Explorers (1985)
- Starring:
- Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, (more)
- Director(s):
- Joe Dante
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG
- Format(s):
- DVD
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Synopsis of Explorers
Explorers turns out to be much ado about nothing, but it's so sublimely assembled we're willing to overlook the sappy climax. Young sci-fi geek Ben Crandall (Ethan Hawke) (could he possibly be based on director Joe Dante?) would give anything to travel in space. Thanks to his computer-happy pal Wolfgang Muller (River Phoenix), Ben gets his wish, together with best bud Darren Woods (Jason Presson). In the Great Beyond, the boys encounter an extraterrestrial (Robert Picardo), whose knowledge of earth is limited to what he's gleaned from 1960s TV sitcoms (this is unusual?) Lots of outer-space fun ensues before the film's inevitable downward spiral. Moderately successful in theatres, Explorers had a healthy second life on video and cable TV, especially after director Dante rethought the film and rearranged a few scenes for better dramatic (and comic) impact. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi
- Theatrical Feature Running Time:
- 106 mins
Complete Cast of Explorers
- Ethan Hawke - Ben Crandall
- Jason Presson - Darren Woods
- Dick Miller - Charles Drake
- Leslie Rickert - Neek
- Dana Ivey - Mrs. Muller/Freda Muller
- Mary Kay Place - Mrs. Crandall
- Chance Schwass - Steve Jackson's Gang
- Mary Hillstead - Couple at Drive-In
- Eric Luke - Darren's Teacher
- Meshach Taylor - Gordon Miller
- Simone Blue - Snack Bar Girl
- Karen Mayo-Chandler - Starkiller's Girl Friend
- Bradley Gregg - Steve Jackson's Gang
- River Phoenix - Wolfgang Muller
- Amanda Peterson - Lori Swenson
- Robert Picardo - Starkiller/Wak/Wak and Neek's Father
- James Cromwell - Mr. Muller
- Bobby Fite - Steve Jackson
- Tricia Bartholome - Girl in Classroom
- Georg Olden - Steve Jackson's Gang
- Bradley Alan - Stunts
- Robert F. Boyle - Starkiller's Girl Friend's Father
- Danny Nucci - Nasty Kid at School
- Taliesin Jaffe - Ludwig Muller
- John P. Navin, Jr. - Couple at Drive-In
- Brooke Bundy - Science Teacher
- Director(s):
- Joe Dante
- Writer(s):
- Eric Luke
- Producer(s):
- David Bombyk, Ed Feldman
- Theatrical MPAA Rating:
- PG(Mild Violence, Suitable for Children, Adult Language)
- Categories:
- Family & Kids, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
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