The Astronaut Farmer

2006 Directed by Michael Polish

Texan Charles Farmer left the Air Force as a young man to save the family ranch when his dad died. Like most American ranchers, he owes his bank. Unlike most, he's an astrophysicist with a rocket in his barn - one he's built and wants to take into space. It's his dream. The FBI puts him under surveillance when he tries to buy rocket fuel; the FAA stalls him when he files a flight plan

Billy Bob Thornton Virginia Madsen Jon Gries Max Thieriot Jasper Polish Logan Polish Bruce Dern Mark Polish Tim Blake Nelson

Polish Brothers Construction

science fiction drama indie adventure comedy

104 mins More details at IMDb / TMDb

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Review by Jryanmua ★★★ 1

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

This is my third Polish film. I think it was the weakest of the three.

I loved the concept. A farmer who builds a rocket to go into space because it's his dream. Such a simple idea perfectly represented by the poster. I instantly fell for the character and his purpose. To quote him:

"When I was a kid, they used to tell me that I could be anything I want to be. No matter what. And maybe I am insane, I don't know, but I still believe that. I believe it with all my heart. Somewhere along the line, we stop believing that we can do anything. And if we don't have our dreams, we have nothing."

During that…

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Review by Michael ★★★½

Ein Blockbuster ist “Astronaut Farmer” nun wirklich nicht. Doch immerhin ist der Film von Michael Polish (Jackpot, Northfolk) ein unterhaltsamer Film, der sich im oberen Wertungsmittelfeld bewegt. Die durchaus als originell zu bezeichnende Geschichte macht Spaß und wird in erster Linie von den beiden Hauptdarstellern Billy Bob Thornton (Bad Santa, U Turn) und Virginia Madsen (Firewall, Sideways) getragen. Thornton ist ein wirklich glaubwürdiger Träumer, dem man jede Filmminute wünscht, dass sein Traum vom All in Erfüllung geht. Und Madsen in der Rolle als unterstützende Ehefrau überzeugt keinen Deut weniger als Thornton.

Schön ist vor allem, dass die Geschichte trotz ihres eher realitätsfremden Ansatzes nicht lächerlich wirkt. Ganz im Gegenteil Charlie Farmer könnte man sich sogar gut als reale Figur vorstellen,…
Review by Charlie ★★½

You can do anything as long as the FAA doesn’t like it and everyone thinks you’re crazy! The heterosexual family unit trumps all! Barns can withstand rocket launches! Bruce Willis kills dreams!

This feel-good flick is perfect for ten-year-olds. I’m, unfortunately, a bit too old and jaded.
Review by Jryanmua ★★★ 1

This review reportedly contains spoilers. I can handle the truth.

This is my third Polish film. I think it was the weakest of the three.

I loved the concept. A farmer who builds a rocket to go into space because it's his dream. Such a simple idea perfectly represented by the poster. I instantly fell for the character and his purpose. To quote him:

"When I was a kid, they used to tell me that I could be anything I want to be. No matter what. And maybe I am insane, I don't know, but I still believe that. I believe it with all my heart. Somewhere along the line, we stop believing that we can do anything. And if we don't have our dreams, we have nothing."

During that…
Review by Gruff ★★★

Good bit of cheese. Perfect to watch on a transatlantic flight.
Review by bbbgtoby ★★★½

Another charming, interesting and unique low budget movie from The Polish Brothers who always seem like they're having a great time making films.
Review by T.J. Van Veen ★★★★

Impossible to watch without becoming invested in his success/failure.

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The Astronaut Farmer

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