Self-fondling Americana
The Astronaut Farmer (2007)
Tomatometer
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Reviews Counted:132
Fresh:76
Rotten:56
Average Rating:6/10
Consensus: The Astronaut Farmer is a charming, inspirational drama that successfully avoids modern cinematic cliches while appealing to the optimistic dreamer in all of us.
Runtime: 1 hr 44 mins
Genre: Dramas
Synopsis: If twin filmmakers Mark and Michael Polish take cues from David Lynch, then THE ASTRONAUT FARMER is their version of THE STRAIGHT STORY. Though the brothers usually deal in the surreal (NORTHFORK)... If twin filmmakers Mark and Michael Polish take cues from David Lynch, then THE ASTRONAUT FARMER is their version of THE STRAIGHT STORY. Though the brothers usually deal in the surreal (NORTHFORK) and the strange (TWIN FALLS, IDAHO), this drama about a would-be astronaut is almost pedestrian by comparison. But thanks to strong performances and a quirky story, this film manages to be both interesting and inspirational. Billy Bob Thornton (BAD SANTA) plays Charles Farmer, a man who is unwilling to let his lack of NASA credentials keep him from space. Instead, he builds a rocket in his Texas barn and prepares to launch it. When his attempts to purchase large amounts of fuel draw the eye of the government, he must contend with the law, the press, and mounting bills. Though Farmer is a rebel of sorts, he is a departure from the gruff characters Thornton usually plays in films such as BAD SANTA and BAD NEWS BEARS. He is tender toward his family and idealistic, though he doesn't hesitate to throw a brick through a window. Virginia Madsen continues her ascent after SIDEWAYS with her role as Farmer's long-suffering wife. Her chemistry with both Thornton and the three young actors that play their children brings a believable family dynamic to the film. Character actors Tim Blake Nelson (O BROTHER, WHERE ART THOU?) and Jon Gries (NAPOLEON DYNAMITE) add charm and sincerity to their roles as Farmer's lawyer and an FBI agent, respectively. Mark Polish plays a small role as another agent, while twin brother Michael directs. Both Polish brothers wrote the heartwarming screenplay that features touches of wry humor, making for an enjoyable cinematic experience. [More]
Starring: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Virginia Madsen, Bruce Dern
Starring: Bruce Willis, Billy Bob Thornton, Virginia Madsen, Bruce Dern, Richard Edson, Tim Blake Nelson, Max Thierot, Jon Gries, Mark Polish, Sal Lopez, J.K. Simmons
Director: Michael Polish
Director: Michael Polish
Screenwriter: Michael Polish, Mark Polish
Producer: Paula Weinstein, Len Amato
Composer: Stuart Matthewman
Studio: Warner Independent
Reviews for The Astronaut Farmer
The Astronaut Farmer is one of those movies that you don't believe for a moment while you're watching it, but you leave with a warm glow. But by the time you've driven home, you realize you've been conned.
We should be routing for Farmer and delighted that his dreams are finally becoming a reality, but, instead, the implausibility of the whole thing, the sheer Disneyification of its premise, the Capra-corn nature of its "follow your dreams and never, ever q
It's hard not to like this goofy little film...engaging and uplifting for young and old.
While it is far too long, especially in the home stretch, The Astronaut Farmer is a heartwarming and fun story about the tenacity it takes to see a dream through.
The filmmakers reveal a keen eye for oddities in the American landscape be it a pair of conjoined twins trying to look normal, a huge ark sitting in the middle of a Montana town or a rocket nestled in a barn.
It earns emotion because Farmer's arguments with the F.A.A. and his own wife appeal to basic hopes of liberty - belief that dreaming doesn't have to end with adulthood.
Movies, even if they are ridiculous, are supposed to give us a desire to believe it could happen. This movie never comes close.
As sweet as new-mown hay, "The Astronaut Farmer" is a gentle movie about pursuing dreams regardless of the cost.
a quirky, feel-good flick that espouses the virtues of following your dreams, no matter how improbable.
Fueled by a decidedly American formula of can-do crazy, The Astronaut Farmer feels, for all its libertarianism, a little lost in space.
A wise, weird and wonderful indie film that is chock-full of quirky characters, intriguing situations and sly social satire.
...scientifically implausible, even laughable, but emotionally it's irresistible...
Pretty photography and excellent casting cannot redeem this contrived (for reasons other than the actual idea, which is a good one) story.
If 'feel good' is a film objective worthy of ridicule, then call this reviewer a space cadet.
[The film has] a plodding, pedestrian (at best) script, utterly uninvolving characters and easy potshots at the usual suspects.
Perhaps the greatest compliment I can pay the movie is to say that it actively made me want to throw logic right out the window and surrender completely to the fantasy. Which is exactly what I did. This is a little masterpiece.
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