Geezers in Space (Space Cowboys (DVD))

Member Name: kca101

Product:	Space Cowboys (DVD)
Date:	02/10/00 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Fun, well acted, good effects

Disadvantages: Predictable and seems quite long

After the initial reviews in the US (which were incredibly bad), this film has managed to be quite a success. The very idea of Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, James Garner and Donald Sutherland being launched into space is crazy. But to actually put them in charge of a billion-dollar space shuttle when there are 2 well-qualified astronauts sitting in the back???

Unbelievable.

That doesn’t make it a bad film though, and there is much to like in this slow-moving and heart-warming film. Certainly the acting is great as you would expect of such respected actors, and the supporting cast are competent throughout. The story, whilst predictable, has a few surprises, and the now expected love interest between a 60 year old man and a 30 year old woman (The Horse Whisperer, Entrapment, etc, etc). I guess it’s the characters and the tensions between them that keep you interested – you actually care about these old blokes!

It’s not a film for everyone, and it does seem longer than its near 2 hours length. If you enjoyed Apollo 13 you will probably like this, although there is less action. What action there is (and it all occurs in the last 30 minutes) is created by the excellent ILM and looks very realistic. In fact, if you are a space-buff you will really love the shuttle re-entrance sequence and crazy flying techniques.

I usually determine if a film is good by whether I would like to see it again. Space Cowboys is not a film I would rush out to buy the video or DVD, but if it was on TV I would probably watch it. That makes it a 3 out of 5 for me.

Summary: