The Astronaut Farmer DVD Review

A wannabe astronaut has to abandon his NASA training to take over his father's ranch, but his dreams of visiting space never die. We're taking a look at The Astronaut Farmer - a movie about big skies, big rockets and big dreams.

The Astronaut Farmer - Such a Timeless Flight

Charles Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) is an organic cattle rancher in rural Texas who just happens to be building a rocket in his barn. You see, Farmer (as he's known to just about everyone) used to be a military pilot and then a NASA trainee, but never made it into space because he had to leave the space program to take over the family ranch when his dad died. Now Farmer is planning to make his dream come true on his own.

The Astronaut Farmer - Mars Ain't the Kind of Place to Raise Your Kids

Farmer's family supports his dream but the rest of the town thinks he's crazy. When Farmer tries to buy a few tons of jet fuel, the government decides to step in. The FBI, the CIA - heck, probably even the 4-H Club - all want to stand in Farmer's way. And to make matters worse, the bank is threatening to foreclose on the farm. When the world's media also lands on Farmer's doorstep, the pressure becomes too much for the family to bear.

The Astronaut Farmer - Rocket Man

Farmer is faced with some pretty difficult decisions. Should he abandon his dreams to save the farm and his family's home or should he risk life and limb (and imprisonment) by taking his chances with space? And will his family be able to support whatever decision he makes? There are some unexpected twists and turns in The Astronaut Farmer, so you'll have to watch to find out.

The Astronaut Farmer - DVD Features

Fans of astronomy and aeronautics will want to get their hands on a copy of The Astronaut Farmer on DVD. Features on this disc include a featurette about how to build a rocket and you'll also get to check out an interview with a NASA astronaut!

The Astronaut Farmer - Bottom Line

You're going to have to be able to suspend your disbelief somewhat to see the magic in this cow-field of dreams flick. However, if you're a little sentimental or a bit of a dreamer, this movie is a sweet, inviting and likable story that the whole family will like. The performances (especially by real-life sisters Jasper and Logan Polish, who played Farmer's daughters) are warm and believable and the rolling Texas landscape is beautiful. All in all, this film makes for an inspiring reminder that if you don't have your dreams, you don't have very much.

The Astronaut Farmer Rating:

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