martalolsen
Nice setting of family support, devoting family father with a dream, and involving his family achieving his dream.Setting is realistic (or maybe to simple): 60's space equipment bought of ebay, "keep it simple stupid" kind of build. Considering Virgin and SpaceX achievements: I hope this move were made before their success... As its a bit contradictive on private initatives.If your looking for a nice family movie, showing devotion within a "relative" realistic but extreme settting: yes, its nice.If you prefer intellectual technological challenges, eg. everything from Apollo13 to AI issues and so on... no, its not for you.
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!
shinsrevenge
The movie has something captivating from the first moment. You see a man, who believes in his dream and never doubts, that it will come true. Unless some failure along the line, of course. The teacher called him "inspiring". He is inspiring and also the movie is, too. You soon get caught by the atmosphere and start to share his hopes and dreams. That's what makes a good movie.The only bad thing I can say about the story is that it would probably never actually be so easy in real live. The government and the NASA would have found thousands of sure ways to prevent someone from endangering their interests. Therefore, the plot is not always believable. But it doesn't need to.
atanas_n1-1
i was unsure whether to watch this or not, for its description sounded cheap and uninspired to mei'm glad i didthe story about an farmer (with an astronaut training) who dreams about launching his own rocket and visiting space surely sounds strange but this story is told so beautifully and unpretentious ... i just had to love itand this is just the story on the surfacein fact this movie is about dreams and about the courage to live them, about love and family, about people staying true to one selves ...very well acted and very well written it works with realistic characters in realistic (yes, they are, even if the plot sounds strange) situations and moved me deeplysee it if you can
AD
