This is one of those rare family movies that actually works for the whole family. It's smart enough for adults (the Hollywood satire is razor-sharp), exciting enough for kids, and genuinely funny without relying on fart jokes or pop culture references that dated instantly.

The '90s special effects hold up better than you'd expect, partly because the practical alien designs are great and partly because the movie is self-aware enough that you forgive the occasional dodgy CGI. More importantly, the script is tight, the performances are committed, and the heart is real.

Yes, it's 25 years old, but unlike most '90s comedies it hasn't curdled. The pacing is brisk, the jokes land, and kids who've never seen Star Trek will still get the adventure story. The rock-crusher scene remains genuinely scary for younger viewers, so maybe wait until 9 or 10, but after that? This is a keeper.