The Right Stuff

The story of the pioneers of supersonic aviation and the first group of American astronauts of the Mercury program told on a really great scale. The 3 hour movie takes its time to introduce its multiple characters, which turns out to be one of its major assets as it progresses. Especially the training scenes are extremely amusing, while the really exciting flight sequences are sometimes mixed with original footage and the effects still look pretty great almost 30 years later. The cast is outstanding with many now famous faces taking their first very convincing steps in their earliest... more

It does run a bit long (my fiancee was bored and wanted to go to sleep), but personally I found it quite engrossing. I highly recommend it to any history buff who has particular interest in the origins of the US space program. Great cast, great music! more

A comprehensive and historically accurate docu-drama about the cutting-edge of US aviation during the Cold War era. From breaking the sound barrier to the first space missions the story follows the lives of the test pilots and the Mercury Seven. Plenty of recognizable faces and some amazing scenes but at over three hours long it's in desperate need of some editing. So you may find the story a bit slow, unless like me you are fascinated by this era in history - it's Air & Space magazine in the form of a movie! more

John Glenn: I'm tired of being forthright, gracious and magnanimous. Gordon Cooper: Yeah. John Glenn: I'm tired of these stupid questions from the press. Gordon Cooper: mm-hmm John Glenn: I'm tired of smocks, I'm tired of engineers telling us what we can't do, I'm tired of everybody that says we are not pilots! Gordon Cooper: You tell 'em, John. John Glenn: I'm tired of monkeys. Alan Shepard: Yeah. John Glenn: And most of all, I am sick and tired of being second to those... those darn Russians! Gus Grissom: There ya go. John Glenn: Now I think it's about time we... Wally Schirra: - got... more

This is an all time classic movie about Americas space program. Ther has not been a movie in a while that has come along that shows the true spirit of what America went through during these times. I have always loved this movie and recommend it to everyone. Awesome! more

This may have been an amazing movie back in 1983, but the production has not stood the test of time as far as I'm concerned. This is a great story, with great material, but at a running time of just over 3 hours, I felt that it was about an hour too long. With the scope that this movie took on, I probably would have received this movie better if it would have been a mini-series. Still, I think this movie set a precedent, which is why I'm recommending it. Plus, always-reliable Ed Harris gives an expected solid performance, which is worth the price of renting alone. Be warned though, this... more