SpaceCamp (Space Camp) (1986)

40% of critics liked it
(10 reviews)
46% of users liked it
(14,135 ratings)

This is an eerily prescient family adventure starring Kate Capshaw as Andie, a frustrated NASA astronaut who's never actually been into outer space. Her husband, flight controller Zach (Tom Skerritt), is sympathetic, but he can't influence her place in the rotation. Andie is assigned to train a… More This is an eerily prescient family adventure starring Kate Capshaw as Andie, a frustrated NASA astronaut who's never actually been into outer space. Her husband, flight controller Zach (Tom Skerritt), is sympathetic, but he can't influence her place in the rotation. Andie is assigned to train a group of intelligent high school students at the summer science camp called Space Camp, which is run by NASA and supervised by her husband. There she meets her campers: Kevin (Tate Donovan), a blasé, horny teenager; Tish (Kelly Preston), an airhead with a photographic memory; Kathryn (Lea Thompson), an arrogant pilot; obnoxious youngster Max (Joaquin Phoenix, then billed under the first name Leaf); and scientist-in-training Rudy (Larry B. Scott). While testing the solid booster rockets aboard a real shuttle, the team is blasted into space accidentally. Without enough air, the discordant team pulls together, each discovering hidden talents. The Challenger space shuttle disaster in January 1986 was bizarrely similar to the events depicted in Spacecamp, with far more horrific results. Its release date pushed back several months because of the tragedy, the film was still a painful reminder to the public of the national calamity, and it consequently grossed only about ten million dollars at the box office. ~ Karl Williams, Rovi

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Rating, Runtime: PG, 1 hr. 55 min.
Directed By: Harry Winer
Genres: Action & Adventure, Science Fiction & Fantasy

In Theaters: Jul 1, 1986 Wide
On DVD: Sep 25, 2001
Studio: Vestron Video

Critic Reviews

Nancy Davis Kho, Common Sense Media
Teen dramedy about space shuttle never lifts off.
James Sanford, Kalamazoo Gazette
Not exactly out of this world
Phil Villarreal, Arizona Daily Star
Never quite hits orbit, but packs enough galactic goodies to merit a rental.

Critic ratings and reviews powered by RottenTomatoes.com

Fresh (60% or more critics rated the movie positively)

Rotten (59% or fewer critics rated the movie positively)

Featured Audience Ratings

AJ V

A very charming and fun adventure about kids in space camp. It's a lot of fun and I highly recommend it.
Anthony L

Quite badly made, really dated and incredibly cheesy. A childhood favourite. I want a Jinx!
xGary X

A bunch of kids on a tour of a space centre are accidentally shot into space. Happens all the time apparently; you can't launch a rocket without having to plough through all the floating toddlers. The result is a teeny bop version of Apollo 13. But rather less pompous and boring.
Leigh R

So cute.
danny d

its been a while since ive seen this but i remember liking it
Michael G

I watched this a lot during my awkward period.
Dean M

Average family film of space camp students accidentally shoot into orbit in the space shuttle. But I like Lea Thompson that movie.
a b

The 80's was a magical time. Space camp is a magical movie. The combination is outstanding. One of Joaquin Phoenix's finest hours. And while Lea Thompson is also nice, the little robot steals the show. Hilarity ensues.
Jason R

Watching little Joaquin Phoenix in this was funny, but after the one millionth Star Wars reference it got a little annoying even for a hardcore Star Wars geek like myself. Great cast, and yes the plot is out there but it makes for a fun entertaining 80's movie.
Donna D

I loved this movie when I was younger. Just a fun adventure movie about Space Camp, when they accidently get shuttled into space. Just one of them "What if's" movies.
nathometer

I remeber watching it a kid, but thats about it.

Read all 11 featured audience ratings

Cast

            Kate Capshaw as Andie

            Lea Thompson as Kathryn

            Kelly Preston as Tish

            Larry B. Scott as Rudy

            Tom Skerritt as Zach

            Tate Donovan as Kevin

            Barry Primus as Brennan

            Terry O'Quinn as Launch Director

            Mitchell Anderson as Banning

            Scott Coffey as Gardener

            Rocky Krakoff as Boy on Rooftop

            Daryl Roach as NASA #1

            Frank Welker
            
            Susan Becton as Senior Counselor

            Ben D. Casey as Rudy's Father

            Kevin Gage as Counselor No. 2

            Kathy Hanson as Girl

            Ron Harris as Tom the Technician

            Scott Holcomb as Hideo Takamini

            Saundra McGuire as Rudy's Mother

            Peter Scranton as NASA #2

            Jon Steigman as Bully in Dorm

            Rebecca Hollye Suggs as Young Andie

            Adrian Wells as Rudy's Brother

            Terry White as NASA #3

            Leaf Phoenix as Max

            Bill Phillips as Kathryn's Father
See full cast

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