Mac and Me is a 1988 family film about a disabled boy and an extraterrestrial juvenile. The decision to create it was based largely on the success of E.T. (1982). The title itself, Mac and Me, comes from the working title for E.T. — E.T. and Me.[1]
Plot
A Mysterious Alien Creature (MAC) who has escaped from nefarious NASA agents is befriended by a young boy in a wheelchair. Together, they try to find MAC's family, from whom he has been separated.
Product placement
The film is known for its numerous and blatant product placements, including Coca-Cola, Skittles, Sears and McDonald's to name a few. The main character's name, Mac, is a reference to McDonald's Big Mac sandwich. The only food the aliens require are Coke and Skittles. A ten-minute-long impromptu dance number, featuring Ronald McDonald, takes place in a McDonald's franchise which led Leonard Maltin to call the film "more like a TV commercial than a movie".[2] However, according to Seth Stevenson, "there was no quid pro quo between the filmmakers and these companies."[3] In spite of the latter statement, during the scene where Mac is drinking a Coca-Cola, director Stewart Raffill comically holds up four $100 bills in the background.
Box office and shelved sequel
Mac and Me, produced by Vision International and New Star Entertainment and distributed by Orion Pictures grossed $5,935,269 in the United States.
The film ends with a freeze frame and the words "We'll be back!" superimposed, but after abysmal reviews and dismal box office returns, the planned sequel was shelved.
Cult following
Despite being labeled one of the worst movies ever by Rotten Tomatoes (where it holds a 0% rating), Mac and Me has gained a cult following, due in large part to its unintentionally humorous low production values. One example is the poor sound dubbing that takes place during the Sears scene while Eric's mother is riding the escalator: her line is dubbed, "Excuse me. I'll be right back," however, her mouth says the dialogue line "Excuse me, I'll be back in a minute." Another example involves the alien character, Mac, who doesn't walk, but is instead strapped to a rolling cart that is never shown to the audience. The main character's inability to move without the audible sound of wheels in motion adds to the film's low-budget appearance. In addition, there are many other sloppy technical and continuity filming errors throughout the movie.[4]
Running gag on Conan O'Brien
The film has gained a measure of notoriety thanks to actor Paul Rudd. As part of a running gag during Rudd's appearances on Late Night With Conan O'Brien, he frequently shows a clip of the wheelchair-bound Eric (Jade Calegory) flying off a cliff while Mac watches on, instead of showing clips from the actual movie Rudd is there to promote.[5] In the clip of the cliff scene Calegory's part was taken by a mannequin. Later chase scenes that show him skitching appear to have been done by Calegory himself.
Awards and nominations
Four Nominations:
Four Nominations:
- Best Family Animation or Fantasy Motion Picture
- Best Young Actor in a Motion Picture Comedy or Fantasy (Jade Calegory)
- Best Young Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Fantasy (Tina Caspary)
- Best Young Actress in a Motion Picture Comedy or Fantasy (Lauren Stanley)
References
External links
