The Right Stuff (8.7/10)

Released in 1983 and based on true events from the early days of the space program, The Right Stuff holds up remarkably well more than 40 years later. The acting is great across the board, and it was a treat seeing so many familiar faces early in their careers, including Dennis Quaid, Ed Harris, Scott Glenn, and Sam Shepard. What sets the film apart is its unique perspective. Rather than focusing only on the missions, it shows how the space race affected the astronauts' political and personal lives, while also capturing the prestige and achievement that came with earning the title of astronaut. It feels a bit dated in places, but it still works for today's audiences. If you enjoyed Apollo 13 or First Man, this is the film that paved the way for them. All around, a great film and an easy recommendation. "This adaptation of the non-fiction novel by Tom Wolfe chronicles the first 15 years of America's space program. By focusing on the lives of the Mercury astronauts, including John Glenn (Ed Harris) and Alan Shepard (Scott Glenn), the film recounts the dangers and frustrations experienced by those involved with NASA's earliest achievements. It also depicts their family lives and the personal crises they endured during an era of great political turmoil and technological innovation."