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Title: The Astronaut Farmer (2006)
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| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Billy Bob Thornton | ... | Charles Farmer | |
| Virginia Madsen | ... | Audrey 'Audie' Farmer | |
| Max Thieriot | ... | Shepard Farmer | |
| Jasper Polish | ... | Stanley Farmer | |
| Logan Polish | ... | Sunshine Farmer | |
| Bruce Dern | ... | Hal | |
| Mark Polish | ... | FBI Agent Mathis | |
| Jon Gries | ... | FBI Agent Killbourne | |
| Tim Blake Nelson | ... | Kevin Munchak | |
| Sal Lopez | ... | Pepe Garcia | |
| J.K. Simmons | ... | Jacobson | |
| Kiersten Warren | ... | Phyllis | |
| Rick Overton | ... | Arnold 'Arnie' Millard | |
| Richard Edson | ... | Chopper Miller | |
| Elise Eberle | ... | Madison Roberts | |
Texan Charles Farmer left the Air Force as a young man to save the family ranch when his dad died. Like most American ranchers, he owes his bank. Unlike most, he's an astrophysicist with a rocket in his barn - one he's built and wants to take into space. It's his dream. The FBI puts him under surveillance when he tries to buy rocket fuel; the FAA stalls him when he files a flight plan - it's post-9/11, after all. His wife is angry when she finds out their bank is initiating foreclosure. Charlie fears failure and decides, precipitously, to launch. Are twenty-first century American dreams just a sign of insanity? Are those who believe in dreamers only fools? Written by <jhailey@hotmail.com>
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I saw this wonderfully charming family movie tonight at a free preview in Washington, DC.
The Polish brothers and the Warner Brothers, taking a cue from Walden Media, have hit the family movie sweet spot with this fun, engaging film. I'm giving it an 8 on the basis of pure solid family entertainment value.
(If this movie were a car it would probably be a Toyota Camry)
At the start of the screening, Billy Bob Thorton proudly (and accurately, IMHO) characterized this film as a feel-good Frank Capraesque popcorn flick - the sort of film that would have been on the "A" side of a double bill back in the days of his youth.
Billy Bob and Virginia Madsen do terrific jobs with their characters. I think the timelessly beautiful Ms. Madsen is particularly effective as Farmer's patient, loving, and somewhat exasperated wife.
(and if I were Stephen Colbert interviewing Billy Bob Thorton, I would probably ask this question - "Virginia Madsen: hot co-star, or *the hottest* co-star?").
The story and the arc of the film bring strong elements of "Field of Dreams" and "October Sky" to mind; but absent the mysticism of the former and the somewhat dysfunctional family dynamics of the latter. As a large, tasty helping of pure western Americana I don't doubt for a minute that this film will be a huge hit in Japan.
This movie pays light homage to films like "The Right Stuff" and "Apollo 13." Space fanatics, rocket scientists, and other members of the pocket-protector crowd might experience a few "oh please, you've got to be kidding" moments, but because of its charm, likable characters, and strong acting, this movie requires a lot less disbelief suspension than a film like, oh I don't know, let's say "Armageddon," for example.
Speaking of baby-boomer asteroid wranglers, I was also pleasantly surprised to see Bruce Willis in a small, but key supporting role. I think it's really great when skilled, immensely watchable actors lend their talents to bright young film makers. At the Q&A after the film it was revealed that Bruce took the role as a favor to the Polish brothers and that he essentially worked for free. It was nice of him to do that.
All of the other members of the well-casted supporting ensemble (including some young members of the Polish tribe) delivered solid performances as well.
I won't give you a synopsis of the film here (others are better than me at that sort of thing); but I will tell you that I plan to take my wife and 4, 7, and 12 year old kids to see this film for the pure joy of watching a fun, happy, and slightly quirky movie together as a family.