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The Right Stuff (PG, 1983)

common sense media says

Educational, exciting action, great acting.

parents & educators say
  • 60% say language is an issue
  • 40% say sexual content is an issue
See all 6 reviews | Review it

What 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.

Positive messages: 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.
Violence: Not applicable.
Sex: Not applicable.
Language: A fair bit of relatively minor cussing.
Consumerism: Not applicable.
Drinking, drugs, & smoking: Not applicable.
Our ratings and reviews are informed by child development guidelines. Learn more.

More on The Right Stuff

What to talk about

Talk to your kids
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?

What's the story?

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?

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 themes & details

Movie Details
Studio: Warner Bros.
Director: Philip Kaufman
Cast: Dennis Quaid, Ed Harris, Sam Shepard
Genre: Drama
Run time: 200 minutes
Theatrical release: October 21, 1983
DVD release: April 27, 1999
MPAA Rating: PG
This review was written by Randy White
 
 

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What parents & educators say

13
Based on 5 parent & educator reviews:
  • 60% say language is an issue
  • 40% say sexual content is an issue
  • 40% say there are positive messages
Read the reviews

Most useful reviews by all members

Redthreadmom
parent of and 7 , 11 , 11 year old
13
 
Should really be PG-13 for cursing. Maybe even R.
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.
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jcpilot
parent of 10 and 13 year old
14
 
Good for teens
I think the language just kills a great historical movie for kids. The "f" word comes up 2-3 times. Not appropriate nor needed in my opinion.
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drawnat
parent of 10 and 12 year old
11
 
Good movie, but mixed bag and iffy for kids under 12
This movie is great, but is also a mixed bag when it comes to role models, language and sex. I have a ten year old and felt some of the language was a bit more than I expected. *Spoiler* Also, one thing that caught me by surprise was the masturbation scene (off screen) as a sperm sample is requested as a part of the astronaut screening process. This required a whole discussion for one of my sons, which we had not expected. (In the end, a good thing, but would have been good to know it was coming.)
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scott2323
teen, 17 years old
 
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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Thew
adult
 
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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thepedens
parent
 
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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ON: Content is appropriate for kids this age.
PAUSE: Know your child, some content may not be right for some kids
OFF: Not age appropriate for kids this age
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