I usually can’t see, much less recommend, Billy Bob Thornton films. But The Astronaut Farmer is a movie I can support.

 

All his life Charles Farmer (Thornton) dreamed of becoming an astronaut and was well on his way. But he never got to NASA. Now with a farm to take care of and a family to provide for, it seems outer space would be the last thing on his mind. But Farmer has not lost sight of his dream.

 

This man, who checks on his cattle while wearing a space suit, is still determined, even desperate, to orbit the earth—and he doesn’t need NASA. Farmer and his teenage son are building a space ship in their barn. When they try to buy the massive amount of fuel needed, the government comes to investigate. Soon, Farmer is being stopped from every angle.

 

But Farmer risks his house, his farm—everything—to make his dream come true.

 

It’s inspiring to see someone who has the passion to fight with all his heart and soul to fulfill a desire. But, for me, the more poignant element in this story is the family. Farmer’s wife and kids are energized by their relationships with Farmer.

 

Don’t get me wrong. The Farmers are a real family, with struggles, misunderstandings and hardships. There are discussions and situations that some might not think are appropriate for the very young, but the family’s love and commitment to one another is also heart-warming.

 

This father inspires the entire family—his dream is their dream. I'm learning that it's not so important that we always fulfill our dreams, but that we simply dare to dream. Author Leslie Parrott says it this way: “The eventual pain that results from not dreaming—for fear of being disappointed by an unrealized dream—will always eclipse the pain of a dream that never comes true.”

 

Farmer’s determination helps his children understand the value of having dreams, but he also gives them hope that their dreams can come true.

 

Rated PG for language, peril and thematic elements.