Review of Explorers (1985) by Scott W — 11 Jan 2015

Had exactly the same reaction to the movie as an adult as I did a kid: loved the first half, strongly disliked the last 45 minutes. As an adult I have a little more appreciate for what the filmmakers were trying to do in the later part of the movie. I also see via Wikipedia that the studio forced an early release of the movie, so they weren't able to complete the planned third act.

What I still like about the movie is the sense of exploration and wonder. Ethan Hawke, River Phoenix, and Jason Presson are great young heroes (and were at the beginning of their film careers.) By the time Hawke as Ben Crandall has become confused, bewildered, and (truly damning) disappointed by the turn of events in the second half of the movie, though, I feel exactly the same way.