Dickens & Rumi
Cover of My Science Project

film

My Science Project

1985

His high school teacher issues an ultimatum: turn in a science project or flunk. So Mike Harlan scavenges a military base's junk pile for a suitable gizmo. He finds one... and unwittingly unleashes the awesome power and energy of the unknown. Twisted dimensions. Time warps. A fantastic realm where the past, present, and future collide in a whirling vortex of startling adventure and superlative special effects.

Ages 12+Source checked

Why this age? The film features classic 80s teen sci-fi elements, including moderate fantasy violence, intensity, and some mild adult language, appropriate for pre-teens and older viewers. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age12+

Strongest cautions

  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5
  • Romance2/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience3/5
  • Creativity & curiosity3/5
  • Good role models2/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Cars and a muscle-car interest are prominent story details, but the film is not primarily a product-promotion vehicle.

Death of a character1/5
Why this rating?

Characters are shown as soldiers fallen in battle; deaths are not the primary focus of the narrative.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

Minimal gore; focuses more on sci-fi action and chaos rather than realistic injury.

Strong language2/5
Why this rating?

Mild profanity, insults, and teen banter may occur with some frequency, but strong language or slurs are not indicated.

Religious themes1/5
Why this rating?

Religion is not a focus of the story.

Romance2/5
Why this rating?

Subtle romantic tension between the leads, fitting the standard teen movie dynamic of the 80s.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

A world-threatening energy wave, time vortex, crazed character, dinosaur, mutants, chase scenes, and people in danger may frighten younger viewers.

Sexual content & nudity1/5
Why this rating?

Minor teen-romance innuendo may occur, but no explicit sexual activity or nudity is indicated.

Alcohol or drugs1/5
Why this rating?

Minor substance-related references may reflect the film’s 1980s teen and hippie context; use is not a prominent focus.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Characters use weapons and explosives, battle a dinosaur and mutants, flee police, and destroy a power tower; violence is fantastical and adventure-focused.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience3/5
Why this rating?

The teens confront dangerous technology, police pursuit, a dinosaur, mutants, and a collapsing time-space situation to rescue others.

Creativity & curiosity3/5
Why this rating?

The film strongly encourages imaginative thinking through inventive science-fiction premises, time travel, alternate eras, and problem-solving under pressure.

Diverse representation1/5
Why this rating?

A typical 1980s ensemble cast; lacks significant diversity by modern standards.

Educational value1/5
Why this rating?

Science, technology, time, dimensions, and experimentation drive the plot, though the explanations are mainly comic fantasy rather than instruction.

Kindness & empathy2/5
Why this rating?

Friendship and cooperation are central to saving the day.

Positive messages2/5
Why this rating?

The story supports responsibility, cooperation, scientific curiosity, and recognizing that technology can be dangerous without care.

Good role models2/5
Why this rating?

Michael begins irresponsibly and breaks rules, but ultimately works with friends to protect others and accepts changed priorities.

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 My Science Project would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in My Science Project, 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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