Explorers (1985)
Synopsis:
Middle schooler Ben Crandall is captivated by science fiction films, video games, and comic books, but his fascination takes an unexpected turn when a vivid dream about technology becomes reality. His prodigy best friend Wolfgang Müller uses Ben's dream to build an actual working spacecraft, and together with their buddy Darren Woods, the three boys embark on an extraordinary adventure into outer space. What begins as an imaginative project in their own backyard transforms into a genuine encounter with peculiar extraterrestrial life forms. This family-friendly science fiction adventure follows the trio as they navigate the wonders and surprises of space exploration, discovering that sometimes the most incredible journeys start with a dream and the courage to pursue it alongside your closest friends.
Where To Watch: Explorers
Parental Feedback
Explorers blends lighthearted adventure with moments of wonder and discovery, maintaining a gentle pace that allows young viewers to absorb the fantastical elements without overwhelming intensity. The tone balances playful humor with genuine curiosity about space and friendship, creating an atmosphere that feels both imaginative and grounded in relatable middle school experiences. Parents should expect a family-friendly science fiction story that emphasizes creativity and teamwork, with minimal scares and a focus on the excitement of exploration rather than high-stakes danger.
Why Kids Should Watch Explorers
Explorers offers several compelling reasons for young viewers to engage with this imaginative adventure.
The story celebrates creativity and scientific curiosity, showing how Ben's dreams and Wolfgang's technical skills combine to achieve something extraordinary. This encourages children to value both imagination and practical problem-solving as equally important tools for discovery.
The friendship between Ben, Wolfgang, and Darren demonstrates genuine teamwork and loyalty, with each character contributing unique strengths to their shared mission. Young viewers see how collaboration and mutual respect help friends accomplish goals that would be impossible alone.
The adventure unfolds in a way that makes the impossible feel achievable, starting in an ordinary backyard and building to an encounter with extraterrestrial life. This progression inspires children to believe that extraordinary experiences can begin with simple curiosity and determination.
The cast includes strong performances from young actors portraying relatable middle schoolers, making it easy for children to connect with the characters' excitement, fears, and sense of wonder throughout their journey.
Why Kids Shouldn't Watch Explorers
Parents may want to consider a few potential concerns before viewing Explorers with younger children.
Some children might find the spacecraft sequences and encounters with alien life forms mildly unsettling, particularly if they are sensitive to unfamiliar or strange-looking creatures. The extraterrestrial elements, while not designed to be frightening, may still cause unease in very young or anxious viewers.
The boys engage in activities that involve building and operating a spacecraft without adult supervision, which could raise questions about safety and boundaries. Parents may need to discuss the difference between fictional adventures and real-world rules regarding experimentation and risk-taking.
The pacing may feel slow to children accustomed to faster, more action-driven narratives, as the story takes time to develop the characters' relationships and build toward the space exploration elements. Some viewers might lose interest during the setup portions of the adventure.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Explorers earns approval as a wholesome, imaginative adventure that celebrates friendship, curiosity, and the wonder of discovery in a family-friendly package suitable for most children.
What Parents Should Know About Explorers
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this Movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | Yes, the three friends demonstrate strong teamwork, mutual respect, and collaborative problem-solving as they work together to build their spacecraft and navigate their adventure. |
| Does this Movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The encounters with extraterrestrial life and the uncertainty of space travel may create mild tension, but the overall tone remains lighthearted and reassuring throughout. |
| Does this Movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The story focuses more on positive actions and cooperation than on negative behavior, though the boys do face challenges that arise from their bold decisions to explore space. |
| Does this Movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | Yes, the friendship between Ben, Wolfgang, and Darren consistently emphasizes collaboration, with each character contributing their unique abilities to achieve their shared goal. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | Children will learn that curiosity, imagination, and friendship can lead to extraordinary experiences, and that working together makes seemingly impossible dreams achievable. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Parents generally appreciate Explorers as a nostalgic, wholesome adventure that introduces children to science fiction concepts without intense scares or inappropriate content. Many families value the positive portrayal of friendship and the encouragement of scientific curiosity, noting that the PG rating accurately reflects the gentle approach to adventure and discovery. Some parents mention that the pacing may feel slower compared to contemporary children's entertainment, but most agree that the imaginative story and relatable characters make it worthwhile viewing. The consensus suggests that children who enjoy space themes, creative problem-solving, and stories about friendship will find much to enjoy, while parents can feel confident in the family-friendly content and positive messages about teamwork and exploration.
Official Explorers Trailer
Why Kids Love Explorers
Ben and his friends Wolfgang and Darren build an actual working spacecraft in their own backyard using Wolfgang's genius inventions and wild technology from Ben's dreams. The homemade ship lets them zoom through the neighborhood and blast off into outer space, complete with flashing lights and spinning parts that look like they came straight out of a comic book. Watching three regular kids pilot their own high-tech vehicle past the stars delivers non-stop thrills.
The spacecraft itself becomes the ultimate cool gadget, with the boys testing and tweaking their creation through exciting trial runs. Wolfgang's prodigy brain turns Ben's sci-fi visions into real working tech, and Darren joins the crew to help pilot their wild contraption. Every launch and flight sequence amps up the adventure as they figure out how to control their incredible machine.
The journey takes them beyond Earth to encounter bizarre extraterrestrial life that's nothing like they expected. The boys work as a loyal team, combining Ben's imagination, Wolfgang's smarts, and Darren's courage to navigate each new challenge. Their friendship and teamwork turn an impossible dream into the ride of a lifetime, proving that even middle schoolers can accomplish amazing things when they stick together.