‘Cowboys’ Predictable But Very Enjoyable

Mon., Aug. 14, 2000

Kaylin Greene East Valley

If most things improve with age, then the actors in “Space Cowboys” (Rated: PG-13) are almost perfect.

The movie opens in 1958, when a group of astronauts known as “Team Daedalus” are considered the best of the best. But their wild nature keeps them from going into space. The film jumps to the present day, where NASA officials tell Clint Eastwood (Daedalus’ former leader) about a problem on a satellite that can only be fixed by sending a team into space.

Although NASA would rather not send a bunch of “old men,” Eastwood built the satellite and his team wants to go.

As far as plot goes, “Space Cowboys” is like any other space movie: The shuttle they’re traveling on is malfunctioning, and one character sacrifices himself for the sake of the others.

But good actors and a great script make this movie different. Watching experienced actors (including Eastwood and Tommy Lee Jones) deliver numerous age-related jokes keeps the movie lighthearted and the audience smiling.

With all its old-people humor, this movie isn’t exactly aimed at teenagers. But I found it funny, and despite its predictability, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

Grade: A-

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