Race to Space (2002)

If you're not a sucker for fact-based stories involving ostracized little boys, struggling single dads, precocious chimps, or space exploration, switch on Race to Space. James Woods stars as the 1960s rocket scientist the U.S. is counting on in its race to catch up with the space-savvy Russians; because he's German, a cluster of corrupt politicians cooks up a plan to sabotage his launch, which would send Mac, the chimp who's become his misfit son's special buddy, into space. Race feels formulaic from the liftoff, but the winch tightening translates to the family room without turning wimpy. Once the movie reaches its final frontier, all reservations have been scrubbed. It's one small step for movie-making kind, one giant leap for family entertainment. --Tammy La Gorce Amazon.com

Race To Space Film Review

"Race To Space" sat in my movie closet for close to 3 years before I ever even had thoughts about watching it. It seemed to take low-Joe-on-da-totem-pole priority next to other stuff I wanted to see. After watching the first five minutes, I realized what a terrible mistake I had made letting it sit there. Based on the true story of the United States' part in the Space Race, it retells the story of Ham, the first chimpanzee (or living creature for that matter) that the U.S. ever put in to space. This movie is not herky-jerky and while remaining historically accurate, tells this captivating and suspenseful story in a very entertaining way. I definitely recommend this for anyone wanting a good and entertaining film. June 14, 2007

A mix of history and hollywood

I caught this movie on WGN afternoon movie a few weeks ago. I have been to Cocoa Beach and took the NASA then and now tour featuring many of the sites in this movie.

This movie moves along pretty fast and is entertaining as well as informitive for kids about early NASA history even though it really is just a hollywood movie.

Not to be missed, a great family film.
September 17, 2006

Oh no,not another Annoying Boy Genius Movie!

This is a movie ripe for MST3K treatment (Mike Nelson,where are you???)It's unintentionally funny when it's supposed to be earnest.Paired with "Deep Impact",you could have Annoying Boy Geniuses And Outer Space Film Festival.Be prepared to laugh.

The movie's best bits-
1)James Woods' attempt at a German accent.He's trying to be Werner Van Braun as Poor Single Dad--and he ends up sounding like he's doing tryouts for a movie version of 'Hogan's Heroes.'
2)The annoying boy's bond with his chimp.Boy loses mother,boys finds companionship with chimpanzee?Huh?At first,I thought I was watching "Gorillas in the Mist"--but then I realized it wasn't "Chimpanzees in the Mist."
3)Annabel Gish looks so much like Sigourney Weaver I seriously thought this movie was "Gorillas in the Mist." Boy was I wrong...
4)"Race to Space",making a movie title rhyme is a crime!
5)Speaking of crimes,it IS a crime to threaten a champanzee.even if he doesn't get a word you're saying.The Touching Final Scene ends with the Bad Guy getting arrested for this.
6)Mark Moses,from "Desperate Housewives" (who's the Creepy Neighbor with a Secret,widower of Mary Alice)is Alan Shepherd.I expected to hear Danny Elfman's "Desperate Housewives" theme.Everybody overacts in this campy movie;you expect it to be on Wisteria Lane.

If you enjoy cheesy acting,a supposedly suspenseful final sequence (which consists of the boy whining to his beloved chimp&repeatedly getting upset)&REALLY bad German accents,zis eez the film for you! July 16, 2006

All in all, a great family film!

The movie Race to Space is a wonderful, heart touching movie, starring Alex D. Linz and James Woods. Now these two actors are so extremly good, that no matter what the movie was if they were in it, it would be entertaining. These movie was extremly entertaining and I will give it 5 STARS! Watch it! October 4, 2003

Another masterpiece

See, the thing is...I am a huge Alex Linz fan. I watch all of his movies and I think he is an awsome actor. This movie is just excellent. The movies he is in are just so good (im not saying this just because i am in love with him lol) and i think this is one of his best. The plot is realistica and reasonable, yet a great kiddie movie (i would know cuz im 13). I went to see this at the movie theater and after the movie was over, i stood up and applauded, and that was the first time i felt that it was neccesary to do so. Everyone else did the same and, enough babbling, there is just one thing to say, THIS MOVIE IS AWSOME! Hope you enjoy it!!! August 7, 2002

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