Beyond the Stars

This is not a science-fiction film, or even a film about astronauts or anything to do with science. It was a hustle by the producer to try and convince people to waste their money on this turkey by giving it a sci-fi spin in marketing. The dreadful reality is that this film is nothing more than dreary soap; a coming of age vehicle for a spoiled Christian Slater who comes from a dysfunctional family with money. As if we care about any of it. There is no story here; and the plot is about as logical as the path of Slater's first rocket attempt early in the film. Don't waste your time or money on this turkey.

This feel good film with a little touch of SF is a little gem and I don't think it gets the appreciation it deserves.

You shouldn't take the film too seriously but it has its heart in the right place and that's what I think is most important.

Eric dreams of a future as an astronaut, when he is more or less forced to stay with his father for a few weeks he accidentally gets the chance to meet his idol, the famous austronaut Paul Andrews, through a new girlfriend.

That first meeting doesn't go so well but gradually a friendship develops between the two.

Ok that aspect could have been worked out a bit better but basically the story is entertaining enough.

Christian Slater, Martin Sheen, and also Sharon Stone do well in their roles.

When I read the description, and the film's title, I was expecting some pretty cheesy 80's TV treacle. However, as a sucker for movies that involve NASA in some regard, particularly those that deal with the Apollo Program, I had to give it a try.

I was very surprised, then, to find myself being drawn into it and caring about the characters. It was much better than I had expected, and the performances were quite solid. Sheen and Foxworth were very good, Slater was reasonably believable, and Abraham stole his scenes. The female characters were sympathetic and believable. I was also surprised how front and center Apollo was - it didn't just serve as a disposable backdrop for the drama. All in all Beyond the Stars was well worth the viewing, but I agree that the sci-fi ending did cheapen the drama slightly. And the title - whew - they could have done better than that!

I have to chuckle, however, at a description I read of Slater's character being a "troubled" teenager. Ha! Most people should be so lucky to have a kid that respects his parents, wants to follow in his dad's footsteps and study science and math, and plans to go to MIT. Yeah - that kid's a real disaster.

Anyway, a few of the technical space details were off (particularly during the Huntsville trip), and the music was pretty dated, but those are mostly nits. Overall this was a reasonably intelligent and mature drama with a strong Apollo background - and an unexpected pleasure.

Beyond the Stars is one of those surprising movies. It has a great cast that give very good performances despite the low-budget feel of the film. While the underlying subjects of the movie may not apeal to many people, the time-honored coming of age story that involves all of the main characters should be appreciated by the most basic of movie viewers.

The surprising "twist," which is not much of a twist at all, is a nice addition for those that are the "dreamers" for whom the film was obviously written.

Beyond the Stars is a much under-appreciated film that deserves a look. I'm sure you'll be surprised as well.

The first reviewer wants every movie to be an academy award winner. This movie is way better and more meaningful. I saw it years ago and would like to find it on my rental stores shelves someday, I would rent it in an instant. Good message and great performances. Well worth the time to watch. Sometimes these little TV movies are just what you're looking for on a Friday night. Even if the ending leaves a bit of thought, sometimes this grey type of ending is what is called for. Makes you kind of think of the message you read into the movie. Not all good movies have perfect endings, perfect performances or perfect editing. If you can overlook some minor flaws you will enjoy this movie.