Mac and Me

Mac and Me

Mac and Me is a 1988 American science fiction adventure film directed by Stewart Raffill. The film centers around a young boy who becomes friends with a mysterious alien creature, known as "Mac," who is stranded on Earth. The film is often noted for its heavy product placement, particularly for McDonald's and Coca-Cola.

Theatrical release poster for Mac and Me

Plot

The film begins with a family of aliens on a distant planet. They are accidentally sucked into a NASA spacecraft and brought to Earth. The youngest alien, Mac, becomes separated from his family and befriends a wheelchair-bound boy named Eric Cruise. Eric and his family, who have recently moved to California, help Mac evade the authorities and reunite with his family.

Throughout the film, Eric and Mac form a close bond, and Eric's brother Michael and their new friend Debbie also become involved in the adventure. The group faces various challenges, including government agents who are trying to capture Mac. The film culminates in a dramatic rescue and a heartfelt farewell as Mac and his family return to their home planet.

Production

Mac and Me was produced by R.J. Louis and written by Stewart Raffill and Steve Feke. The film was shot in various locations around Los Angeles, California. The special effects for the alien characters were created using animatronics and puppetry, which were state-of-the-art for the time.

The film is infamous for its extensive use of product placement, which was a significant part of its marketing strategy. McDonald's played a prominent role in the film, including a dance sequence set in one of their restaurants. Coca-Cola is also featured prominently throughout the movie.

Reception

Upon its release, Mac and Me was met with largely negative reviews from critics. It was criticized for its derivative plot, which many saw as a blatant imitation of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial. The film's heavy reliance on product placement was also a point of contention.

Despite its initial reception, Mac and Me has gained a cult following over the years. It is often appreciated for its campy charm and nostalgic value. The film is frequently referenced in popular culture, including a recurring gag on the Conan O'Brien show.

Legacy

Mac and Me has become a cult classic, known for its unintentional humor and nostalgic appeal. It is often screened at midnight movie showings and has been the subject of numerous internet memes. The film's dance scene in McDonald's is particularly iconic and has been parodied in various media.

Related pages

• E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial
• Product placement
• Cult film