Space Cowboys (2000) 2 1/2 out of 4 stars. Starring Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, Donald Sutherland, James Garner, Marcia Gay Harden, William Devane, Loren Dean, Courtney B. Vance and James Cromwell. Written by Ken Kaufman and Howard Klausner. Music by Lennie Niehaus. Directed by Clint Eastwood. Rated PG-13.
Forget scientific accuracy. That's not what "Space Cowboys" is all about.
Its very title implies a boyish, larger-than-life fantasy. And that is what is so darn appealing about this out-of-this-world tale; its willingness to tap into a fountain of youth-like quality that we all can identify with.
"Space Cowboys" is a good ol' boy romp with the emphasis on old. It's about four space program veterans dismissed - back in 1958 - before the project literally got off the ground who have `the ripe stuff' and get a second chance to fulfill their longtime ambition - go soaring into space.
The movie's main drawback is that - like its four protagonists - we have to wait too long before liftoff.
Beginning with a flashback to show how the four hot shots - Frank Corvin (Clint Eastwood), Frank `Hawk' Hawkins (Tommy Lee Jones), Jerry O'Neil (Donald Sutherland) and Tank Sullivan (James Garner) - were dropped, the story flashes forward to contemporary times when the services of the four are required to repair an old Russian satellite that has a decaying orbit. It seems the old Soviet satellite's design is one created by Corvin that was stolen by the commies in the old days when they were our enemies.
Director Eastwood wastes too much time on old age jokes as the four comrades go through their training for the space mission.
The film shifts into high gear when the quartet are blasted into orbit.
Of course, complications arise when the satellite's deep, dark secret is revealed. But the plot - and its inherent clichés - take a back seat to the winning interplay between the four veteran performers. That is what truly fuels "Space Cowboys."
It is a joy to watch the ease in which these wily actors work together. They do become a team. No one tries to steal any scenes.
Jones with his Texas twang and Sutherland with his ‘60s laid-back persona are so marvelous to watch and enjoy. Not that Eastwood and Garner are any slouches. They just seem so comfortable around each other, that you'd think they were all longtime friends, instead of hired actors.
This is the reason to see "Space Cowboys." It is a film in which the performers overshadow and blot out the shortcomings, of which there are several. But you buy into the illusion because of their combined charisma.
The premise that four 70+-year-old men could learn the complicated data in the short time period allotted is a bit far-fetched. But who cares?
Just see "Space Cowboys" for a needed douse of old-fashioned entertainment. It's charming, winsome and sentimental.
Bob Bloom is the film critic at the Journal and Courier in Lafayette, IN. He can be reached by e-mail at bloom@journal-courier.com or at bobbloom@iquest.net Bloom's reviews can be found at the Internet Movie Database Web site at: http://www.imdb.com/M/reviews_by?Bob+Bloom
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