Meet Dave (2008)
Synopsis:
A crew of miniature aliens pilots a spaceship designed to look like a human being as they attempt to save their home planet. The tiny extraterrestrial team operates this human-shaped vessel from the inside, navigating Earth while trying to complete their critical mission. However, their carefully planned operation hits an unexpected snag when the spaceship itself develops romantic feelings for an Earth woman named Gina Morrison. This comedic science fiction adventure follows the aliens as they struggle to maintain their cover and focus on their planetary rescue mission while dealing with their ship's growing emotional attachment. Eddie Murphy stars in dual roles as both the human-form spaceship Dave and the Captain leading the miniature crew, alongside Elizabeth Banks and Gabrielle Union, in this family-friendly story about an unusual first contact between worlds.
Where To Watch: Meet Dave
Parental Feedback
Meet Dave offers a lighthearted, family-friendly comedy experience with a fast-paced, slapstick humor style that leans heavily on physical gags and fish-out-of-water scenarios. Parents should expect a gentle, PG-rated adventure with minimal intensity, focusing on silly misunderstandings and comedic mishaps rather than emotional depth or complex themes. The tone remains consistently upbeat and accessible, making it an easy watch for families seeking uncomplicated entertainment without heavy or challenging subject matter.
Why Kids Should Watch Meet Dave
Meet Dave provides several elements that can appeal to younger viewers seeking lighthearted entertainment.
The comedy relies on physical humor and visual gags that are easy for children to understand and enjoy. The slapstick nature of the humor keeps things moving at a brisk pace that holds attention.
The story presents themes of teamwork and cooperation as central elements. These concepts are woven throughout in an accessible way that young viewers can grasp.
The PG rating ensures content remains appropriate for family viewing without concerning material. Parents can feel comfortable with the level of content presented throughout.
The runtime of 90 minutes makes it manageable for shorter attention spans. This length prevents the story from overstaying its welcome or losing young viewers' interest.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Meet Dave
Parents may want to consider a few aspects before choosing Meet Dave for their family.
The humor style may not resonate with all children, particularly those who prefer more sophisticated or story-driven entertainment. The reliance on physical comedy and simple gags might feel repetitive or unsatisfying for some viewers.
The critical reception, with a 20% Rotten Tomatoes rating and 43/100 Metacritic score, suggests the execution may fall short of expectations. Children accustomed to higher-quality family entertainment might find the experience underwhelming.
The 5.1/10 IMDb rating indicates mixed audience response overall. Families seeking consistently engaging content may want to explore other options with stronger reception.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Meet Dave earns parent approval as safe, PG-rated entertainment suitable for family viewing, though its appeal may vary based on individual humor preferences.
What Parents Should Know About Meet Dave
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the story incorporates themes of teamwork and cooperation that children can recognize and apply. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | No, the tone remains consistently lighthearted without emotionally complex or intense scenes. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The PG-rated content suggests appropriate handling of behavioral consequences within a family-friendly framework. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, teamwork serves as a central theme throughout the story. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Children will encounter messages about cooperation and working together toward common goals. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parental feedback on Meet Dave tends toward mixed reactions, with most families acknowledging its suitability for children while noting its limitations in execution and entertainment value. Many parents appreciate the clean, PG-rated content that allows worry-free viewing, and the physical comedy style generally keeps younger children engaged throughout the 90-minute runtime. However, parents also note that the humor can feel formulaic and the overall quality doesn't match other family comedy options available. The consensus suggests it works adequately as background entertainment or for less discerning young viewers, but families seeking memorable or enriching viewing experiences may find it forgettable despite its appropriate content level.
Official Meet Dave Trailer
Why Kids Love Meet Dave
Kids love watching a spaceship disguised as a regular human navigate Earth with a crew of tiny aliens inside controlling every move. The miniature team operates high-tech gadgets and controls from their secret command center, making Dave walk, talk, and interact while trying to blend in with humans. Every awkward step and clumsy gesture creates slapstick comedy as the aliens struggle to make their human-shaped vehicle act normal.
The secret mission to save their planet leads to fast-paced action and silly situations when Dave meets Gina Morrison and her world. The tiny crew must work together as a team, with Captain giving orders while No. 3, No. 2, and the other officers scramble at their stations. Their funny disguise starts falling apart when the spaceship itself develops feelings, creating even more chaotic moments.
Kids enjoy the smart problem-solving as the miniature aliens figure out Earth customs and human behavior from inside their high-tech vehicle. The crew includes characters like the energetic No. 17 and the serious Security Officer No. 4, each adding to the teamwork chaos. When Dave encounters people like Dooley and Knox, the aliens must think fast to keep their cover, leading to more awkward situations and silly jokes that keep the adventure moving.