Life After the Navigator

As a since 1986-long fan of the film Flight of the Navigator, I was shocked, of course, upon hearing that the star of the film, Joey Cramer, had been arrested in an attempted bank robbery several years ago. Certain details came out, but nothing to really explain it. Well, all his fans wondered what happened, but one fan, director Lisa Downs, actually reached out to Joey and they made a film together that explains everything, warts and all.

This is an excellent, heartfelt profile of Joey and his life, from early childhood to now, having gone through things most of us will never experience, the good and the bad. He really opens up, and knowing how long it took to film this whole project, we're able to follow his progress from good to better to best. Along the way, most of his co-stars from the movie are interviewed and offer nice insights. (even Sarah Jessica Parker makes a cameo, kinda/sorta!) I was impressed at the organic feel that Downs gave this, with a nice narrative throughout.

As with the original movie, you can tell this documentary was a labor of love. I was so excited when I first heard of it and have followed its progress for quite a while. And now having seen it, I'd have to think it could also be viewed as an additional kick in the pants for Joey to stay on the straight and narrow. ;) He's still a youthful, talented, handsome and, thankfully, healthy guy with an ongoing interest in the world of film, so don't be surprised if you see him on the big or little screen again sometime!

We're all rooting for you, Joey!

This story is about the life of Joey Cramer and of the movie "Flight Of The Navigator" Interspread with a TON of interesting tidbits about the movie itself is a human interest story. A story about a boy who became an actor who couldn't go back to "normal" life because of that. He got into a spot of trouble and had a tough time working his way out of it. By the end of this documentary movie, we find that the human spirit can get through ANYTHING whether it be getting bullied or being told vile things by a father or just making bad decisions and having to go through the human "system" for paying for those bad decisions.

I believe this is a truly uplifting journey and well worth seeing. I love the way some of the transitions were done in this movie as well.

Lisa Downs did an amazing job of both going behind the scenes of Flight of the Navigator and telling the story of Joey Cramer's life, which is both heartbreaking and inspiring. There are interviews with so many of the cast and crew detailing the work that went into Flight of the Navigator. As a lifelong FOTN fan, I highly recommend it.

The story of a Navigator who lost his way.

Joe Cramer is a sympathetic and fascinating figure. His tale is sensational, but not sensationalized. His mistakes and choices are earnestly exposed, and I couldn't help but be caught up in his life. The same spark that made Joe so appealing in Flight of the Navigator still shines bright, he comes across as very likeable and easy to listen to.

Life After The Navigator explores not only Joe's travails but also the production of Flight of the Navigator. And neither aspect steps on the toes of the other. Lisa Downs weaves between the two with skill, and I look forward very much to her next film, Life After Atreyu. (Speaking of which, Joe reveals a detail about The Neverending Story here that I had never heard before. He actually appears in that film twice, at least one shot of him is definitely not one you'd expect.)

The Navigator's journey is not over. I hope Joe finds nothing but success is his endeavors.

After watching this documentary i felt it really explored the world of addiction and how it can change someones life. Yes,, I'm a huge fan of the movie, but what really spoke to me was the journey of someone struggling to overcome their inner demons.I've been there so can relate.

This documentary takes you on a really human journey of where life can lead you and ultimately is a tale of redemption. Its filled with great anecdotes and interviews about the movie Flight Of The Navigator. But is so much more. take the time to watch it. You wont be disappointed. The director really cares about the subject matter and if you are not at least quietly crying by the end, you have a heart of stone.