The Last Starfighter

Sometimes a movie maker just gets things right. This is one of those movies.

Practical effects, a fun story, and a supporting role by the Music Man!

I enjoyed this movie as a kid and I think it is a lot of fun. Realistic teen dating scenes are not a deal breaker for me, but my younger and sensitive children were TERRIFIED by the practical effects with faces. In one scene a robot has a melted-looking face on screen for a few seconds and I had 3 kids in tears and 2 kids sleeping in my room that night! My older kids enjoyed it with no problem.

Some scary scenes and violence. Too much teenage stuff.

This is actually a really fun sci-film filled with a lot of adventure, special effects, make-up effects and it's regarded as a first of it's kind in computer animation. It's a great story about being young and wanting to see what's beyond your surroundings. I think it's a good movie for 12 years and up, I would not show this one to my 9 year old. The movie, although fun and adventurous, has a few racy scenes that aren't suitable for younger kids. The little brother in the film is obsessed with Playboy magazine and there are other scenes where teenagers are making out in sleeping bags. There are also a few scenes throughout the film that may scare or disturb younger kids due to the special effect make up used. I mean, there's a scene where a good guy is getting his brain melted and he's screaming in pain - miiiiight give a kid nightmares.

No major worries with this film - Space action is comparatively light and violence is minimal. Some younger children may find the android slightly disturbing. The "making out" mentioned in the review is minor and quickly passes. A fun film!

We started to watch this movie with our kids. My husband remembered it as a great movie from his childhood. We were uncomfortable with the heavy teen making out in the beginning of the movie and the scene showing and then repeated references to a boy's Playboy magazine collection.

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.

80's Sci-Fi