Common Sense Media Review
By Barbara Shulgasser-Parker
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
'80s romp filled with scary alien powers and innuendo.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 11+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
My Science Project
What's the Story?
Michael (John Stockwell) is a gifted car mechanic but not much of a student. He is one science project away from high school graduation, but he still hasn't figured out what that project will be. At the last minute, he and his friend Ellie (Danielle von Zerneck) break into an old Air Force base looking for anything he can dust off and hand in as a project to his ex-hippie teacher (Dennis Hopper). Michael and friend Vince (Fisher Stevens) unearth an alien engine that had been discovered by the military back in the 1950s. Turning it on opens a door to a dangerous time-space warp, threatening life on earth as we know it. Militant beings from the distant past, including a T. rex, and from the looming future all come to do battle with Michael and his friends, using swords, machine guns, and teeth. Many scary special effects mimic the images of those roiling paranormal energies enveloping Manhattan in Ghostbusters.
Is It Any Good?
The writing is simplistic and juvenile, and kids may struggle with its dated look, but there are still a few entertaining moments here. Hopper is over the top as a teacher who longs to get high and to protest something, the way he did back in the '60s. Stockwell at 24 and Stevens at 22 both do their best to play high school seniors, but they seem a bit mature for the irresponsible hijinks at the heart of the story. It's a goofy film, but it could be fun for an '80s-themed family movie night, assuming kids are able to handle the potentially scary moments.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what this movie wants viewers to think about its depiction of a supposed 1950s alien-spaceship discovery. Do you think the government has had actual encounters with aliens?
Do you think the filmmakers want you to believe that time travel is possible?
Since the 1960s were a time of mass protest against war and racism, why might some movies portray that era and the people who lived then as silly? What message does that send about people who try to make change in the world?
This movie was made in 1985. Does it seem dated, or does it still work for modern audiences?
Movie Details
- In theaters : March 2, 1985
- On DVD or streaming : February 16, 2016
- Cast : John Stockwell , Fisher Stevens , Dennis Hopper , Danielle von Zerneck , Raphael Sbarge
- Director : Jonathan Butuel
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Mill Creek Entertainment
- Genre : Fantasy
- Topics : STEM
- Run time : 94 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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