I've actually not watched that many films about astronaut, most of the film involving space travel or space itself involve astronauts but I usually focus on the story and the theme, usually just plain old sci-fi or horror but sometimes its a family adventure. Don't forget to check out what
Wandering Through the Shelves picked, the blog that started Thursday Movie Picks.
Space Camp
This 1986 Disney film featuring all the famous actors from yesteryear is about, yes, a Space Camp, where you have all your stereotypes. The misunderstood guy, the try hard go-getter, the genius Valley Girl, the not so confident guy who just loves science and a clever kid who has a pet robot. Well, not all your stereotypes but enough of them to make this film ok to watch. I actually stumbled across this film by accident and almost turned the channel until I realised that the kid was a very young Joaquin Phoenix. The group of misfits end up in space when the Phoenix's robot reprogrammes the rocket ship they are on. Its about team work and putting aside differences. Not the best but it doesn't matter its 80s Disney.
Sunshine
I was bold over by this Danny Boyle film. With a small cast, simple concept and beautiful vision, I really loved this film about a group of astronaunts/scientists who are taking the 'pay load' to reignite the sun. But this is the second trip so not only do the crew come across the first ship and have a mystery on their hands but they also have to complete their mission or Earth will die. Its far fetched but its brilliant at the same time. It also have a brilliant diverse group of actors who all symbolise something different.
Le Voyage dans la Lune
Georges Méliès' masterpiece about a a rocket ship that lands on the Moon and who the astronaunts encounter there. At only 18 minutes it manages to capture such weird and wonderful creations and a story so simple. Released in 1902, Georges Méliès intially sold his film at fair grounds but the exhibitors were reluctant to pay such a high price for the film so Méliès gave a print for a free. The film was so successful an exhibitor bought the film and gave extra money to Méliès for the inconvenience. I've only seen it once and its magical, especially the iconic Man in the Moon.
