An alien trying to escape from NASA is befriended by a wheelchair-bound boy.

Director:

Stewart Raffill
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4,081 ( 134)
Bottom Rated Movies #84 | 2 wins & 6 nominations. See more awards »

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Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Christine Ebersole ... Janet Cruise
Jonathan Ward ... Michael Cruise
Tina Caspary ... Courtney (as Katrina Caspary)
Lauren Stanley Lauren Stanley ... Debbie
Jade Calegory ... Eric Cruise
Vinnie Torrente ... Mitford
Martin West ... Wickett
Ivan J. Rado ... Zimmerman
Danny Cooksey ... Jack Jr
Laura Waterbury ... Linda
Jack Eiseman Jack Eiseman ... Splatter Car Driver
Barbara Allyne Bennet Barbara Allyne Bennet ... Scientist
Richard Bravo Richard Bravo ... Mover #1
Gary Brockette ... Doctor #2
Sherri Stone Butler Sherri Stone Butler ... Checkout Girl
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Storyline

An alien trying to escape from NASA is befriended by a wheelchair-bound boy.

Plot Summary | Add Synopsis

Taglines:

How two boys worlds apart become the best of friends. See more »


Certificate:

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Parents Guide:

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Did You Know?

Trivia

Kim Basinger and Anjelica Huston were each offered the female lead role. Both declined. See more »

Goofs

When MAC is stretched while holding the chain link fence, then shot into the air, strings are visible holding the puppet. See more »

Quotes

Debbie: [yelling to Eric after he falls off a cliff in his wheelchair] Swim to the side Eric! Swim!
See more »

Alternate Versions

Differences between the Japanese VHS/Laserdisc and the US release seen worldwide:
  • The opening scenes set on MAC's home planet are tinted blue.
  • During the climax of the film when the policeman trips and fires his gun, he shoots Eric dead in the chest. The subsequent explosion does not show Eric slumping in his wheelchair like in the US release, as he is already dead.
  • After the incident, he doctor that rushes to help to Eric is shown with blood all over his hands.
  • Michael's subsequent lines in the Japanese release are "He's dead" and "He's dead, mom" instead of "he's gone" and "they can't help him".
  • Before MAC and his family heal Eric, the father is shown extracting the bullet from Eric's body and tossing it away.
  • A reprise of "Take Me/I'll Follow You" by Bobby Caldwell replaces Jara Lane's "You're Not a Stranger Anymore" as the end credits song.
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Connections

Referenced in Cinemassacre Video: Crazy VHS Tape Cover Art (2020) See more »

Soundtracks

Down to Earth
Performed by Ashford & Simpson
Written by Allee Willis and Danny Sembello
Produced by Ashford & Simpson
Executive Producer Brooks Arthur
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User Reviews

Were they serious?
22 December 1998 | by shark-19See all my reviews

Oh, yeah--just rent it once. Watch it with friends. If not for the fact that it's completely different from ET--this kid's in a wheelchair! If not for the fact that the alien saves the boy as he rolls out of control down a hill! The absolute best (you'll think I'm making this up) the song-and-dance number in the McDonald's (!) featuring the entire football team and cheer-leading squad (!) all in full uniform (!) in an effort to elude the police!!! I was rolling on the floor.


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Details

Official Sites:

MGM [United States]

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

12 August 1988 (USA) See more »

Also Known As:

Mi amigo Mac See more »

Filming Locations:

Calabasas, California, USA See more »

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Box Office

Budget:

$13,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$2,061,464, 14 August 1988

Gross USA:

$6,424,112

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$6,424,112
See more on IMDbPro »

Company Credits

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Technical Specs

Runtime:

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1
See full technical specs »

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