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Mood:
- Feel GoodOffbeatTouchingUplifting
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Plot:
- Follow Your DreamObsessive QuestHuman SpiritAmbitionHopesFighting the SystemCouple RelationsMind and Soul more...
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Genres:
- DramaIndependent
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Time/Period:
- Contemporary21st Century
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Place:
- TexasUSAFarm
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Attitudes:
- Semi SeriousRealistic
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The Astronaut Farmer, 2006
English, Spanish
USA
Profile of The Astronaut Farmer
The mood of The Astronaut Farmer is uplifting, offbeat, and feel good. The plot centers around following your dreams, an obsessive quest, and the human spirit. It is a drama and independent movie. In approach, The Astronaut Farmer is realistic. It takes place, at least partly, on a farm. The setting is Texas. The Astronaut Farmer happens in contemporary times.
Summary of The Astronaut Farmer
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.
Details
| Language: | English, Spanish |
| Country: | USA |
| Release date: | 15 October 2006 |
| Runtime: | 104 min |
Cast and Crew
as Col. Doug Masterson
as Charles Farmer
as Audrey 'Audie' Farmer
Photos
Clips
Critics Reviews
Los Angeles Times
- |
- by: Kevin Crust
The Hollywood Reporter
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- by: Sura Wood
Users Reviews
- 20.March.2009
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- by: sethdellinger
- sethdellinger rated this movie
0/10
- 20.March.2009
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- by: spiderpig
- spiderpig rated this movie4/10Disappointing
