The Right Stuff

After the launch of the Space Shuttle in the early 80s, we as a public became complacent about sending astronauts into space, just like we did in the 70s. It just became something that we do and that there is no real risk involved, but we learned twice with the shuttle flights that that isn't so. The risk and training that these men and women go through was pioneered in the 50s and 60s by some of the bravest men this nation could ever produce. This film shows the trials and tribulations that the early astronauts had to go through with the military, the scientists, the government and media of the day.
Sending the first men into orbit around the Earth is not an easy task and with some of the best, hot shot pilots from the military doesn't make it any easier, but they get it done. The mix of stock footage within the film helps with keeping the story grounded in reality, and as the story progresses you feel all the hardships and pain that the astronauts and their families go through. The sets that were constructed were done with meticulous detail and it shows with all of the props that are used throughout the film, you feel like you're in the time period that this is all taking place. The acting of the eight main characters is just superb, you truly begin that these men were the astronauts that were going up into space.
If it weren't for these men in the early stages of the space program we would not be where we are today, an international space station, the landings on the moon (and the planned return trips), and the talks of interplanetary travel to Mars. After watching this film I had the proud feeling of being an American, and seeing that with determination and perseverance we can do what ever we set our minds to do. This is a nice film for any one who is interested in the space program and how it was developed; it has a lot of good information that you can learn from.