Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Up, Up, and Away

film

Up, Up, and Away

2000

A boy is the only member of his family without superpowers, yet the world depends on him saving his family from computerized brainwashers. Will he realize that it doesn't take superpowers to be a hero in time to help them defeat the villains?

Ages 7+Source checked

Why this age? Family-friendly superhero action includes peril, attempted brainwashing, kidnapping, a near-fatal rescue situation, and crime themes. The tone is comedic and consequences are mild, but younger children may find the danger intense. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age7+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes2/5
  • Violence2/5
  • Products & advertising1/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Good role models4/5
  • Positive messages4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Incidental branding common to the era's television, but no aggressive product placement.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Language is generally clean, with only occasional mild name-calling or teasing.

Romance1/5
Why this rating?

Romance is limited to mild adolescent crushes and is not central to the superhero story.

Frightening scenes2/5
Why this rating?

Some brief tension regarding mind control and the potential capture of the protagonists, but nothing intended to be truly frightening.

Violence2/5
Why this rating?

Features mild superhero action, scuffles, and comic-book style confrontations, all kept within a family-friendly tone.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Scott faces fear and danger without powers, choosing to rescue Nina and his family despite substantial personal risk.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The superhero premise, imaginative powers, inventive technology, and problem-solving encourage playful fantasy and creative thinking.

Diverse representation2/5
Why this rating?

The film centers a Black superhero family and includes varied supporting characters, though diversity is not a major theme.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Focuses on social lessons and critical thinking rather than formal educational content.

Kindness & empathy3/5
Why this rating?

Themes of supporting family and friends are central to the plot.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong emphasis on self-acceptance, valuing family, and the idea that being a hero comes from character rather than external powers.

Good role models4/5
Why this rating?

Scott is a positive role model who values family loyalty, honesty, and persistence despite feeling out of place.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. Which moment felt most tense or frightening? What helped the characters handle fear?
  3. Which choice in Up, Up, and Away would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Up, Up, and Away, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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