Explorers

Ben Crandall begins experiencing vivid dreams where he flies through clouds and over an expansive circuit board. These dreams often occur after he watches classic 1950s sci-fi films, particularly enjoying 'The War of the Worlds'.

After waking up, Ben diligently sketches the circuit board from his dreams, creating intricate designs. He shares these sketches with his best friend, Wolfgang Muller, a talented child prodigy who is equally intrigued by the drawings.

While at school, Ben develops a crush on his classmate Lori Swenson. He grapples with uncertainty about whether his feelings are reciprocated, which complicates his teenage experiences.

Ben and Wolfgang's friendship expands to include Darren Woods, a cool and unconventional peer with a punk style. The three boys bond over their shared passion for technology and the circuit board concept.

Wolfgang successfully builds a microchip inspired by Ben's circuit board sketches. This innovative chip creates a unique electromagnetic bubble that allows movement without the typical effects of inertia, sparking the boys' imaginations.

The boys transform an abandoned Tilt-A-Whirl car into a rudimentary spacecraft they name 'Thunder Road', inspired by a Bruce Springsteen song. This marks a significant step in their quest for exploration and innovation.

As the boys conduct experiments with Thunder Road, they inadvertently attract the attention of the United States government. Agents are sent to investigate the area, suspecting unusual activity related to UFOs.

Following additional dreams, Wolfgang discovers a way to generate unlimited sustainable oxygen, allowing for unprecedented flight durations. The boys finalize their ambitious plan to explore outer space in search of alien life.

The boys successfully launch Thunder Road into orbit despite attempts by authorities to interfere. They are excited and filled with wonder as they break free from Earth's gravitational pull.

After entering space, the boys' computer controls are overridden, and they are tractor-beamed aboard a larger alien ship. They meet two curious green-skinned aliens, Wak and Neek, who are fascinated by humans.

The boys form a friendship with Wak and Neek, who have learned about Earth mainly through television. The aliens' naive understanding of humanity adds humor and warmth to the encounter.

Wak and Neek's spaceship is suddenly intercepted by an even larger alien vessel. To protect the boys, Wak pretends there is an attack, urging them to escape quickly while tensions rise.

After Wak and Neek's father intervenes, the boys are allowed to leave. As a parting gift, they receive an amulet that symbolizes their dreams and future aspirations, deepening their bond.

Safe but disoriented, the boys return to Earth only to crash Thunder Road into a neighborhood lake due to a malfunction. This unexpected landing brings them back to reality, but with new insights from their adventures.

A week later at school, Ben dreams of another vast circuit board while flying through clouds. This time, he is joined by Wolfgang, Darren, and Lori, symbolizing hope and future exploration together.