Directed by
Brian Robbins
Discover the intricate plot of Meet Dave (2008). From unexpected twists to emotional highs and lows, this detailed summary breaks down every moment to give you a deeper understanding of the film’s story.
As the celestial ballet unfolds across the vastness of space, a dazzling blue orb races towards Earth, colliding with a satellite before dramatically entering the life of young Josh Morrison, played by Austyn Lind Myers. Nestled in his New York City apartment, Josh’s excitement burgeons as he peers through his telescope, fixated on this mysterious object plummeting toward him. Unbeknownst to his mother, Gina Morrison, who remains oblivious to the impending adventure and distracted by worries about a baseball game that threatens to spoil the day, Josh’s fascination deepens as the orb crashes into his room and lodges itself in his fishbowl.
Months later, the universe announces its arrival once again with a blazing fireball streaking through the sky, landing with a thunderous thud on Liberty Island. As the dust clears, it becomes evident that this is no ordinary meteor; it is a spaceship, humanoid in shape, carrying a hundred small extraterrestrial beings. Captain Dave, the charming leader, guides his crew, including the loyal Number 2 (Ed Helms) and Number 3 (Gabrielle Union), as they attempt to decipher human behaviors, bewildered by their new surroundings.
On the lively streets of New York, a skeptical cop named Dooley (Scott Caan) finds himself on the trail of an intergalactic mystery, convinced there is more to the situation than meets the eye. Meanwhile, the aliens confront an urgent crisis from their home planet, Nil, plagued by an energy shortage that urgently requires salt to resolve. Their radical solution: to drain Earth’s oceans using the same metallic orb that captivated Josh months prior.
As Captain Dave delves deeper into human interactions, he forms a notable bond with the Morrison family, particularly with Gina, whose warmth masks her vulnerabilities. In a moment of poignant discovery, Dave understands the importance of the metal orb, and alongside Josh, he sets off to reclaim it from a cruel bully. They are unaware that their actions set off a chain reaction, significantly impacting their lives and the fate of Nil.
Through heartfelt exchanges with Josh and Gina, Captain Dave gradually realizes that human complexity is far deeper than he initially perceived. This revelation is highlighted by a series of touching moments, such as Gina’s vibrant strokes of paint, illustrating her passion, and a compassionate homeless man sharing his meager possessions with Dave, grounding him in a doorway. This awakening prompts Captain Dave to reconsider the plan to drain Earth’s oceans, fully aware of the catastrophic consequences it could inflict on the planet. Simultaneously, the authorities begin to close in on him, tracing evidence left behind at the crash site that leads to his eventual capture.
As the crew becomes more entrenched in human culture, they start to display unexpected changes—transitioning into a carefree lifestyle and developing unfamiliar emotions. However, Number 2 grows increasingly wary of Dave’s transformation, interpreting it as a distraction from their mission. Seizing control of the spaceship, Number 2 imprisons Captain Dave, determined to uphold their initial goals.
In a twist of fate, Dave manages to escape his confinement, orchestrating a daring bid for freedom. Meanwhile, Number 3 grapples with her allegiance to Number 2 and her increasing affection for Captain Dave. Torn between loyalty and love, she ultimately sides with Dave’s more compassionate view of humanity. Their rebellion is short-lived, leading to their capture by Number 2, who banishes them from the ship.
When tensions flare, a young alien named Number 17 (Kevin Hart), ignited by the crew’s revelry, makes a raucous exit from the vessel. Back on Earth, the Captain offers a heartfelt apology to Number 3 for neglecting her feelings, laying bare his affection for her. Simultaneously, officer Dooley uncovers the inebriated Number 17, concealed within his morning coffee, igniting curiosity about Dave’s mysterious disappearance as the web of intrigue begins to unfold.
As they approach the harbor, Number 2 attempts to toss the metallic orb into the ocean, only to be thwarted by the astute Captain and Number 3, who have stealthily returned to the ship. Captain Dave detains Number 2 in the ship’s confines while grappling with the orb’s fate. Ultimately, he must choose between reclaiming it or returning home; he chooses to protect Earth and its life forms. The orb, however, slips away, sending Dave into a dormant state.
With the authorities closing in, Josh courageously intervenes, seizing Dooley’s taser to awaken the Captain. Together, they reveal themselves to the law enforcement officers, who reluctantly lower their weapons. As a bittersweet goodbye ensues, Captain Dave expresses profound revelations about love and connection before reuniting with Number 17.
Just as Dave prepares for lift-off, FBI agents swarm, ensnaring him in a net. In the ensuing chaos, his crew makes a daring escape to a lifeboat compartment, activating it and departing for Nil, leaving chaos—and a thwarted Number 2—behind. Amidst the unfolding scenes, Captain Dave proposes to Number 3, and they embrace their newfound love with a tender kiss, sealing their bond as they prepare for an uncertain but hopeful future.
Track the key events of Meet Dave (2008) with a comprehensive timeline. Perfect for understanding the sequence of major plot points, this feature offers clarity on how the story unfolds.
Josh's Curiosity Ignited
In a New York City apartment, young Josh Morrison's fascination with space starts when he spots a mysterious blue orb plunging towards Earth. He eagerly watches through his telescope, completely unaware that his life is about to change forever.
A Collision of Worlds
The blue orb dramatically crashes into Josh’s room, landing right in his fishbowl. This event marks the beginning of a fantastical adventure that intertwines Josh’s life with extraterrestrial beings.
A Meteor from Space
Months later, the universe announces its presence again as a blazing fireball races across the sky, landing on Liberty Island. The aftermath reveals that it is not a mere meteor; instead, it is a spaceship carrying small extraterrestrial beings.
Captain Dave's Arrival
Captain Dave emerges as the charming leader of the spaceship, along with his crew members. They attempt to navigate their new world, confused by human behaviors while trying to understand their surroundings.
The Urgent Mission
The aliens face a dire energy crisis on their home planet, Nil, where salt is the solution. Their radical plan entails using the metallic orb to drain the Earth's oceans, threatening the very fabric of life on the planet.
Building Bonds
As Captain Dave learns about humans, he forms a special bond with the Morrison family. This connection deepens particularly with Gina, who reveals her own struggles and emotions, adding complexity to their interactions.
Chasing the Orb
Dave and Josh make a plan to retrieve the metal orb from a cruel bully, not realizing their attempt will set off an unexpected chain of events affecting their lives and the fate of the aliens.
Realizations and Revelations
Through heartfelt moments with Gina and Josh, Captain Dave’s perspective on humanity shifts. He begins to recognize the importance of emotions and the fragility of life on Earth, leading him to reconsider the aliens' plan.
Number 2's Rebellion
As Captain Dave grows more accustomed to human life, Number 2 becomes increasingly skeptical of his leader's change. Deciding to take control, Number 2 imprisons Captain Dave, focused on completing their mission.
A Daring Escape
In a moment of opportunity, Captain Dave escapes from his confinement. Meanwhile, Number 3 faces a difficult choice between loyalty to Number 2 and her growing love for Captain Dave, ultimately choosing to assist him.
The Young Alien’s Exit
Young alien Number 17, inspired by the crew’s carefree joy, makes a disruptive exit from the ship. Back on Earth, his antics draw attention, igniting curiosity about Captain Dave and the unfolding alien mystery.
The Orb's Fate in Balance
As tensions rise, Number 2 attempts to toss the metallic orb into the ocean, threatening to fulfill their dangerous plan. However, Captain Dave and Number 3 stealthily return to counter this move.
A Heroic Intervention
In a thrilling climax, Josh intervenes to save Captain Dave from impending disaster. With courage and quick thinking, he helps awaken Dave just as the authorities begin to close in on them.
Bittersweet Farewells
After a tense showdown, Captain Dave shares a heartfelt goodbye with Josh and Gina, expressing the profound connections they’ve formed. This moment is filled with emotions as they prepare for a life-altering shift.
A New Beginning
As Captain Dave prepares for lift-off, he is beset by FBI agents but his crew manages an escape. In a sweet twist, Dave proposes to Number 3, affirming their bond as they venture towards an uncertain but hopeful future.
Meet the characters that bring Meet Dave (2008) to life. Dive into detailed profiles of the cast and their roles, exploring their motivations, relationships, and arcs within the story.
Gina Morrison (Elizabeth Banks)
Gina is a caring mother whose worries about mundane challenges mask her deeper vulnerabilities. She develops a significant bond with Captain Dave, showcasing her warmth and resilience as she navigates personal and family struggles. Her artistic side demonstrates her passion for life and serves as a connection point with Dave.
Captain Dave (Eddie Murphy)
Captain Dave is a charming leader of the extraterrestrial crew who embarks on a journey of discovery on Earth. Initially focused on their mission, he evolves through connections with the Morrison family, learning about human emotions and the implications of their actions. His growth leads him to prioritize protecting Earth over his own home planet's needs.
Uncover the settings of Meet Dave (2008), from iconic locations to the time period that shapes its world. See how these elements add depth and context to the movie’s narrative.
Time period
The movie is set in contemporary times, reflecting modern societal issues and interactions among characters. It captures the essence of present-day challenges faced by both humans and extraterrestrials, particularly regarding emotional connections and the implications of actions taken for the greater good.
Location
New York City, Liberty Island
New York City is a vibrant metropolis known for its iconic skyline, diverse culture, and bustling streets. Liberty Island, home to the Statue of Liberty, symbolizes freedom and democracy, serving as a significant landmark in American history. The movie captures the essence of urban life as the characters navigate through these energy-filled locations.
Explore the core themes of Meet Dave (2008). From its commentary on social issues to its emotional undertones, delve into the deeper messages woven into the film’s story.
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Discovery
The theme of discovery is prominent as Captain Dave and his crew explore human behaviors and emotions. This journey leads to a deeper understanding of love, connection, and the moral responsibilities faced when dealing with other worlds. Their interactions with the Morrison family serve as a catalyst for personal growth and transformation.
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Love
Love emerges as a central theme, particularly through the relationship dynamics between Captain Dave and Number 3, as well as Dave's bond with Josh and Gina. Their experiences highlight the complexity of human emotions, showcasing how love can transcend space and species, ultimately leading to sacrifices for the greater good.
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Crisis
A sense of urgency and crisis is woven throughout the narrative with the aliens' need for salt to save their home planet from an energy shortage. This challenge illustrates the potential consequences of desperation, pushing characters to make choices that could impact both Earth and Nil.
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