SpaceCampYear of Release: 1986
Directed By: Harry Winer
Starring: Kate Capshaw, Lea Thompson, Kelly Preston, Larry B. Scott, Joaquin Phoenix, Tate Donovan, Tom Skerritt
Genre: Adventure, Science-Fiction, Disaster
Overview:Zero gravity meets zero fear in this cosmic comedy-adventure about a summer camp where regular kids check in...and real astronauts check out! Starring Kate Capshaw, Lea Thompson, Kelly Preston, Larry B. Scott, Leaf Phoenix and Tate Donovan,
SpaceCamp is a wild and wonderful thrill-ride packed with "special effects...spectacular moments" (
Film Journal) and a "gripping climax" (
Time Out Film Guide) that's out of this world!
For five typical teens, NASA's space camp promises to be a fun way to blow off the summer. But when a space shuttle exercise misfires, they find themselves launched into orbit, facing the adventure of a lifetime. Now, the only way back to Earth is to take command of the ship and control of their destinies, before time – and oxygen – runs out!
My Thoughts:I'd forgotten how enjoyable this film is. I have fond memories of it from childhood, and it's still an entertaining watch. I still get a warm fuzzy from "Jinx and Max best friends forever." Part of me cringes at the message being sent with the overachiever girl being wrong about a crucial thing and then freezing in decision making though. Try to imagine the roles of Kevin & Kathryn gender reversed and you see the problem. I did like the other girl, though, the one who appears to be a bubblehead but is really super-smart. That quibble aside, it's still a whole-hearted recommendation from me for a fun, kid-friendly movie.
Bechdel Test: Pass
Overall: 3/5