Common Sense Media Review
Exciting '80s astronaut movie has cursing, sex.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 12+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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The Right Stuff
What's the Story?
As the Cold War begins, America strives to achieve super-sonic flight at the start of THE RIGHT STUFF. 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 what it takes band together and form a heroic team.
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, a former Marine whose charm and moral stature never waver. The Right Stuff is an epic love letter to America's aviator heroes, but its reverent tone is interjected with plenty of humor.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the competitiveness of the astronaut program shown in The Right Stuff and how the families coped. How would you deal with such dangerous work?
This was originally a long nonfiction book. What would be the challenges in taking a story as large as this one and making it fit the tine constraints of movies?
Families can also discuss how the media portrays space exploration in general. Is it always exciting?
How do the characters in The Right Stuff demonstrate curiosity and communication? What about courage and teamwork? Why are these important character strengths?
Movie Details
- In theaters : October 21, 1983
- On DVD or streaming : April 27, 1999
- Cast : Dennis Quaid , Ed Harris , Sam Shepard
- Director : Philip Kaufman
- Studio : Warner Bros.
- Genre : Drama
- Topics : History
- Character Strengths : Communication , Courage , Curiosity , Teamwork
- Run time : 200 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : October 1, 2025
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