The Right Stuff (PG)

Educational, exciting action, great acting.

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Common Sense rates it
5
Seen the movie? Review it
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Movie details
  • Studio: Warner Bros.
  • Directed By: Philip Kaufman
  • Cast: Ed Harris, Dennis Quaid, Sam Shepard
  • Running Time: 200 minutes
  • Release Date: 10/21/1983
  • Video/DVD Release Date: 04/27/1999
  • Genre: Drama
  • MPAA Rating: PG

Parents need to know

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 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?

Message

Social Behavior:

The movie does a thorough job of depicting the pressures affecting the first astronauts' wives, but it's clear that the women are expected to maintain the household while their husbands make history. One character laughs at a comic routine involving a Hispanic astronaut. Although all the men are married, some show interest in other women.

Consumerism:

Drugs/Alcohol/Tobacco:

Violence

Sex

Language

A fair bit of relatively minor cussing.

Common Sense says

What's the story?

Reviewed by Randy White

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 Charlie 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?

5

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 Gordon Cooper, undergo a barrage of pointless medical and endurance tests. The only fellow who seems unruffled by the ordeal is John Glenn (now a US Senator in real life), a former Navy pilot 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.

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Parents and kids say

All Reviews

There are 3 reviews.

5

Posted on 07/28/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

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---.
4


Posted on 06/04/07 by Thew Adult contributor

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.
5


Posted on 11/18/06 by scott2323 Kid contributor, age 12

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

Adult Reviews

There are 2 reviews.

5

Posted on 07/28/07 by Anonymous Adult contributor

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---.
4


Posted on 06/04/07 by Thew Adult contributor

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.

Kids Reviews

There are 1 reviews.

5


Posted on 11/18/06 by scott2323 Kid contributor, age 12

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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