The Last Starfighter (PG, 1984)
common sense media says
Lighthearted space adventure has a fun '80s feel.
parents & educators say
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that Alex is recruited to fight aliens, and there are explosions and moments where aliens die. But besides some slightly scary alien faces, there is not much gore. Teenagers on Earth are shown making out by the lake in very '80s hair and makeup. There is some mild profanity as well.
Positive role models:
Alex is a stern older brother who watches out for his younger sibling. Maggie takes care of her grandmother. They work toward their goals and are committed to being with each other. Alex's mom works hard, and Alex helps her around the trailer park.
Violence:
Lasers, rockets, bad aliens with scary faces. This is a movie about an alien race who wants to take over the universe, and as the title suggests, there are shootouts and fight scenes. Because of the lighthearted humor, the violence is not gory. There are explosions though, and Alex's skills as a starfighter are highlighted. Younger viewers might find some of the aliens to be scary.
Sex:
Teenage make-out sessions are standard, and Alex's mom watches he and Maggie share a long smooch goodnight. Kid brother Louis has a collection of Playboy magazines, which he peruses, though the audience sees no nudity. One teenage girl asks her boyfriend to "talk dirty to me." No body parts are shown, though Maggie complains when Alex's double does not share her sensual enthusiasm.
Language:
Louis, the kid brother, cusses more than anybody. Profanity includes "s--t," "crapola," "hell," and "Oh my God."
Consumerism:
Budweiser beer sign and beer in hand of trailer park dweller. And yes, Playboy magazine.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking:
Alex implies that his friends "get drunk and throw up every Saturday night." Viewers do not see this, but the friends do drive around rowdily and make out at the lake. An old man smokes a pipe and a beer can is seen in an older man's hand.
More on The Last Starfighter
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Most useful reviews by all members
williamjacobs
parent of 11 and 12 year old
parent of 11 and 12 year old
The Best Starfighter
Ludicrous special effects (the meteor gun) combined with terrific ones (death blossom) make for a funny technological dichotomy
This story has the feel of the entire Star Wars movie wrapped up into one film. Humble hero is discovered and steered towards his destiny of savior.
Alex has a more thoughtful, take charge attitude. He has a hero's heart where Luke Skywalker more or less must be nudged throughout most of his journey.
One of Alex's decisions is rejecting his role knowing full well he's far too sensible a person to be a hero deliberately. He becomes a hero when he's needed, not for glory.
It's a simple story done well. Nice touches that take into account his uncertainty and unprepared condition demonstrate a script that took the time to get science fiction right.
Memorable supporting characters, dialog and villains make The Last Starfighter a surefire hit with the younger crowd that may harbor dreams of being Gunstar pilots themselves.
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Ashnak
adult
adult
Good Space Sci-Fi Action Adventure Comedy
80's Sci-Fi
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