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This movie has its moments, but is rather silly by premise. The main character is Charles Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton), who was a washed-up astronaut. He didn't make it through the program because of family illness, and never got his chance to fly, so he is determined to build his own rocket and space capsule, and blast off into space. He has his own space suit, and builds a rocket out of salvaged parts from the space industry. He has trained his son to be his Mission Control. All of this has taken a toll on his family and he is about to lose his family farm because of his many debts for all of this stuff. His wife, Virginia Madsen is supportive but things are really out of hand now. Still, he has managed to build his rocket in his Barn and is ready to launch. Of course, everybody thinks that he is crazy for doing all this. Everything is pretty quiet until he tries to buy 10,000 lbs. of Rocket Fuel. Then the FBI and NASA show up and suddenly he is barred from attempting a launch. His old friend, Bruce Willis, from back when he was with NASA comes to talk with him. He sees the rocket and is impressed. He is now an administrator with NASA and is one of the men prohibiting any attempt to fly. But, he gets another type of fuel, one not a stable as Rocket Fuel, and tries to launch. Everything goes wrong and he is almost killed. His family is glad he is alive and he decides to give up his dream. Nobody believes in his ideas anyway. When his wife's father dies and leaves a sum of money to pay off the farm, and leave money for the children's education, his wife sees how important his dreams were, and is convinced that he must try again. He rebuilds his rocket once again and this time launches successfully and becomes the first to do so. This is a funny movie about following one's dreams, but the ability to do what he supposedly does is so far fetched that it is unbelievable. It was still an enjoyable movie, and one that the entire family could watch.Read full review
What struck me most about this movie is how insulting it is to so many dedicated professionals from the history of our space program. This movie is not a parody, but rather a drama that has the audacity to suggest that one man (in a matter of a few years) can single-handedly plan, design, build and fly a machine that, in real life, took thousands of talented and dedicated engineers, scientists, astronauts and countless other professionals millions of people-hours to do a few decades ago. And, BTW, all for about $600,000 - not the billions it cost NASA. Not only was the story ridiculously far-fetched and belittling to our heroes of the past, but there were countless technical errors that engineers and scientists are probably still shaking their heads over days after seeing this joke of a film. If you haven't yet seen this film, I would advise you not to waste your time or money. On the other hand, as dramas come (and go) this wasn't terribly bad. Although terribly far-fetched as movies go, Billy Bob Thornton does a remarkable job of holding together what little integrity this film has. If however, you are looking for something in the same league as The Right Stuff or Apollo 13 then look elsewhere.Read full review
Little known rancher who stands tall, and sets his sights on the stars! Strong character performances and a inspirational story, The film was very convincing in special effects and realistic situations, I'm a lead explosives engineer for one of the largest quarry mining servicing corporations in the US, and I found the storyline to flow seamlessly. My family loved this film! It was inspirational and kept us involved for every moment of the film. I hope they produce a sequel! 5-Stars!!!
This was a good movie about a dream that one man had and tried to make come true. It is a movie that all the family can watch together. Once again Billy Bob Thorton, plays a great role. The whole cast was great and made the movie. If you like a movie where a family pulls and sticks together, you will love this one.
Forget the so-called blathering "critics" of this film. It's a charmer. I saw the original on AMC Movie channel 10-15 years ago. Never forgot it, enchanting. Then I woke up one morning out of a dream of this adventure. Searched for the best deal. Bought it on ebay. Played it. And after many years have passed, I got the very same thrill out of it that was forever lodged in my mind eons ago. Why this didn't get any awards in its day, is BEYOND ME. This is a Keeper....to be enjoyed at least once or twice a year for the rest of one's life.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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