The Astronaut Farmer (2007)

Seen it several times now and sure it is a formula film. Seen it all before, but it is done very charmingly. For the family you know. For the kids, who want to dream of becoming an astronaut, or just for kids who just wanna dream they can become anything they want. Because as Billy Bob Thornton' s character said to a kid: "you can better know what you wanna become when you are young, otherwise somebody else might choose for you".Adults can also enjoy this feel good flick, about some crazy american farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) who is building his own real space rocket in his barn. Nobody takes the guy seriously, and really that begin part is the fun part of the film, because it could haven been based in reality. Personally I like to see some credibility in stories, even if they are bizarre. Kids wont mind that this crazy american farmer actually succeeds in launching his rocket from his barn, adults would scratch their heads ofcourse. But this underdog story is told with so much charm and wit that I took for granted all the obvious credibility flaws in the story.It is a great family picture. Full of warmth and family bonds. Watch it together. EVeryone will be pleased. And the kids maybe wanna become an astronaut after watching it.Nice supporting roles by Bruce Willis and Bruce Dern.

I started watching this flick with 0 expectations or knowledge what was to come. It mesmerized me from the beginning: A merciless psychological drama/tragedy about a disturbed, narcissistic, flunked astronaut candidate who is determined to build his own rocket whatever the cost. He is quite happy to ruin his family's fortune and future while fulfilling The Dream. And his folks are going on with his delusions and supporting him despite the ultimate ruin he is leading them. The Astronaut becomes the ultimate manipulative psychopath who gives POO about nothing and no one except his dream. I found this to be very refreshing and viciously entertaining. Then comes the middle movie climax: Astronaut decides to take off without the help of his "ground control"-family and promptly wrecks his silly spacecraft. At that time I'm in seventh movie-heaven: They are killing the main character unexpectedly In the middle of the movie! Almost original and very effective! But then the obnoxious farmer crawls out of the wreckage and keeps on going with his shenanigans. What the heck? I was unknowingly watching a family-feel-good movie? And a truly horrible one to say the least! I give the 1 extra star because they managed to fool me.

I loved this movie. I just watched it, and I'd like to share some of the messages I got from it: First, follow your dream(s). You may or may not reach your star, but the lesson from this film is that it's not the destination that's critically important—it's the journey that counts. Don't let anyone burst your bubble, either. Go for it, cherish the ride, and share that ride with those who are important in your life. When you experience bumps in the road—periods of discouragement—they will provide the fuel you need to continue.Second, while it may be true that money rules the world, it's family that really matters. The Farmer family was a true inspiration to me. There were a lot of smiles and laughter at the Farmer table during meal times. Charles and Audie demonstrated their love for their three children through so many words and actions. And the kids reciprocated that love. I was moved by the love that bound this family together.Third, make a plan and follow it, making adjustments as needed along the way. Don't expect things to just happen (although sometimes they do).Finally, sometimes the feds just get in the way, demonstrating that they're not there to support us, but rather to serve themselves and their own agenda.Billy Bob Thornton was brilliant, but I expected that. Virginia Madsen gave a very moving performance as a loving wife and mother, and their children—the little ones, Jasper and Logan, were wonderful. It continues to amaze me that kids can act well on sets and on location, with all those lights, cameras, crew, and other actors. Bruce Dern…what can I say, he was perfect as the kids' grandfather, Hal. Last, but certainly not least, Max Thieriot. He was amazing as Farmer's teenage son, Shepard (Shep). He is as convincing here as a member of a relatively functional family as he was as a member of a highly dysfunctional family in The Family Tree. I won't give away the ending, but I will state that during the last 10 minutes I was on my feet, applauding at times.As others have posted on this board, this is certainly a family movie with many important life lessons for children—well, for everyone, really. I was certainly inspired!

Texan farmer Charles Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) is obsessed with his rocket dreams. He risks everything including his farm. The bank is at the door step, and now the government is there too as he tries to buy rocket fuel.Mark and Michael Polish twins have created some nice Americana cheese. It has the little guy hero and he's confronted by overwhelming opposition. He and his wife Audrey (Virginia Madsen) lead a nuclear Rockwellian family. The most interesting thing is how much she supports him. When she finds out the bank trouble, it provided the most drama in the whole movie.The biggest problem is the lack of suspense or any surprises. The characters are all cookie cutter creations. They even got Bruce Willis offering Farmer a ride on the shuttle. Armageddon anyone? The story unfolds with barely a twist in sight.