Review of Mac and Me (1988) by Juan C — 02 Apr 2011

An E.T. knock-off with commercial sentiments to make MacDonaldâ(TM)s and Coca-Cola so proud. Mac & Me is full of obvious continuity errors, where it is even unclear how Mac got his name. The aliens manage to look both retarded and ill but that doesnâ(TM)t seem to stop them getting a drivers license in America.

I like the way in which the aliens are fed Coca-cola to the point whereby they become sick. Somehow you think this would be the opposite of an advertisement for the product. In fact there are a whole host of health and safety issues. The brotherâ(TM)s use of a power tool is somewhat terrifying. The drills popping out of the wall at the family home is also more reminiscent of Body Double than a family film. Then on the road trip a bout of mindless driving occurs where horses are nearly mowed down with no seatbelt in sight. Cut another way this could easily be a horror.

The set pieces manage to explode out of nowhere. At one point a segment where a large group of dogs chase Mac in his car is cut into the film for no reason. The scene even ends on an unresolved cliffhanger. Then there is the famous dance sequence at MacDonaldâ(TM)s, which is a commercial to behold. The teddy bear outfit during this sequence is quite terrifying. The song use also follows the dramatic nature of the set pieces where ill-timed flourishes add nothing more than an advertisement of the music.

For all the questionable points of the film, one could never anticipate in what direction it would go. The finale involving the alien family going shopping and then ending up with a gun was unexpected. This was further amped up by a nonsensical explosion of what appeared an entire shopping district after one bullet. This provided the central drama as the aliens used their magical abilities to save the child. Then the oddity goes to even another level when the aliens are granted U.S. Citizenship on a whim.

Mac & Me is never dull and is original enough to not be an unwatchable knockoff. In fact those aspects make it stronger. The infamous âWeâ(TM)ll be back!â? will forever linger in the mind.