the unfortunate thing about explorer be that the studio rush open this film before let joe dante properly finish it . and it be all for nothing . because of the rushed timing it open on a weekend that cost it it audience . the three lead and ethan hawk and river phoenix and jason presson do a fine job in the film and work with an excellent script that be both funny and bittersweet as well . also feature dick miller and a regular in dante film and especially note for the gremlin . another excellent role be james cromwell a the father of wolfgang and play by river phoenix . and finally one of my favorite actor and robert picardo who play several character ( in heavy make up ) . this film be nothing special and just good family fun .