surprisingly chic, even though she's struggling. I think the oversized sweaters and high-waisted jeans she rocks are actually kinda cute now, very retro in a cool way. And the contrast between her and the demolition crew is HUGE. Those guys are all leather jackets, chains, and greasy hair, projecting a hard and intimidating image. It's SUCH a stark visual representation of the conflict between the residents and the developers. And of course, the head of the building project has a sharp suit and slicked-back hair. The whole '80s Wall Street villain' vibe dialed up. It's a little cliché, sure, but it works SO well. It makes you immediatly hate him! Honestly, even though the robots are the main draw, the costume design in the movie adds SO much depth to the characters and the story. It's a reminder that even in a sci-fi-ish kids movie, details like clothes can say a lot. Anyone else notice things like this? Or am I just a weirdo? lol Oh! I almost forgot! I love that the 'batteries' themselves are kind of scuffed and look like they've been through a lot, makes them seem more real, ya know?