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As we get older, we start to realize that it’s getting harder to do the things that we once did naturally. Those dreams that we once had feel like they’re getting harder to reach. But in Astronaut, a lonely elderly man decides that there’s still time to go for it.
Astronaut stars Richard Dreyfuss as Angus, a 75-year-old widower who’s struggling with his advancing age and his failing health. When his family moves him into a retirement home, it seems like all hope is lost—until he decides to do one big, crazy thing. A billionaire entrepreneur offers the opportunity for one lucky person to win a seat on the first commercial flight into space, and Angus decides that he can’t pass up this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. But when he’s chosen as one of the 12 finalists, he finds himself facing a new challenge.
As Angus sets out to make his dream of traveling into space a reality, he shows that you’re never too old to make a difference or to make your dreams come true. Even though his health is failing and he’s been moved into a retirement home, he can still think and dream and inspire others, too—from his fellow residents to his enthusiastic grandson to his struggling son-in-law.
Dreyfuss gives a strong and moving performance as Angus. He’s a likable character. He loves the stars. He adores his family. And he’s not quite ready to give up on his life. His story is definitely bittersweet—especially as he faces some of the insurmountable challenges of growing older. Not everything goes his way—as it might in a bigger, more mainstream blockbuster—but Angus is the kind of character that you’ll enjoy watching.
At the same time, though, it sometimes feels as through something is missing from the story. Some of the storylines are given a softer touch, which tends to mute the film’s personality. Angus’s grandson and son-in-law are underused—as are the other residents of the retirement community. And, as a result, despite some likable characters and a strong lead performance, the film isn’t as powerful (nor as memorable) as it could have been.
Still, even into his 70s, Richard Dreyfuss is well worth watching—and he makes Astronaut worth seeking out. It may not be a powerful, award season kind of release, but it might still inspire you to work toward your dreams while you still can.
Listen to the review on Reel Discovery:
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