Space Cowboys (2000)

In the latest Clint Eastwood directed movie, Clint finally tightens his directorial style with one of the better releases of the summer of 2000. This one has a Russian satellite which has malfunctioned after 40 years of service and is threatening to fall back into Earth if not corrected. A quartet of maverick astronauts from the 50s, who were snubbed by a monkey to go into space, are called into action to repair the satellite because one of the astronauts designed a code so byzantine that only he knows how to use it. All of these four are senior citizens who must prove themselves in the right shape to go into their only chance at their dreams of space flight.

While the astronauts are on the ground, Eastwood does everything right, and terrific character development pays off during the routine formula action scenes when they finally do go up into space. The entire cast is likable and the four leads shine in their respective roles as the astronauts. Suspension of disbelief is required, especially when some secrets are revealed as to the Russian satellites true nature, yet the cast is so much fun to watch, the film may not have needed a plot to be enjoyed. Highly recommended for those who enjoyed films like The Right Stuffand for fans of the stars, and will probably be liked by most others as well.

Qwipster’s rating: A-

MPAA Rated: PG-13 for some language
Running Time: 130 min.

Cast: Clint Eastwood, Tommy Lee Jones, James Garner, Donald Sutherland
Director: Clint Eastwood
Screenplay: Ken Kaufman, Howard Klausner