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!

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!

Michael Polish's "The Astronaut Farmer" works well for most of its running time. A fantastical David vs Goliath tale, the film watches as actor Billy Bob Thornton plays a Texas rancher who constructs a rocket in his barn and, against all odds, launches himself into outer space.The film's final act is ruined by several ridiculous sequences and some poor CGI, but also this: the film's first 3 acts work well because we're unsure whether Thornton's character is deeply deluded. We also suspect that his family members have become an almost cult-like group, who blindly worship, obey and follow their little patriarch. These interesting avenues, however, are ultimately left unexplored."The Astronaut Farmer" is criticised for being "totally damn unbelievable", but the film knows this. Structured as a children's tale, the film's a piece of myth-making about boyhood dreams propelling grown men. Thornton counters the film's whimsy with some good, dead-pan humour.7/10 – See "The Right Stuff" and "The White Diamond". Worth one viewing.

This is a solid family movie about faith and hope and it was a box office dud. For all the complaining out there about the lack of family entertainment, exactly how could a movie like this do so poorly? I certainly hope this was a fluke. No nudity. No real profanity to speak of. This film features a close knit family, a supportive wife and grand father, two little daughters who love their daddy and also his life long dream to launch into orbit with his own privately built rocket constructed on his Texas ranch. By the way, this is basically a fantasy but the director evidently does not think so, as you will happily discover if you get a chance to see it. If you can relate to the concept of unshakable faith in yourself against all odds, and would be willing to let two of the most adorable little daughters this side of Jupiter steal your heart away for 104 minutes, then this movie was made for you. How so very odd it is to be inspired by the unbelievable. Or maybe not so odd after all?