Common Sense Media Review
By Sabrina McFarland
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Ex-NFL player scores as first Black balloonist master pilot.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Balloon Man
What's the Story?
In 1970, Bill Costen became an NFL draft pick for the Buffalo Bills. During his first game as a rookie lineman, Costen scored a touchdown. But by the end of the season, Costen was cut from the team and told by management that "it was just one of those things." Costen soon launched a career as a balloonist and businessman. He took to the sky and made a historic landing as the first African American hot air balloon master pilot. Notes Costen about his newfound journey among the clouds, "I was always confident that I could do anything."
Is It Any Good?
Debut documentary filmmaker Chantal Potter offers a loving and engaging tribute to her dad Bill Costen. "From the year I was born, I was flying," says Potter, who traveled with the Costen balloon crew as a child. "I remember looking through a tiny peephole of a large wicker basket with the entire world beneath my feet." She reveals the roots of the Costen family in Omaha, Nebraska with a skillful blend of insightful interviews, flashback footage, and photos from the past. Costen fondly recalls moments of his life as a young boy and time spent at his grandmother's house and church. He also remembers going to an all-Black grade school where African American history wasn't taught. The memory created a new endeavor for Costen and a way of giving back to others. The balloonist tours with an exhibit of his African American memorabilia. Costen says that "it's amazing how many Black kids have no idea of their heritage." Because of films such as Balloon Man, kids may become more aware of their heritage.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the courage of Bill Costen in Balloon Man. How does he also demonstrate compassion, perseverance, and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
What makes Costen a career role model? How do the challenges of being a hot air balloon master pilot differ from that of professional football player?
What may have been Costen's reasons to play for a farm team instead of another NFL franchise? What is a farm team, and what's the history of the term?
What can be the significance of searching family ancestry? What methods can be used to explore heritage history?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming : February 2, 2021
- Cast : Bill Costen
- Director : Chantal Potter
- Studio : Red Arrow Studios
- Genre : Documentary
- Topics : Friendship , History
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : September 29, 2025
Did we miss something on diversity?
Research shows a connection between kids' healthy self-esteem and positive portrayals in media. That's why we've added a new "Diverse Representations" section to our reviews that will be rolling out on an ongoing basis. You can help us help kids by
Suggest an Update
Common Sense Media's unbiased ratings are created by expert reviewers and aren't influenced by the product's creators or by any of our funders, affiliates, or partners.
See how we rate