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Poster for Flight of the Navigator

Flight of the Navigator

David Freeman is eight years late for dinner, and his family wants to know why. But David's got an absolutely fantastic excuse.

1986 · 1h 30m · PG Adventure, Family, Science Fiction
Directed by Randal Kleiser

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Overview

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.

Director and cast

Critics on Rotten Tomatoes

Top critics, in their words

All reviews
84%
Tomatometer
Fresh

When the film shifts into the action mode in its second half -- the flying saucer returns to aid in David`s rescue -- it becomes quite bright and lively.

Dave Kehr, Chicago Tribune
Fresh

If there is more than a little something borrowed from Spielberg, Kleiser's movie is amiably undemanding entertainment that says the right things, albeit without great originality.

Desmond Ryan, Philadelphia Inquirer
Fresh

There's no mistaking Flight of the Navigator for a really first-rate children's picture like, say, The Black Stallion. But Flight of the Navigator is an enjoyable film that encourages kids to use their heads.

Jay Boyar, Orlando Sentinel
Fresh

Whereas its plot may be derivative--and at several junctures, unconvincing--"Flight of the Navigator" nevertheless manages to develop considerable humor and poignancy from David's predicament and what he does about it.

Kevin Thomas, Los Angeles Times
Fresh

This children's adventure turns out to be, despite its title, less of a Star Wars trip than an entertaining variation on the time-travel adventure Back to the Future.

Gene Siskel, Chicago Tribune

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