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The Black Hole (PG, 1979)

common sense media says

Creepy robots and lukewarm ending haunt sci-fi classic.

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What parents need to know

Parents need to know that some scenes with robots and humanoids may be frightening for younger viewers; there are shoot-outs and explosions but no gore. Maximilian the robot is a threatening presence, and the robot "goons," as one character calls them, are sinister en masse. This is good fun for sci-fi buffs who want to see Disney's attempt at Star Wars.

Positive messages: Crew models cooperation as the best plan for problem solving.
Violence: Shoot-outs between bots and numerous explosions, but no blood or gore. Maximilian the robot shreds a crew member with his whirly appendages, but the scene is implied and not seen.
Sex: Kate is the only female on the voyage, and the lecherous Dr. Reinhardt wants to keep her for his own.
Language: The word "hell" is used as an explicative and as a description. Harry uses the word "damn" when he suffers a fall.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
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More on The Black Hole

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
Families can talk about what could be frightening about the unexplainable forces in our universe. In this film, the black hole presents a hellish gaping opening to the unknown. Is this accurate? How do concepts of heaven and hell feature in the movie? Do any of the ideas match your beliefs or not?

What's the story?

What's the story?
The crew of the Palomino is innocently going about its mission in the year 2130, when suddenly their course is re-routed and heading toward a black hole. Even more cause for concern: when they approach an abandoned U.S. space station lost 20 years ago, they find it's still inhabited by a lone mad scientist and his robotic companions.

Is it any good?

Is it any good?
 

Released in an era when robots like R2-D2 were all the rage, Disney's 1979 answer was V.I.N.CENT, a friendly, philosophical robot who plays a main role in THE BLACK HOLE. The silent, malevolent Maximilian, however, steals the show, with his ultra creepy red eye, bass-heavy sound effects and his whirling appendages that can shred sheet metal. Tweens might enjoy watching the robots engage in battle with one another.

Set as an epic science-fiction journey into the deepest corner of space, The Black Hole attempted to marry grandiose visions of life among the stars with cutting-edge effects. It succeeded in the effects department (for 1979) but the movie loses steam as it progresses to a lukewarm ending. Anthony Perkins as the malleable Alex, and Maximillian Schell as the mad genius Dr. Reinhardt score points for their intelligent portrayals of scientists. The trippy ending, however, offers a less than satisfying denouement. Sci-fi fans will want to see this film for its cult appeal, nonetheless.

Movie themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
Director: Gary Nelson
Cast: Anthony Perkins, Ernest Borgnine, Maximillian Schell
Genre: Science Fiction
Run time: 97 minutes
Theatrical release: August 4, 1979
DVD release: August 3, 2004
MPAA Rating: PG
This review was written by Joly Herman
 
 

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Most useful reviews by all members

ALAW
parent of 9 year old
9
 
Way creepier than I remember
Teamwork is the positive message, but creepy robots for sure, zombie-like crew and implied goring (no blood) by Maximillian the robot make for a dark ride into the black hole.
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