Released in 2000, Space Cowboys stars Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, and James Garner. Like many of his films, this one was also directed by Eastwood.
The film is about four former (and now elderly) test pilots who get the unlikely opportunity to fly a mission into space. The reason NASA is sending a group of senior citizens on a shuttle mission involves an old satelitte with an outdated guidance system created by one of those pilots, Frank Corvin (played by Eastwood). Frank is the only man in the world who knows how to repaire the guidance system and he is determined to get himself and his old test pilot buddies into space. The four were stripped of the chance to become astronauts some 40+ years ago by the very same man who is now incharge of this mission, Bob Gerson (played by James Cromwell). So, even though much of the characters motivation comes from the desire to go into space, it's also partially fueled by revenge. Of course, they do end up in space, the mission doesn't go quite according to plan, and one of them has to sacrifice himself to avoid a major disaster (spoilers: it's Tommy Lee Jones' character).
Overall, I don't think Space Cowboys is a great movie... it's just ok. The acting is pretty good and the special effects mostly hold up. However, the plot is a little thin, at 130mins it feels too long and drags a bit, and a decent chunk of the dialogue is just referencing how old these guys are. If you never seen this one, and always wanted a version of Grumpy Old Men but in space, then this is right up your alley. Otherwise, I don't think it's a must-see.
2.5 out of 5
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