Force Fed Films: Flight of the Navigator

Jim got me to watch another 80’s sci-fi movie, though this movie was more of a family movie. I got to see “Flight of the Navigator”, which has a neat concept to it that an 8 year old boy with an alien ship that can travel back in time. It even has a few stars in it; Sarah Jessica Parker and Paul Reubens (Pee Wee Herman). With a neat concept combined with a family oriented movie style, I really couldn’t wait to see this.

After David is forced to bring back his brother Jeff from playing in the forest, Dave falls down a ravine and passes out. He later wakes up and when he reaches home, he is surprised to find out that all is different. He later is told by scientists that he has travelled into the future 8 years. Everyone is confused and amazed at what David has accomplished. What is even more amazing is that he has this weird connection to an alien ship which takes him for a wild ride. David desperately needs to travel back to the past and return to his family.

Max is the coolest looking space craft.

There is one simple reason why this movie is so fun to watch, 80’s references everywhere. I mean there were Star Wars, Star Trek and even E.T references. But not just the 80’s references, but also the overall 80’s tone to it with the highly synthesized music, goofy sci-fi ideas and funky special effects. If you grew up in the 80’s or even engulfed with 80’s culture, this is a total nostalgia filled movie to watch.

But the fun does not end there; the humour is something to talk about also. The entertainment is directed at kids, but this did not stop me from enjoying the jokes and punch lines this movie delivers. But what is humour without a good cast. Both Joey Cramer, who plays David, and Reubens, who voices Max (the space ship), steal the show. The combination of the two is brilliant to watch, especially when Reubens downloads Dave’s brain and starts to act all humanoid. By far, Max looks like a sweet space ship and is funny to watch. But be warned, the humour is terribly childish and 80’s-esque.

The interior is so shiny and chromed up. Real awesome looking.

Overall I enjoyed myself with “Flight of the Navigator”. But then again, I enjoy most kids movies and with the sci-fi flair added to it, it was fun to watch. On a side note, Parker was also in this movie very minor part but cool to see her very young. But if you haven’t seen this movie, you definitely should check it out if you are into those weird 80’s kids movies.