Explorers (PG, 1985)

Driven by the blueprints he sees in a dream, junior high science fiction junkie Ben (Ethan Hawke), sketches his vision and gives it to best friend and budding scientist Wolfgang (River Phoenix). Before long, Wolfgang and Ben realize they have the design for a computer-controlled force-field bubble which defies gravity and moves at 100 miles an hour. The boys -- joined by tough-guy peer Darren (Jason Presson) -- eagerly construct their own homemade spaceship from scrap parts. Soon, the trio takes their first voyage to the local drive-in. But it turns out that the spaceship isn't entirely under their control: A pirate signal takes over their force field and spirits them away to an alien ship. There they meet two friendly aliens who've learned everything about earthlings and their language from watching television.

EXPLORERS is most notable as the film debut of Ethan Hawke and the late River Phoenix, who were just kids when they starred in this movie. The film certainly has its moments -- like when the young adventurers achieve liftoff in their homemade spaceship, or when a clever twist is revealed after they encounter a couple of extraterrestrials. But too often the movie feels sluggish and somewhat superficial, despite the young stars' earnest, enthusiastic, and believable performances.

The premise leads to a few amusing exchanges between the aliens and the wide-eyed boys. But these scenes feel too long and rather unstructured -- which is a shame, since they should be the highlight of the film. The movie also never quite resolves a subplot involving a sheriff's department helicopter pilot who's investigating the kids and their ship. Still, the young actors turn in fine performances.

Studio: Paramount Pictures
Director: Joe Dante
Cast: Ethan Hawke, Jason Presson, River Phoenix
Genre: Science Fiction
Run time: 109 minutes
Theatrical release: July 28, 1985
DVD release: October 19, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG
MPAA explanation: mild language and action, and a brief scene involving beer.