🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Richard Benjamin
- Genre: Comedy, Sci-Fi, Romance
- Release year: 1988
- Runtime (length): 1h 45min
- IMDb rating: 5.4/10 (28K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 41%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
A nerd scientist accidentally calls an alien planet, so they send Kim Basinger to seduce him into fixing it, and hilarity ensues, especially for teenage boys.
🍿 My Stepmother Is an Alien: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Accidental Intergalactic Communication
Dr. Steven Mills, a widowed astronomer, dedicates his life to searching for extraterrestrial life. His experiments, though passionate, are often disastrous, causing significant damage to his lab equipment. Determined, he attempts another communication experiment, sending a powerful beam of light into space during a thunderstorm.

The Arrival of Celeste
Unbeknownst to Steven, his light beam impacts an alien planet, causing a gravitational crisis. In response, the aliens dispatch Celeste, a beautiful alien agent, to Earth. She is tasked with convincing Steven to replicate his experiment and reverse the damage, all while concealing her true identity.

Celeste’s Cultural Misadventures
Celeste’s unfamiliarity with human customs leads to a series of comedic situations. Guided by a talking alien eye in her purse named Bag, she navigates Earth’s social norms. Celeste drinks battery acid, eats cigarettes, and exhibits other strange behaviors that initially puzzle Steven but eventually charm him.

Romance and Revelation
Despite her initial mission, Celeste finds herself falling in love with Steven. Steven’s daughter, Jessie, however, remains suspicious of Celeste, sensing that something is amiss. As Celeste integrates into their family, she begins to question her mission and the potential consequences for Earth.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Steven Mills (Dan Aykroyd): A widowed scientist who inadvertently makes contact with an alien civilization and falls in love with the alien sent to investigate.
- Celeste Martin (Kim Basinger): An alien sent to Earth to persuade a scientist to reverse a damaging experiment, but who discovers love and human experiences.
- Jessie Mills (Alyson Hannigan): Steven’s perceptive daughter who is initially suspicious of Celeste and becomes a key supporting character.
- Ron Mills (Jon Lovitz): Steven’s womanizing brother who provides comedic relief and complicates the central romance.
- Lucas Budlong (Joseph Maher): Steven’s skeptical boss who questions his scientific methods and provides a source of conflict.
- The Voice of Bag (Ann Prentiss): The voice of the talking alien in Celeste’s purse, who is her alien superior and guides her mission.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Celeste: “What is sex?” – Celeste asks her purse, Bag, what sex is, since she is unfamiliar with the concept on her home planet.
- Celeste: “Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash, wherever you are!” – Celeste recites Jimmy Durante’s famous catchphrase, showcasing her learning of Earth culture.
- Ron Mills: “She’s an alien, and she likes me!” – Ron’s excited exclamation when the alien council chooses him to visit their planet for research.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $20,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $13,854,000
- Worldwide Gross: $13,854,000
💥 My Stepmother Is an Alien Reviews
Personal Review
I remember watching this as a kid and being completely captivated by Kim Basinger’s otherworldly beauty. I loved how silly and absurd the movie was, especially Celeste’s attempts to understand human customs. There are so many memorable scenes, the kissing lesson with the handbag is hilarious! It’s not a cinematic masterpiece, but it’s a fun, nostalgic ride that always puts a smile on my face. I think the casting was great and the plot was easy to follow.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of 80s comedies”
- “Viewers who enjoy science fiction with a romantic twist”
- “Those looking for lighthearted and family-friendly entertainment”
- “Dan Aykroyd and Kim Basinger fans”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Some suggestive humor”
- “Mild language”
- “Brief scenes with implied sexuality”
Professional Reviews
- N/A: “While the premise is intriguing, the film struggles with uneven pacing and a reliance on tired tropes. Basinger delivers a charming performance, but the script often undermines her efforts with uninspired jokes and predictable scenarios. A decent attempt at a sci-fi comedy, but ultimately falls short.
- N/A: “My Stepmother Is an Alien is a silly yet enjoyable 80s romp, that showcases Kim Basinger’s underappreciated comedic talents. Dan Aykroyd provides a grounded counterpoint to Basinger’s extraterrestrial antics, while Jon Lovitz steals scenes with his sleazy charm. If you’re looking for a lighthearted, nostalgic comedy, this one delivers.
Audience Reactions
Kim Basinger’s portrayal of the alien Celeste is both hilarious and charming.: Viewers consistently praise Kim Basinger’s performance and the movie’s lighthearted humor.
The movie is a fun, nostalgic trip back to the cheesy sci-fi comedies of the 80s.: Many appreciate the movie’s nostalgic charm and its ability to provide a lighthearted escape.
Overall Consensus: A fun, silly 80s sci-fi comedy that’s buoyed by Kim Basinger’s charming performance, though its humor may not appeal to everyone.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The original script was intended to be a drama about child abuse, but the studio decided to turn it into a comedy.”
- “The film features early roles for Alyson Hannigan, Seth Green, and Juliette Lewis before they became well-known.”
- “The filmmakers consulted with real scientists to ensure the scientific elements, while fantastical, had a basis in real theoretical physics.”
🖥️ How to Watch My Stepmother Is an Alien?
As of today, My Stepmother Is an Alien is available for rent or purchase on various platforms including Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Google Play Movies. Check your local listings for cable and streaming options.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed My Stepmother Is an Alien, you might like these similar films:
- Splash (1984): Similar plot of a man falling in love with a being from another world (in this case, a mermaid) who is unfamiliar with human customs.
- Starman (1984): An alien comes to Earth and takes on a human form, learning about human emotions and experiences.
- Earth Girls Are Easy (1988): A lighthearted comedy about aliens landing on Earth and adapting to human culture, featuring a similar comedic tone.
- Enchanted (2007): A fairytale princess is transported to the real world and must learn how to navigate modern-day life, similar to Celeste’s culture shock.
🛒 My Stepmother Is an Alien Related Products
- My Stepmother Is an Alien [Blu-ray]: Experience the 80s classic in high definition, with improved picture and sound quality. Perfect for collectors and fans of the movie.
- Kim Basinger Signed Photo: A rare and authentic signed photo of Kim Basinger as Celeste from ‘My Stepmother Is an Alien.’ A valuable addition to any movie memorabilia collection.
- Customizable My Stepmother Is an Alien T-Shirt: Create a T-shirt with your favorite scene or character. You can add your own text to it. Makes a great gift for any fan of the movie.
- Kim Basinger Movie Collection [DVD]: Includes some of Kim Basinger’s most memorable films, including a My Stepmother is an Alien DVD. A great way to see more of her work.
🎧 Soundtrack
My Stepmother Is an Alien features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
The movie was primarily filmed in California, with specific locations including 4222 Agnes Avenue in Studio City, which served as the location for the Mills’ house.
The voice of Bag, the alien in Celeste’s purse, is provided by Ann Prentiss.
The song performed at the end of the movie is “Goodnight, Mrs. Calabash,” a signature tune associated with Jimmy Durante. This adds a touch of nostalgia and whimsy to the film’s conclusion.
🔥 Bonus Content
Alien Shapeshifts Into A Female To Have S3x With A Scientist
Want a quick refresher on that wild scene where the alien shapeshifts? This recap dives right into it, and honestly, it’s even weirder than I remember!
Kim Basinger from My Stepmother Is An Alien (Pantyhose scene)
Remember that iconic scene with Kim Basinger and the pantyhose? This video’s got it, and it’s still as captivating (and slightly bizarre) as the first time I saw it.
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