E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Ep. 08 - Mac and Me (with Max Evry)
Summary
This final episode of the E.T. series features guest Max Avery, author of *Stranded on Earth*, who discusses the film’s development from the *Night Skies* project and the Kelly Hopkinsville incident. The hosts then analyze *Mac and Me* (1988), a notorious E.T. knockoff that serves as the apex of 1980s commercialism, featuring heavy product placement for McDonald’s and Coca-Cola. They critique the film’s grotesque animatronics and cynical tone while acknowledging its significance in the history of movie marketing.
Topics discussed
Series wrap-up and reflection on the ET journey
Discussion of the book 'Night Skies' and its development
Night Skies' influence on Gremlins, Poltergeist, and ET
Rick Baker's alien designs and the evolution of ET's look
ET as an underdog triumph and comparison to Dune
Mega Force and the failure of 80s blockbuster formulas
Introduction to Mac and Me and initial impressions
Product placement and commercialism in 80s cinema
Critique of Mac and Me's acting and alien design
ET and Close Encounters as religious allegories
ALF references and the McDonald's logo in Mac and Me
Analysis of the alien family's escape and electric fence scene
The Cruz family's move and the alien's initial mischief
House destruction, Coca-Cola, and pacing comparison to ET
The bike chase scene and its production history
The McDonald's dance contest and 80s cultural shift
The bear suit, Wicker Man references, and tonal whiplash
The climax, Ashford & Simpson, and the 90s transition
The final chase, toy graveyard, and movie's failure
The golden age of physical media and Vinegar Syndrome
Final thoughts on Mac and Me and comparison to Totoro
Series conclusion, book promotion, and sign-off
Listen ad-free on Castria