jfranks-2 Gads, this was the worst movie I've seen in a long time. Farmer is not an endearing person, just a self centered nut. Technically the movie is simply stupid. Somehow on the first launch the rocket gets loaded with 5 tons of kerosene?, liquid oxygen would also be needed and that's never even mentioned. Then the rocket goes horizontal, flying about 5 feet above the ground, capsule detaches and there is no major damage, Farmer escapes with just a broken wrist.And his wife puts up with and finances this idiotic waste of time and money as the farm is about to be foreclosed upon.Stupid, stupid stupid!

urbanesatan The most unrealistic piece of garbage I've ever seen. Why did I waste 2 hours watching this god awful sandwich of poop. The movie started off pretty well but the plot suddenly turned into a classic C grade movie. I don't even know if I can write 5 lines of text for this dumb movie. Even fourth graders would laugh at this whimsical fantasy of nonsense. Narnia was more believable.

Scarecrow-88 "If we don't have dreams, then we have nothing." Seriously, what a nice little surprise! Took a chance on this and glad I did! Billy Bob and a gem cast make this hard-to-believe film work. BB stars as Charles Farmer, an aerospace genius who was discharged from the Air Force before getting his chance to be an astronaut, having built a rocket in his barn (!) with plans to launch it once he can get the necessary fuel. From junk parts of a "rocket graveyard" (planes and metal scraps), Barber built his rocket in the barn and when the FBI come calling to see if he is building a terrorist warhead, he enlists the aid of Kevin Munchak (Tim Blake Nelson) who brings CNN and a new media deluge out of the woodwork, providing much attention to his mission. Obviously many tell him he's incapable of doing the launch or just plain nuts for even thinking of attempting it, but Charles Farmer is undeterred. His main problem, besides FBI agent Kilbourne (Jon Gries, in one of his best parts in years) always tailing him and keeping a watchful eye on him, is increasing debt with mortgage problems and the government not wanting him to do something they don't sanction.First, this cast. Virginia Madsen, who is capable of still being sexy yet such a great actress she can sink into such a rural waitress mom-of-three part less glamorous. The great Bruce Dern as Madsen's dad, aging and supportive of his son-in-law but concerned that the build of the rocket shop will do more harm than good. JK Simmons as a government bureaucrat who warns Farmer he'll never launch his ship into space and could very well be blown out of the sky before leaving orbit (!) if he decides to do so. Bruce Willis as a relative and former astronaut who isn't persuaded that Farmer will accomplish what he plans to do. Max Thierot as the son who totally believes in his father and will be "mission control" when the launch happens."I don't know. I think they're pretty good at assassinating people that have dreams." Despite all the odds Farmer might just achieve his American dream. The film's Midwest (and sometimes harsh, considering the foreclosure development against Farmer as the bank wants payment long overdue) and quirky rural setting with its unique brand of locals (played by some really fun faces) is directed lovingly (and often breathtakingly) by the Polish Brothers (Twin Falls Idaho; Northfork). After an attempted launch goes horribly wrong, resulting in his rocket nearly killing the camped-out media and himself when the capsule crashes off a cliff into rough terrain, the publicity for the astronaut farmer dissipates and the government (FAA), behind Simmons' haughty and prideful press conference towards "amateurs seeking to do what the pros are only capable of", believes Farmer is done with his fantasy. This film, whether you might consider it hopelessly romantic or anything but realistic, has such a message towards achieving your dreams, I couldn't help but find it irresistible and just old-fashioned wish fulfillment whimsy which hit all the right buttons with me. Yep, I was hooked, line and sinker. The rocket in the barn and the mission control center are beauties of junkyard assembly. Anchored by a sincere BB Thornton, with able support from Madsen as the wife who goes through a roller coaster of emotions along with her husband, and the little family that adores their pop and believes wholeheartedly in his dream, this film gives us the satisfying finale we might not consider realistic but nonetheless exciting. You even get some suspense when BB is up in space thanks to a disconnected plug (!) that cuts off communication. Of course the FAA disavows the launch as if it didn't happen. The "despite the odds" American dream concept is a winning formula and this film plays that up to perfection.

ScottNichols 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!