Flight of the Navigator (1986)
Synopsis:
Flight of the Navigator is a sci-fi adventure about a 12-year-old boy named David Freeman who mysteriously vanishes in 1978, only to reappear eight years later without having aged a day. As David tries to understand what happened, he discovers a connection to a sleek, alien spacecraft. The ship, piloted by an artificial intelligence named Max, has been collecting specimens from around the galaxy. David and Max embark on a thrilling journey to uncover the truth behind his disappearance and return him to his rightful time. Along the way, they encounter various challenges and make new friends, all while evading government agents who are eager to study the ship and its technology.
Where To Watch: Flight of the Navigator
Parental Feedback
Flight of the Navigator is a science fiction adventure film released in 1986, aimed at kids with a PG rating. The movie combines elements of adventure and family-friendly sci-fi, capturing the imagination of young audiences with its engaging storyline and special effects. Most parents appreciate its nostalgic charm and the positive messages it conveys, though some note that certain scenes might be a bit intense for very young viewers.
Why Kids Should Watch Flight of the Navigator
The movie is praised for its engaging storyline and positive messages.
- Promotes themes of friendship and courage.
- Features a strong character arc where the protagonist learns responsibility.
- Offers visually captivating scenes with the spaceship and alien technology.
- Encourages curiosity and imagination in young viewers.
Why Kids Shouldn’t Watch Flight of the Navigator
Some parents express concerns about the intensity of certain scenes.
- Includes moments of suspense that might be unsettling for sensitive children.
- Depicts a scene where the protagonist is separated from his family, which could be distressing.
- Some visual effects might be confusing for younger kids.
Verdict: Parent Approved
Verdict: Parent Approved
Most parents agree this movie is a solid choice for kids because it offers adventure, positive character development, and imaginative storytelling.
What Parents Should Know About Flight of the Navigator
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| Does this movie model positive behavior that my child can understand and repeat? | The protagonist learns to take responsibility for his actions, showing growth and maturity. |
| Does this movie include emotional moments my child might find confusing or intense? | The scene where the main character is separated from his family may require parental guidance. |
| Does this movie show consequences for unkind or unsafe behavior? | The film demonstrates the importance of making safe choices and the consequences of risky actions. |
| Does this movie reinforce helpful social skills like sharing, apologizing, or teamwork? | The protagonist works with others to solve problems, highlighting teamwork and cooperation. |
| Will my child come away with any clear moral or message? | The core message is about the value of family and the courage to face challenges, delivered through the protagonist's journey. |
The Overall Sentiment From Parental Feedback
Flight of the Navigator is celebrated for its adventurous spirit and positive messages, making it a beloved choice for family viewing. While some scenes may be intense for very young children, parental guidance can help navigate these moments. The film's imaginative elements and strong character development are its biggest strengths. For families seeking similar adventures, movies like E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial or The Last Starfighter might also be enjoyable options.
Official Flight of the Navigator Trailer
The Core Values Learned From Flight of the Navigator
Flight of the Navigator's most common core values include Courage, Self-discovery, and Friendship. Throughout the movie, kids witness the courage of the young protagonist as he navigates unfamiliar and sometimes frightening situations, learning to Trust his instincts and face challenges head-on. This journey of self-discovery is central to the story, as the main character learns about his own strengths and capabilities, gaining confidence with each new experience.
Friendship is another key value, highlighted by the bond formed between the boy and the alien spacecraft's artificial intelligence. This unlikely friendship teaches children the importance of understanding and supporting one another, even when coming from different worlds. These core values are woven into the narrative, providing children with relatable examples of bravery, personal growth, and the power of friendship.
Other Core Values Explored: Family love | Curiosity | Independence | Bravery | Problem-solving | Resilience | Adaptability | Emotional growth | Trust | Perseverance | Exploring the world | Making good choices | Self-confidence | Determination | Creativity | Being hopeful | Loyalty | Respect | Standing up for what's right | Trying new things | Valuing diversity
The 5 Biggest Lessons Learned From Flight of the Navigator
Believing in Yourself: In Flight of the Navigator, kids learn the importance of self-belief through David's journey. As he navigates the challenges of his unexpected adventure, David discovers his own strengths and capabilities. This lesson is highlighted when he takes control of the alien spacecraft, showing that believing in oneself can lead to overcoming obstacles.
Importance of Family: The movie emphasizes the significance of family bonds. David's longing to reunite with his family after his mysterious disappearance underscores the emotional connection and support that family provides. This lesson teaches children that family is a source of strength and comfort, even in the most uncertain times.
Trusting Intuition: David's ability to trust his instincts plays a crucial role in his adventure. When faced with difficult decisions, he relies on his intuition to guide him, whether it's navigating the spacecraft or deciding whom to trust. This teaches kids the value of listening to their inner voice and making choices based on their gut feelings.
Valuing Imagination: The film encourages children to embrace their imagination. David's journey with the alien spacecraft is filled with wonder and creativity, showing that imagination can lead to incredible discoveries and adventures. This lesson inspires kids to dream big and explore the possibilities that their imagination can offer.
Practicing Empathy: Throughout the movie, David learns to understand and empathize with others, including the alien Max. By putting himself in others' shoes, he forms meaningful connections and helps resolve conflicts. This teaches children the importance of empathy in building relationships and understanding different perspectives.
Other Lessons Learned: Accepting Fear | Embracing Differences | Finding Courage | Holding Onto Hope | Keeping an Open Mind | Letting Go of the Past | Making a Difference | Supporting Your Friends
Why Kids Love Flight of the Navigator
Flight of the Navigator takes kids on an exhilarating ride through time and space, where a young boy named David teams up with a witty alien spacecraft named Max. The movie is filled with high-tech vehicles and cool gadgets that spark the imagination, as David and Max zoom through the skies in thrilling flying scenes. Kids will be captivated by the fast-paced action and daring escape scenes that keep them on the edge of their seats. The quirky personality of Max adds humor and charm, making the adventure even more engaging.
As David navigates this new world, he encounters unexpected friendships and makes new friends, which adds a layer of excitement and fun. The teamwork between David and Max is a highlight, as they work together to solve mysteries and outsmart the adults chasing them. With its mix of adventure, humor, and sci-fi wonders, Flight of the Navigator is a captivating journey that keeps kids entertained and eager for more.