Explorers (1985)

Explorers (1985) Movie Review: A Nostalgic Sci-Fi Adventure of Youth and Curiosity

Directed by Joe Dante and released in 1985, Explorers is a science-fiction adventure film that combines childhood wonder, a thirst for exploration, and the mysteries of outer space. Starring young Ethan Hawke in his film debut alongside River Phoenix and Jason Presson, Explorers tells the story of three boys who build a spacecraft in their backyard and embark on an adventure that takes them beyond Earth. Though the film wasn’t a major box-office success upon release, it has since gained a cult following, especially among those who fondly remember the imaginative spirit of 1980s sci-fi cinema.

In this review, we’ll dive into the film’s plot, performances, special effects, and themes, and explore why it has remained a beloved movie for fans of retro sci-fi. We’ll also share where you can watch Explorers online today.

Plot Summary: Dreams of Space Come True

Explorers follows three friends who share a deep fascination with space, technology, and the possibilities of life beyond Earth. Ben Crandall (Ethan Hawke) is a young science fiction enthusiast who dreams of flying into space. His best friend Wolfgang Müller (River Phoenix), a brilliant but socially awkward inventor, shares his love for science. Together with Darren Woods (Jason Presson), a tough but loyal kid from the wrong side of town, they make an unlikely trio bound by their shared sense of adventure.

The adventure begins when Ben starts having strange dreams about flying through a circuit board. These dreams, which he sketches out, turn out to be blueprints for a spacecraft. With Wolfgang’s technical expertise, the boys manage to build a homemade spaceship out of junkyard materials, including an old carnival ride and a Tilt-A-Whirl.

Powered by a force field created by Wolfgang’s computer, the boys embark on a journey into space, driven by their desire to discover the unknown. Along the way, they encounter strange signals from outer space and eventually make contact with extraterrestrial beings. However, what they find in space is not exactly what they expected.

Performances: Young Talent Shines

Ethan Hawke as Ben Crandall

Ethan Hawke, in his film debut, brings an infectious sense of wonder and curiosity to his role as Ben. As the leader of the group, Ben is the dreamer, the one who imagines the impossible and motivates his friends to join him on his journey. Hawke’s portrayal of a wide-eyed boy eager to explore the universe is charming and relatable, capturing the essence of youthful enthusiasm and the desire to see what’s out there.

River Phoenix as Wolfgang Müller

River Phoenix’s performance as the brainy and somewhat nerdy Wolfgang is a standout. He plays the role with a natural awkwardness that contrasts well with Ben’s confidence and Darren’s streetwise attitude. Wolfgang is the brains behind the operation, and Phoenix’s portrayal of a young genius who’s also navigating the awkwardness of adolescence is both funny and endearing.

Jason Presson as Darren Woods

Jason Presson’s Darren is the most grounded of the trio, providing a nice balance to the more idealistic and intellectual Ben and Wolfgang. He’s the skeptical voice in the group but is loyal to his friends and quickly becomes invested in the adventure. Presson brings a down-to-earth charm to the role, playing Darren as a kid who doesn’t quite fit in with the science crowd but is eager to prove himself.

Themes: The Spirit of Discovery and Imagination

1. The Boundless Curiosity of Youth

At its heart, Explorers is a celebration of childhood imagination and the limitless possibilities that come with it. The film taps into the universal desire to explore the unknown and pushes the boundaries of what’s possible through the eyes of children. The boys’ journey into space represents the ultimate childhood dream — the chance to leave the constraints of the world behind and discover something completely new.

2. Friendship and Collaboration

The bond between Ben, Wolfgang, and Darren is central to the film’s narrative. Despite their differences, they come together with a shared goal, proving that teamwork can turn dreams into reality. Their friendship grows as they build the spaceship and embark on their adventure, showing the value of collaboration and how it can transcend differences in background and personality.

3. The Clash Between Fantasy and Reality

While Explorers starts as a pure fantasy adventure, the film also plays with the idea that reality doesn’t always live up to expectations. When the boys finally meet the aliens, they discover that they are not the wise, advanced beings they expected, but rather quirky, childlike creatures obsessed with human pop culture. This twist adds a layer of humor and subverts the typical sci-fi trope of aliens being superior, enlightened beings. Instead, it underscores the theme that the journey is often more important than the destination.

Special Effects and Visuals: A Charming 80s Aesthetic

For a mid-1980s film, Explorers boasts a variety of visual effects that are both inventive and nostalgic. The construction of the boys’ spaceship — a scrappy yet functional vessel made from recycled materials — captures the DIY spirit of the film. The force field technology, which allows the ship to travel through space, is depicted using a glowing orb that encapsulates the ship, giving the adventure an otherworldly feel.

The alien creatures, created by Rob Bottin (known for his work on The Thing), are a mix of animatronics and puppetry. While the aliens’ designs are intentionally campy and bizarre, they add to the overall charm of the movie, embracing the playful tone of the film rather than aiming for realism.

The film’s cinematography by John Hora, combined with Dante’s direction, helps convey the sense of wonder the boys experience as they fly through space. The wide-eyed awe of the characters is mirrored in the shots of space and the visual presentation of the aliens’ world.

Strengths and Weaknesses: A Film With Heart, But Flawed Execution

Strengths:

1. Endearing Performances: The trio of young actors, particularly Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix, deliver memorable performances filled with innocence and enthusiasm. Their chemistry is a driving force behind the film’s emotional core.
2. Imaginative Premise: The concept of children building a spaceship from dreams and junkyard materials is pure fantasy, yet it taps into a universal desire for adventure and discovery. The film’s whimsical tone and sense of wonder are its strongest points.
3. Nostalgic Appeal: For fans of 1980s cinema, Explorers is a nostalgic trip back to an era of imaginative and child-centered sci-fi adventures, in the vein of E.T. and The Goonies. The movie captures the spirit of a time when anything felt possible.

Weaknesses:

1. Uneven Pacing: One of the most common criticisms of Explorers is its uneven pacing, especially in the second half of the film. While the first half builds up the excitement of the boys’ adventure, the movie’s momentum slows once they meet the aliens, leading to a somewhat anticlimactic resolution.
2. Tonally Inconsistent: The shift in tone after the boys reach space can feel jarring. What begins as a thrilling, awe-inspiring adventure turns into a lighthearted, comedic encounter with goofy aliens. While some viewers appreciate the humor, others may find it detracts from the film’s initial promise.
3. Underdeveloped Storyline: The film’s second half leaves many of the characters’ personal arcs unresolved. Darren, in particular, doesn’t receive the same level of development as Ben and Wolfgang, and the film’s abrupt ending leaves viewers wanting more closure.

Where to Watch Explorers Online: Streaming and Rental Services

If you’re ready to revisit (or experience for the first time) Explorers, you can find it available on several streaming platforms, as well as for rental and purchase. Here are some options in the U.S.:

Streaming Services:

1. Paramount+ – As the film was produced by Paramount, Explorers is available to stream with a Paramount+ subscription.
2. Pluto TV – You can watch Explorers for free on Pluto TV, though it is ad-supported.
3. Amazon Prime Video – The film is available for streaming on Amazon Prime with a subscription.

Rental and Purchase Options:

1. Apple TV – Explorers is available to rent or buy in both SD and HD formats.
2. Google Play Movies & TV – You can rent or purchase the film on Google Play.
3. Vudu – Another platform offering rental and purchase options for the movie.

Final Verdict: A Cult Classic Worth the Journey

Explorers is a film that captures the boundless energy of childhood curiosity and the desire to explore the unknown. While its pacing issues and tonal shifts may leave some viewers feeling unsatisfied, the film’s heart, charm, and imaginative premise make it a beloved cult classic for many. The performances of a young Ethan Hawke and River Phoenix, combined with Joe Dante’s direction, bring the story to life, making Explorers a nostalgic adventure for fans of 80s sci-fi.

If you’re a fan of whimsical, family-friendly science fiction with a retro feel, Explorers is definitely worth a watch. Its mix of wonder, humor, and childhood adventure make it a movie that, despite its flaws, still resonates with audiences who dream of building spaceships and exploring the stars.