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Mac and Me

Mac and Me is a 1988 American science fiction family film directed by Stewart Raffill and co-written with Steve Feke.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Mac and Me is a 1988 American science fiction family film directed by Stewart Raffill and co-written by Steve Feke. The story follows MAC, an alien creature who escapes from NASA and befriends a boy in a wheelchair named Eric Cruise while trying to reunite with his family. The film was released in the United States on August 12, 1988.

Plot

The film follows an alien known as MAC after it escapes from NASA and forms a bond with Eric Cruise, a boy in a wheelchair. Together they try to help MAC find and reunite with its family.

Production

Mac and Me was directed by Stewart Raffill and written by Raffill with Steve Feke. It was produced in the United States and released by MGM/UA.

Cast

The principal cast includes Christine Ebersole, Jonathan Ward, Katrina Caspary, Lauren Stanley, and Jade Calegory. Jade Calegory plays Eric Cruise, the boy who befriends MAC.

Reception and legacy

The film is widely remembered as a distinctive 1980s family science fiction title. It has remained notable in popular culture for its unusual tone and for its similarities to other alien-buddy adventure films.

Key facts

  • Released in 1988 as an American science fiction family film.
  • Directed by Stewart Raffill and co-written by Steve Feke.
  • Stars Christine Ebersole, Jonathan Ward, Katrina Caspary, Lauren Stanley, and Jade Calegory.
  • The story centres on MAC, a mysterious alien creature who befriends Eric Cruise.
  • MAC’s name is an acronym for “Mysterious Alien Creature.”
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Canadian context

Mac and Me has been available through home video and streaming services used by Canadian viewers, and it is part of the broader North American family-film canon familiar to Canadian audiences.

Frequently asked questions

What is Mac and Me about?
It is about a mysterious alien creature named MAC who escapes from NASA and befriends a boy named Eric Cruise while trying to find his family.
Who directed Mac and Me?
Stewart Raffill directed the film.
When was Mac and Me released?
It was released in the United States on August 12, 1988.
Who stars in Mac and Me?
The film stars Christine Ebersole, Jonathan Ward, Katrina Caspary, Lauren Stanley, and Jade Calegory.
What does MAC stand for?
MAC stands for “Mysterious Alien Creature.”

References

  1. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0095560/
    Supports: Release year, release date, runtime, MPAA rating, genre, and premise.
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mac_and_Me
    Supports: Directed by Stewart Raffill, co-written with Steve Feke, cast, and plot summary.
  3. Common Sense Media — https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/mac-and-me
    Supports: Synopsis, release date, studio, rating, runtime, and plot details including MAC's name meaning.
  4. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/mac_and_me
    Supports: Brief synopsis, rating, and genre classification.
  5. Apple TV — https://tv.apple.com/us/movie/mac-and-me/umc.cmc.2w4y0zn46evls9jfy7npktj8l
    Supports: Runtime and synopsis.