Common Sense Media Review
By Andrea Beach
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Air traffic control drama has lots of tension, profanity.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Ground Control
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
In GROUND CONTROL, five years prior, a flight that air traffic controller Jack Harris (Kiefer Sutherland) was responsible for crashed. Many people died, and Jack was so traumatized that he quit air traffic control altogether. But this New Year's Eve, the busy Phoenix flight control center is short on staff, and a big storm moving across the country means the facility has to take on even more flights than usual. Jack's old boss asks him to come in and help out just for the night, and Jack reluctantly agrees. As he gets pulled back into the world of blips on the radar screen and voices over the radio, he has to fight to keep the horror of the past from blinding him to the present. When a pilot radios in that the plane is in trouble, will history repeat itself?
Is It Any Good?
The made-for-TV-movie production quality is surprisingly easy to overlook thanks to a strong supporting cast and plot that effectively builds and sustains the drama and suspense. Although Ground Control is fine for older kids who can handle occasional strong language and sustained dramatic tension, a lot of the movie is watching people sitting in front of screens. But viewers who don't need a lot of action will enjoy this look into the hidden and fascinating world of air-traffic control that keeps you on the edge of your seat. And don't be surprised if your heartstrings feel a little tug at the end.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what makes Jack a positive role model in Ground Control. What kinds of things can we do to be more like him?
Do you think the profanity used here is realistic? Does it show how people really talk? What's wrong with using swear words?
Did you know that flight control centers like the ones where Jack works existed? What surprised you about what they do and how they operate?
How do the characters in Ground Control demonstrate teamwork? Why is this an important character strength?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 21, 1998
- On DVD or streaming : December 31, 1999
- Cast : Kiefer Sutherland , Robert Sean Leonard , Kelly McGillis
- Director : Richard Howard
- Studios : Green Communications , Hard Work Productions
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : Friendship , Holidays
- Character Strengths : Teamwork
- Run time : 93 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : Brief strong language
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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