Common Sense Media Review
1980s teen dramedy about space shuttle has language, peril.
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Why Age 10+?
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SpaceCamp
What's the Story?
In SPACECAMP, a motley crew of campers led by ambitious astronaut Andie (Kate Capshaw) must overcome their inexperience when they're mistakenly launched into space without adequate training or supplies. Relying on ingenuity, courage, teamwork, and a helping hand from the ground-based Mission Control, the crew includes studious Kathryn (Lea Thompson), flighty Tish (Kelly Preston), nonchalant Kevin (Tate Donovan), enthusiastic Rudy (Larry B. Scott), and wide-eyed youngster Max (Joaquin Phoenix).
Is It Any Good?
Of this enjoyable but forgettable movie's problems, the worst is actually the timing of its release. SpaceCamp originally came out six months after the Challenger mission ended in disaster, and nothing about the threat of an inadvertent shuttle launch seemed funny or entertaining in that context. The fact that the mistaken launch follows a series of highly implausible actions by a robot who sounds like a cross between E.T. and R2-D2 is just another reason the film never quite takes off. The movie is a 1980s set piece, with references to nuclear annihilation and Star Wars and a character who dresses like Madonna in her "Lucky Star" years.
One of the places where the movie gets it right is in its respect and awe of the U.S. space program. The NASA training facility and Mission Control, as well as details of the shuttle's flight, may captivate young astronauts in training and inspire others to learn more.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the level of danger and peril in SpaceCamp. Do you think the film is realistic? Are any moments particularly scary? How does the movie compare to other space disaster movies you've seen? Do the comedy elements make it any less scary to watch?
How do the characters show courage, teamwork, and communication? How do these traits help them to get through their challenge? Why are these important character strengths in real life, too?
How does each group member bring their own skills and strengths to the table and help save the day? Why is it important to remember that everyone has their own strong points, rather than judging others? What are some of your strengths? How do your strengths combine with friends' or family's to build a strong team?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 6, 1986
- On DVD or streaming : March 2, 2004
- Cast : Kelly Preston , Joaquin Phoenix , Tate Donovan , Lea Thompson
- Director : Harry Winer
- Studio : Twentieth Century Fox
- Genre : Action/Adventure
- Topics : Adventures , Space
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Teamwork
- Run time : 107 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : mild profanity, alcohol, drugs, smoking, frightening and intense scenes
- Last updated : July 21, 2026
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