 | ON: Content is age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | PAUSE: Know your child; some content may not be right for some kids. |
 | OFF: Not age-appropriate for kids this age. |
 | NOT FOR KIDS: Not appropriate for kids any age. |
The Astronaut Farmer
- Review Date: July 9, 2007
- PG
- Genre: Drama
- 2007
Common Sense Media says
Billy Bob dreams of space in uneven fantasy drama.
Parents say
QUALITY
Kids say
QUALITY
What parents need to know
Parents need to know that this is an uplifting family-friendly fantasy populated by realistic characters and settings. Younger kids might need some context to understand emotional scenes involving a grandfather's death and a rocket crashing. A character throws a brick through a bank window in anger, and a wife throws a plate at her husband. Kids in the family have to deal with their father's reputation for being "crazy," and his wife has to contend with financial hardship in wake of her husband's obsession. One rocket launch results in an explosion and crash that leaves Charlie in the hospital (some blood). Mild language, including "ass" and "s--t."
What's the story?
A former astronaut who had to leave the space program to tend to family issues, Charlie Farmer (Billy Bob Thornton) still wants to be an astronaut in the worst way. By day, he works on his ranch (sometimes wearing his space suit); at night, he builds a rocket in the barn, with the goal of orbiting his capsule one time around the earth. The enormity of the project is daunting. Charlie leaves daily life details to his infinitely patient wife Audie (Virginia Madsen). Even when she discovers that Charlie has nearly bankrupted the family ("You're supposed to keep us safe"), Audie doesn't quite put a stop to the adventure. A visit from her own ailing father (Bruce Dern) makes her think hard about men's limits and aspirations, and how best to help them understand both.
Is it any good?
Part frontier myth, part family saga, and part redemption story, THE ASTRONAUT FARMER is about dreaming, sacrifice, and obsession. Charlie remains fixated despite money troubles, legal threats, and taunts. His quirky outlook recalls the Polish brothers' earlier films (Northfork, Twin Falls Idaho), but the one in this movie is more literal. It's also too dependent on Audie as a "device." Like many women in the movies, she bears and expresses the emotional costs of Charlie's masculine dreaming.
Explore, discuss, enjoy
Families can talk about whether this movie is a fantasy, a drama, or both. What makes something a fantasy? Families can also discuss how Charlie's two major responsibilities -- to follow his dream and support his family -- conflict with each other. Does he make a good choice? How does his desire to orbit his rocket both inspire and frighten his children? What obstacles does Charlie face? How does Audie support her husband?
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Parent of 13 year old
March 20, 2009
AGE
A Laugh-Out-Loud Movie...But Not In a Good Way
THE ASTRONAUT FARMER is not a good movie. At all. If you watch it, you probably won't enjoy it, due to its laughable story, soap-opera script, and bad acting.
Language is an issue in the movie. "S**t" and "a*s" are used some, and so is "d**n". A man recalls his father's suicide, and the main character is beat up pretty bad after a shuttle crash. He is also a bad role model for kids. He sacrifices his family's hopes and dreams on a whim to make himself feel good, and we're supposed to praise him for it. He acts irrationally to situations and vandalizes public buildings.
What other families should know:
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Teen, 15 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Good
A charming, quirky, and inspiring movie--I was surprised by how much I liked it!
As far as content goes, there is one somewhat intense crash scene, some peril and suspense. There also is quite a bit of language for a PG movie, although it is all mild profanity. Good for kids 8+
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Very NIce Film that pushes the edges on family-friendly drama
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Kids may get bored
good movie,i dont know what group age it was aidmed at,kids get bored by the long talks & lack of action but for grounp ups its a very good movie
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Surprisingly good
My 10 year old was upset by the amount of bad language. As parents, we think the reference to 'getting laid' could have been left out. That was uncomfortable for my child. Other than that, she loved it and it was one her parents could enjoy, too.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Anyone can watch - it's just boring
My whole family watched this and I didn't have an issue with anything in the movie. However, the plot was just rediculous.
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Adult
April 9, 2008
AGE
Rediculous premise
Do you really think that a dream is more important than providing for your children? Because I believe that a father's children's character qualities and well-being are more important than chasing a rather far-out dream, I squirmed, inwardly, through this badly-acted movie which had a short-sighted plot. I wouldn't waste my time on this one. I can't think of too many redeeming qualities in this movie. The kids were cute -- I'll give it that.
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Kid, 12 years old
April 9, 2008
AGE
Good, yet forgettable...
This movie is confused at what age group it wants to appeal to. This is suitable for kids ages 5 and up, but the material in the film seems to be aimed at a mature audience. Other than that, this movie was decent, but you if someone asked me about this movie in a year or two from now, I probably wouldn't remember it. Rent this just for a god hour and a half of entertainment.
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| Topics: | misfits and underdogs |
| Studio: | Warner Bros. |
| Director: | Michael Polish |
| Cast: | Billy Bob Thornton, Bruce Dern, Virginia Madsen |
| Genre: | Drama |
| Run time: | 104 minutes |
| Theatrical release date: | February 22, 2007 |
| DVD release date: | July 10, 2007 |
| MPAA rating: | PG |
| MPAA explanation: | thematic material, peril and language. |
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