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Though the movie does muster more plausibility and heart in the final third, ultimately dreams are the only thing this movie has—dreams of being an Inspiring Family Film. Would that that were enough. And for those who like safe, predictable, fluffy family fare, it probably will be. But in light of films such as October Sky, Dear Frankie, and Millions—family-friendly movies that inspire and offer three-dimensional characters, creative yet plausible plot twists, and compelling dialogue—we know there's so much more possible than what's being offered here. In that sense, The Astronaut Farmer doesn't aim or dream nearly high enough.

Talk About It

1. Do you think Farmer's dream is admirable or selfish? At what point is taking risks brave and at what point does it become foolhardy?
2. At one point, Audie takes the kids to church to learn about forgiveness, saying they'll need it for Farmer. Her words point to the fact that forgiveness is a choice. Is there anyone—especially anyone in your family—you need to choose to forgive?
3. Farmer says, "If we don't have our dreams, we have nothing." What do you think of that line? If you agree, what are your dreams—and what role do they plan in your life?

The Family Corner

The Astronaut Farmer is rated PG for thematic material, peril, and language. The language is mostly mild, and the danger merely results in some bruises and broken ribs. Government officials are portrayed as pretty idiotic, and therefore not to be respected or obeyed. This could launch an interesting conversation about when it's appropriate to stand up for your dreams, and convictions and when you need to honor the laws of the land.

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"Follow your dreams." That is one of the most prevalent messages in American filmmaking. But what if your dream is a little crazy? What if it upsets or inconveniences those around you? Should we follow all of our dreams … all of the time?

In The Astronaut Farmer, Billy Bob Thornton plays a rancher with a dream: He wants to be an astronaut. And as he strives to build his very own rocket, hoping it will launch him into orbit, he faces a great deal of criticism and skepticism. And some critics are suggesting that some of that skepticism might be justified.

But most of them are impressed with this flattering portrayal of a loving, churchgoing family.

Camerin Courtney (Christianity Today Movies) says, "Though the movie does muster more plausibility and heart in the final third, ultimately dreams are the only thing this movie has—dreams of being an Inspiring Family Film. Would that that were enough. And for those who like safe, predictable, fluffy family fare, it probably will be. But in light of films such as October Sky, Dear Frankie, and Millions—family-friendly movies that inspire and offer three-dimensional characters, creative yet plausible plot twists, and compelling dialogue—we know there's so much more possible than what's being offered here. In that sense, The Astronaut Farmer doesn't aim or dream nearly high enough."

Steven D. Greydanus (Decent Films) says it "offers old-fashioned, down-home inspirational drama." He say it "seems as earnest and unironic as the day is long, a big old-fashioned inspirational ode to following one's dreams no matter what, to the goodness of family and the badness of bureaucracy." But he concludes that it "doesn't quite rise above its clichés. … [It] feels more often than not almost like a diagram of an inspirational film rather than a full-blooded example of the genre."

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