Man On a Mission: Richard Garriott's Road to the Stars (2010)

The title is most fitting "Man on a Mission" as it's the real life story of a man's (Richard Garriott) trip to space. Being a forefather of computer gaming afforded him the opportunity to invest in his life-long dream of going to space. This documentary takes you on a personalized tour of a civilian astronaut's journey, streaming previously unrecorded and unshared training and space footage. It's inside view makes space travel seem accessible. It is an inspiring story of international partnership and the future of space travel. It was my privilege to see this as part of SXSW where Richard also did a Q&A. I have a video of my 4 year old son on day the last space shuttle launched. Unprompted, my son said he was sad because he wouldn't be able to go to space. When I told Richard about this, it really connected with him and the realization of his own dream. He wrote on a poster, "You WILL be able to go to space!" Before seeing the movie, I was skeptical of the future of space travel. Richard is now a forefather of civilian space travel and this movie is a historical record of his efforts to make space travel available not just for himself, but also to a future generation of space travel dreamers.

For 50 years all the people that have left the bonds of earth to float in the microgravity of low earth orbit (and the handful that have broken even those bonds and ventured to the moon) have been civil servants. Only recently have private individuals - albeit with colossal amounts of cash - been able to join them. But the fact that they can at all is largely due to the determination of Richard Garriott. But for a few commercial difficulties he would have been the first private individual in space, as it happens he was the sixth. Man on a Mission is the documentary that follows him on the training and through the flight. If you are interested in space exploration and the life of the astronaut, then this is very mush a film not to be missed. Marred only by poor sound in some places (but hey, they couldn't take a full production crew up to the ISS!), it is well structured, inspiring and entertaining. I can't wait for his next mission.

This film brings together all the elements of a great story. Richard Garriott's personal passion for space travel is inspiring. And the guidance from his father and their collaboration together is any parent & child's dream. Then you add re-entry intrigue and insight into the Russian space program... It should have your attention now! It's fascinating look into space travel -- where we've been and where we may go in the future. The filmmakers did a fantastic job telling a fascinating story. I can only imagine what the DVD extras could include! It's a film that parents and kids can enjoy. Plus, it's got the smiliest astronaut ever, Mike Fincke. What an adventure!

I was captivated by this movie. There was great attention to detail and accuracy, yet the story never bogged down. A must see film for any age group.Richard Garriott's many fans in the gaming industry will enjoy the history given here of that career, which started when he was a teen in high school. There are also glimpses inside his unique home which holds memorabilia from his many interests, including his interest in space.While "Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission" by its very title tells you the main subject matter, the movie also give a fascinating look into the history of space travel. His father, Owen Garriott's, career as an astronaut is discussed, as well as the Russian history of space exploration, yet the facts were never dry or boring.Kudos to the director and editor for a fascinating movie, but most of all, thank you to Richard for sharing this incredible journey with us.