The Astronaut Farmer

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, and the FAA stalls him when he files a flight plan – but Charles is undeterred.

Critics broadly found the film charming and sincere, praising its optimistic family-friendly appeal and visual imagination while noting its conventional inspirational formula.

• Charles Farmer builds a space rocket while managing ranch debt, foreclosure pressure, marriage, and parenthood.
• The film juxtaposes a handmade rocket and spacesuit with a small Texas town, ranch buildings, and horseback riding.
• The FBI surveils Charles and the FAA obstructs his flight plan because of security concerns and his unconventional project.
• Charles's launch plans collide with bank foreclosure, unpaid obligations, and his wife's anger over the family's precarious finances.

• October Skyshared inspirational family drama, grounded Americana, and determined dreamer protagonist
• The Mightyshared uplifting coming-of-age optimism, rural setting, and pursuit of an unlikely scientific dream
• Big Fishshared eccentric Americana, heartfelt family relationships, and whimsical belief in extraordinary possibilities
• Field of Dreamsshared family-friendly adventure, idealistic ambition, and sentimental wonder

Director

Michael Polish

Release Date

2007-02-23

Runtime

104 min

Rating

6.3 / 10 (385)

What is The Astronaut Farmer about?

A Texas rancher risks his family’s financial security and the authorities’ patience to pursue his homemade route into space.

What is The Astronaut Farmer like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of The Astronaut Farmer as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is The Astronaut Farmer violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in The Astronaut Farmer.

What did critics think of The Astronaut Farmer?

Critics broadly found the film charming and sincere, praising its optimistic family-friendly appeal and visual imagination while noting its conventional inspirational formula.

Which films are like The Astronaut Farmer?

Films with a similar feel include October Sky, The Mighty, Big Fish, and Field of Dreams.

How long is The Astronaut Farmer?

The Astronaut Farmer runs 104 minutes.

Where can I watch The Astronaut Farmer?

In United States, The Astronaut Farmer streams on Howdy Amazon Channel.