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The Boy in the Plastic Bubble

(1976, Rated NR, Drama, Starring John Travolta, Glynnis O'Connor, Robert Reed)
  • Is it age appropriate?

    About our ratings

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    Not age appropriate for kids under 8, age appropriate for kids over 9; suggested age 9.
  • Is it any good?

    4.0
  • Common Sense says

    Worthwhile tale of adolescence and difference.

Why We Rated This on for Ages 9 and Up

What to watch out for

  • Messages:

    Not an issue.
  • Violence:

    Not an issue.
  • Sex:

    Todd uses binoculars to spy on the girl next door as she gets ready for bed. We see plenty of Gina in skimpy bathing suits, but no nudity. One boy who's in a bubble says he wants to get a hooker when he gets out; the two obliquely discuss masturbation. Teens kiss on the couch and the two leads make out in the back of a van (of course, Todd's in his space suit.)
  • Language:

    Not an issue.
  • Consumerism:

    Not an issue.
  • Drinking, drugs, & smoking:

    Teenagers experiment with smoking and then pot smoking.
 

What Parents Need to Know

About The Boy in the Plastic Bubble

Parents need to know that this story deals with the themes of loneliness and teenagers maturing into adults. Some teens have fun at Todd's expense, but the movie clearly indicates that this is hurtful behavior. Older grade school kids may enjoy the charming story, but parents should be aware of some mature content, especially sexual situations. Preteens will probably get the most involved in the story. Teens' interest in this video is debatable. They'll relate to the growing pains but may laugh at the over-the-top acting style.

Read our full review by Randy White

Did this review help you decide?

Families Can Talk About

  • Families can talk about how Todd adapted. Why did he finally make the decision to leave the safety of his bubble to go out into the world? What would you have done in a similar situation? How is Todd's plight similar to all teens?

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Most Recent Reviews

  1. Teen Reviewer Age 13
    Lives in Oregon
    I rate this title on for age 8 and give it 2.0

    It's Got John Travolta, But It's SO Corny

    Yes, Mr. Travolta gives a good early performance here, but the film is too made-for-TV-movie-ish (yes, I understand that it was.) Though it teaches acceptance and there are some dramatically tense scenes, the dialogue too often falls flat and the film devolves into a maudlin fare. And I don't mind unusual (in fact I kind of love it in a film) but this is just a little too odd to be any good. Not awful, but certainly not terrific.

  2. Teen Reviewer Age 17
    Lives in Louisiana
    I rate this title iffy for age 2 and give it 2.0

    ok

    i saw it in my health class and it was ok.

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