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Astronaut Farmer 
Reviews DVD Reviews
Written by DVD David   
Thursday, 26 July 2007


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Grade

Content Grade: B
Sound Grade: A
Extras Grade: B-
Picture Grade: B+

Specs

Warner Brothers Home Video/theastronautfarmermovie.com Widescreen/Standard Screen Dolby digital 5.1 Subtitles in English, French, Spanish 104 minutes, color, 2006
Studio/Label: Warner Home Video
Studio/Label Website: http://warnervideo.com

Review

"The Astronaut Farmer" is a family fable, set in modern day America (Texas). It is not meant to be a realistic science fiction drama. Many critics didn't like the "believability" of this story about a man and his dream; I thought the film was inspiring and a fantastic family film. Billy Bob Thornton and Virginia Madsen star in this modern day fable. Costars include Tim Blake Nelson and Bruce Dern as Grandpa. Dern is no stranger to science based fables as he starred in the great "Silent Running".

The film was written and directed by the Mark and Michael Polish, whose other films ("Twin Falls, Idaho" and "Northfork") were also a bit offbeat in story and theme. They manage to get in some good one-liners in this film. Example-Charlie to government panel-"If I was building a weapon of mass destruction, you wouldn't be able to find it." Another-Madsen to Farmer before launch-" I expect you home for dinner".

Billy Bob as Charlie Farmer and Virginia Madsen as his wife have a dream for Charlie to go into space. Madsen helps support the family by being a waitress by day. Their dream is a private dream; no one in the town of Story, Texas knows of Charlie's plans until he orders a huge amount of rocket fuel. Charlie is knee deep in debt and this order brings the attention of Charlie's plans to the FAA, the US government, and the press. Then the entire town gets behind Charlie's dream.

What is so significant about this film is the unflinching support of Charlie's family through all the difficulties he encounters and their devotion to his dream. They believe in him and want him to succeed.

Weaknesses in the plot involve some character changes in Farmer later on in the film but soon the film is back on track. This is a great family film to enjoy as a family.


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Picture and Sound

I found that parts of the film were a bit grainy and not as sharp as could have been in some scenes. Effects are first rate and believable. Dolby digital sound is excellent and powerful (especially during the rocket launches) and has good dynamic range. Dialog is clearly understood and effects use the surround sound to its best advantage.

Extras

The one disc has both standard and widescreen formats. The extras included are pretty standard fair; a making of documentary entitled" How To Build A Rocket: The Making of The Astronaut Farmer" and also an interview with NASA astronaut David Scott. The extras section also includes some bloopers and outtakes.

Summary

"The Astronaut Farmer" is a wonderful film about dreamers and not giving up. Performances by the cast is excellent all around and the film has a nice, homey touch. If you are looking for a believable science fiction film, you'll be disappointed but if you are looking for good, wholesome entertainment, with just the right amount of humor and drama, this film is great. Amazon critics gave this 3 stars; don't believe it. This film is a delight.

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