My Stepmother Is an Alien (1988)

13% of critics liked it
(15 reviews)
31% of users liked it
(37,270 ratings)

An astrophysicist falls in love with a beautiful woman who is actually a disguised extraterrestrial in this high-concept comedy. Dan Aykroyd plays Steven Mills, a dedicated and harmlessly odd scientist researching ways to send radio signals to deep space. Unbeknownst to him, one of his experiments… More An astrophysicist falls in love with a beautiful woman who is actually a disguised extraterrestrial in this high-concept comedy. Dan Aykroyd plays Steven Mills, a dedicated and harmlessly odd scientist researching ways to send radio signals to deep space. Unbeknownst to him, one of his experiments works better than expected, attracting the attention of an alien in need of help. She travels to Earth and poses as a human, assuming the name Celeste and the body of Kim Basinger. Celeste's lack of knowledge about humanity causes her to act bizarrely at times, but her odd behavior unexpectedly causes Mills to fall in love with her. The confused Celeste decides to play along for her planet's sake, but she finds her plan threatened by Mills' teenage daughter Jessie (Alyson Hannigan), who has become suspicious of Celeste after witnessing some odd behavior. The culture clash between Celeste's planet and Earth serves as an excuse for broad slapstick and sitcom-style humor, such as Celeste's fumbling efforts to enact the human ritual of "kissing." ~ Judd Blaise, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG-13, 1 hr. 47 min.
Directed By: Richard Benjamin
Genres: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Comedy

In Theaters: Dec 1, 1988 Wide
On DVD: Apr 14, 1998
Studio: Sony Pictures Home Entertainment

Critic Reviews

Steve Crum, Video-Reviewmaster.com
Pretty dumb fantasy-sci-fi-comedy directed by Richard Benjamin.
Kevin A. Ranson, MovieCrypt.com
Not nearly as bad as advertised.
Ken Hanke, Mountain Xpress (Asheville, NC)
Harmless.
Clint Morris, Moviehole
There were more laughs in "Nine and a Half Weeks"
Scott Weinberg, eFilmCritic.com
...and your movie is a joke.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

Phil H

Another film for Aykroyd in 88 only this time in my humble opinion its a weak one with a very silly B-movie type premise and a poor performance from the over hyped (at the time) Basinger. Even Aykroyd can't save this very average film with his usual zany comedy and fast quips,… More
Another film for Aykroyd in 88 only this time in my humble opinion its a weak one with a very silly B-movie type premise and a poor performance from the over hyped (at the time) Basinger. Even Aykroyd can't save this very average film with his usual zany comedy and fast quips, the effects are really dated and I don't think event that good for its time whilst the comedy is lacking, all the film does really is show how poor an actress Basinger is. Look out for a very young Seth Green and of course Alyson Hannigan.
Lady D

Not one you'll feel bad about missing, but came across it on tv, easy watching, very forgettable.
Alexis N

it's just awful.
Candy R

Movie about an alien on a secret mission to Earth, who falls for a human.
Nani V

Omg! I love this movie!
Jason S

A very funny movie. I wish Dan Aykroyd had done more movies like this. The story was entertaining. Trivia: The daughter was played by Allison Hannigan and her boyfriend was played by Seth Green. The two would later play a couple in the Buffy tv series.
xGary X

Witless low concept comedy, only of interest for Buffy fans for the appearance of Alyson Hannigan and Seth Green in early roles.
Leigh R

It was okay.
Dean M

Kim Basinger's no comedieene, but there are some nice touches in this tale of a gorgeous alien getting hitched to Dan Aykroyd so that she can save her planet from his invention and, along the way, learn all about love, sex and sneezing.
Sunil J

I saw this on the Disney Channel years ago and it was a bit disturbing.
Timothy O

Not a bad film. I love Dan Aykroyd, but let's face it, Kim sucks.
Leo L

A favorite. My sis loved Seth Green in this. HEY MUSH!!

Read all 12 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Dan Aykroyd as Dr. Steve Mills

            Kim Basinger as Celeste Martin

            Jon Lovitz as Ron Mills

            Alyson Hannigan as Jessie Mills

            Joseph Maher as Dr. Lucas Budlong

            Ann Prentiss as Bag

            Earl Boen as Reverend

            Peter Bromilow as Second in Command

            James L. Edwards as Porn Actor

            Tanya Fenmore as Ellen

            Seth Green as Fred Glass

            Karen Haber as Kristy

            Tony Jay as Council Chief

            Amy Kirkpatrick as Kimberly

            Juliette Lewis as Lexie

            Wesley Mann as Grady

            Maxine as Porn Actress

            Kevin McDermott as Olaf

            Suzie Plakson as Tenley

            Barbara Sharma as Mrs. Glass

            Adrian Sparks as Dr. Morosini

            Harry Shearer as Carl Sagan

            Robert Benedetti as Drill Sergeant

            Sophia Bowen as 12th Navigational Command

            Susan Carlsberg as 12th Navigational Command

            Lisa Croisette as Comdr. Winnek Wolfet

            Dave the Dog as Peanut

            Jim Doughan as Party Guest

            Gabi as 12th Navigational Command

            Nina Henderson as Cashier

            Jim Jackman as Party Guest

            Jay McCaslin as Party Guest

            Robyn Mundell as Kat

            Chere Rae as Station Wagon Driver

            Gina Raymond as 12th Navigational Command

            Michele Rogers as Skippy Budlong
See full cast

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