I agree with thepedens--language is far worse than "mild" as the Common Sense Review termed it. I watched this movie with my two 10-year-olds, chose it after reading the review and then sat praying they would not get some of the language. The language is NOT OK for 10, or even 11. This should be at least PG-13. There was also a scene where Gordy had to give a sperm donation. While they didn't show anything, I fast-forwarded, as I really, really didn't feel like explaining what THAT meant.
The Right Stuff
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Is it age appropriate?
About our ratings -
Is it any good?
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Common Sense says
Educational, exciting action, great acting.
Why We Rated This 
for Ages 10 and Up
What to watch out for
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Violence:
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Sex:
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Language:
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Consumerism:
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Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
What Parents Need to Know
This review of The Right Stuff was written by Randy White
Parents need to know that this movie -- which was previously rated R in 1983 and was later re-rated -- is very long and some of the astronauts' conduct, including locker room-type banter, may be unsuitable for younger kids. For older kids, the movie offers a human perspective on what is arguably America's greatest technological feat -- space flight. It also addresses themes of loyalty and the value of cooperation through a gripping story and spectacular visuals that have aged well. Peppered with laughs, it also features an Academy Award-winning score.
Families Can Talk About
Talk to your kids about the media in their life. We have more tools and tips that can help
- Families can talk about the competitiveness of the astronaut program and how the families coped. How would you deal with such dangerous work? Discuss the way that Yaeger was shut out of the program. Why are college degrees so important? Is it possible to be successful without one? What about how Gus was treated after his capsule sank in the ocean? Do you believe that it was an accident? Families can also discuss how the media portrays space exploration in general. Is it always exciting?
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More on The Right Stuff
What’s the Story?
As the Cold War begins, America strives to achieve super-sonic flight. But once Soviet satellite Sputnik captures international attention, putting a man in space becomes America's top priority. The movie juxtaposes Edwards Air Force Base, where Chuck Yeager (Sam Shepard) makes history as the most daring pilot alive, and Cape Canaveral, where a few carefully selected men, including John Glenn (Ed Harris) and Gordon "Gordo" Cooper (Dennis Quaid), train diligently to be hurled into space. As NASA scientists and engineers struggle to come up with a feasible rocket, the astronauts (and their wives) struggle with the tremendous risks of their profession, along with sudden, overwhelming fame. Once NASA devises a rocket capable of surviving a launch, the seven astronauts deemed to have THE RIGHT STUFF band together and form a heroic team.
Is It Any Good?
This fine adaptation of Tom Wolfe's best-selling book is over three hours long, but a well-structured story, stellar acting, and exciting action sequences make the time fly. Especially hilarious is a ridiculous sequence where the astronauts-to-be, including ultra-cocky contestant Gordo, undergo a barrage of pointless medical and endurance tests. The only fellow who seems unruffled by the ordeal is John Glenn (now a U.S. Senator in real life), a former Marine whose charm and moral stature never waver. The movie is an epic love letter to America's aviator heroes, but its reverent tone is interjected with plenty of humor. Good for tweens and teens.
Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros., Director: Philip Kaufman
Run time: 200 minutes
Theatrical release: 10/21/1983, DVD release: 4/27/1999
MPAA Rating: PG
Run time: 200 minutes
Theatrical release: 10/21/1983, DVD release: 4/27/1999
MPAA Rating: PG
Our Members Say
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Most Recent Reviews
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I rate this title iffy for age 13 and give it
- My concerns are:
- Inappropriate language
- Drinking, smoking, or drug use
- My highlights are:
Should really be PG-13 for cursing. Maybe even R.
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
This movie should be rated R still
This is a great movie but the amount of language is way too strong for PG. I saw it at school and we had to skip some parts because of all of the language and stuff
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I rate this title pause for age 0 and give it
Long telling of compelling subject
Breaking the sound barrier and the Mercury Seven astronauts are a very interesting story, but this is a long and sometimes inscrutable movie. The language is harsh for a PG movie (F-words are sprinkled throughout) and there is a Sally Rand dancing scene that makes no sense and introduces quick shots of a bare behind and breasts. Not lewd, but out of step with the rest of the movie.
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I rate this title on for age 0 and give it
Terrific movie, but...
There's an awful lot of language in this movie that I was hoping to watch with my entire family. There were lots of f bombs, plenty of s---, bast----, hell and godd---.
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Ratings at a Glance
| 100% | of parents say it gives kids positive messages |
| 100% | of parents say there's too much drinking, drugs, or smoking |
| 100% | of parents say it has language their kids can't use |
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