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 Science Fiction They still have the Right Stuff it's just a lot older. |
SPACE COWBOYS has similarities to two earlier films, DEEP IMPACT and ARMAGEDDON but only in
the fact that a bunch of people go off into space to save the world. That is all they have in common. This
film is way better. It has an excellent plot, script and photography. SPACE COWBOYS is done in a much
more realistic style. The film seems entirely probable in it's plot devices when in space. What is highly
unlikely is the notion that four old ex-pilot/astronauts would be sent into space to perform the function that is
required. The film is careful to set up a scenario that makes it totally necessary for these older pilots to go up
into space. Still, it is an older male's fantasy.The story starts in 1958 in black and white. Four test pilots are doing their job with their usual recklessness. Director Clint Eastwood has taken great care to make sure that the young actors come close to looking like their soon to be shown older counterparts. The actual voices of the main actors are dubbed in by the lead actors so that the young versions sound like the older versions. This really helped enchance the film. Our four soon to be astronauts are electrical engineer Dr. Frank Corvin (Clint Eastwood), pilot William "Hawk" Hawkins (Tommy Lee jones), designer Jerry 0'Neill (Donald Sutherland) and navigator Tank Sullivan (James Garner). When these men were to go into space as the first astronauts they are replaced by Mary Ann, the first monkey to go into space. This starts a hatred between them and their commander Bob Gerson played by James Cromwell that continues all their lives. Present Day A giant Russian communications satellite is about to come crashing down to Earth real hard. The fact that it uses parts and components that are so outdated that none of the young engineers know how to repair them. They end up having to go to Frank Corvin to teach other young astronauts how to repair them. His first question is how did American technology that was secret at the time get into a Russsian satellite. Besides only he can fix it so the fix is in. Either he goes into space with his three buddies or the satellite will just have to crash. Gerson decides to go along with it as long as he trains a backup crew. They agree but there is a catch. They have to pass all the rigorous training that the other astronauts have to pass. Gerson figures this is his out when the young astronauts are trained. The old guys are cagey though, and they manage to use television to become celebrities so even the vice president wants them to go into space. The first half of the film is the set up, introducing the characters, getting a feel for what is going to happen and the training sessions. These are really fun to watch as we see the old guys try to show up the young astronauts only to sneak away moaning and groaning in private.. Actually these veteran actors are just plain great to watch up there on the big screen. All their gags and speeches and bickering between them makes them a delight to watch. The script is so well written that they couldn't possibly look bad. This movie is time well spent. Now we haven't gotten into the space action yet. The best part of the space scenes is that they are not outlandish like in ARMEGEDDON. They seem so real that it could be news footage. Do not be fooled though, the action is fast and furious and it will keep you riveted to your seats. Once they are in space the veteran pilots really show the The Right Stuff. The entire satellite section of the movie is a real tension producer, from the approach to eventual discovery of the real threat that this satellite holds. Nope, I am not going to tell you what they discover. Their mission now has become one of desperate urgency with the fate of mankind in their hands. Treachery and betrayal as well as death rear their ugly heads while the experienced foursome try to solve the problem and save millions from death. There is so much more but to tell you here would wreck the suspense of the film. The film is not so much science fiction as it is science fact; no bug eyed aliens and no moonbuggies jumping impossible chasms. Eastwood has directed an excellent film for everyone. The all important ending scenes are maybe expected to some but to others it may be surprising. Make sure that you do not leave before the end credits as it is a beautiful ending. When you see the ending you'll see why they called it SPACE COWBOYS. Visions of Slim Pickens waving his hat while in mid air going "eehaw" may come to mind. For those of you who don't get the reference, too bad. For those who do it will enhance the ending for you. Just think Stanley Kubrick. This film is the Right Stuff. |
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RATING CANADA... Rated PG for some language |
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vjm@metrocity.com