Flight of the Navigator
12-year-old David is accidentally knocked out in the forest near his home, but when he awakens eight years have passed. His family is overjoyed to have him back, but is just as perplexed as he is that he hasn't aged. When a NASA scientist discovers a UFO nearby, David gets the chance to unravel the mystery and recover the life he lost.
Critics Sentiment
David secretly boards the spaceship and meets the robotic commander Max
Dr Faraday decides to quarantine David indefinitely breaking his 48 hour promise
The film dramatically improves when David escapes and meets Max, jumping from its lowest point during NASA's betrayal to its peak moment with their first encounter
Critics consistently praised the strong, mysterious first half that establishes David's predicament as genuinely scary and relatable. The film peaks when David meets Max and the action begins, though reviews were divided on the Pee-wee Herman voice transformation. While some found the second half more like an amusement park ride than meaningful storytelling, most agreed it remained entertaining family fare with impressive special effects that have aged well.
Full cast
Showing 20 of 32
Joey Cramer
David Scott Freeman
Paul Reubens
Max (voice)
Veronica Cartwright
Helen Freeman
Cliff DeYoung
Bill Freeman
Sarah Jessica Parker
Carolyn McAdams
Matt Adler
Jeff (16 years)
Howard Hesseman
Dr. Louis Faraday
Robert Small
Troy
Jonathan Sanger
Dr. Carr
Richard Liberty
Mr. Howard
Raymond Forchion
Detective Banks
Cynthia Caquelin
Woman Officer
Ted Bartsch
Night Guard Brayton
Brigid Cleary
Technician #2
Michael Strano
Technician #3
Parris Buckner
Scientist #1
Robyn Peterson
Scientist #2
Philip Hoelcher
NASA Officer
Julio Oscar Mechoso
Hangar Guard #1
Butch Raymond
Hangar Guard #2
Crew
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