VideoDetective.com
Race To Space (2002)
Released By: LionsGate Entertainment   Rating: PG   In Theaters: N/A
Your video will start shortly...



More Videos:
Preview Details
User Reviews
Studio: LionsGate Entertainment
Genre: Family
MPAA Rating: PG
Director: Sean McNamara
Language: English
Official Website: N/A
Theatrical Release: N/A
Home Video Release: N/A
Cast: Annabeth Gish, James Woods, Alex D. Linz
Published ID: 426183
UPC: 658149802520,
Plot: A chimp helps bring together a boy and his father -- as well as putting America in the lead of the space race -- in this drama, which was inspired by the true story of the Mercury-Redstone 2 mission in 1961. Dr. Wilhelm von Huber (James Woods) is a German expatriate scientist living in the United States in the early '60s who has been hired by the fledging National Aeronautics and Space Administration to help America launch its newly formed space program. Von Huber is recently widowed, and his son, Wilhelm II (Alex D. Linz) -- known as Billy to most of his friends -- is still dealing with the loss of his mother. The often cold and exacting Dr. von Huber is having trouble reaching out to his son, and Billy is having a hard time making friends at his new school in Florida. One day, while dropping by NASA's labs to visit his father, Billy discovers a secret: NASA has previously been using unmanned missiles in their tests, but before taking the giant step of sending a man into space, they're going to try an experimental mission with a chimpanzee on board to get a better idea of how people might be affected by space travel. Dr. Donni McGuinness (Annabeth Gish), NASA's head veterinarian, makes a deal with Billy: If he promises not to tell anyone about NASA's secret project, she'll give him a part-time job helping to train Mac the Chimp for his big flight. Billy soon becomes quite attached to his new friend Mac, and discovers it's harder than he imagined to send him into space without knowing if he'll come back safely. Race to Space also features William Atherton and William Devane, while Tyler the chimp appears as Mac. ~ Mark Deming, All Movie Guide
IDDateTimeTitleReviewHelpfulVotesTotalVotes
Fantastic story and great acting
Added 10/8/2008

This is a great, feel good movie!!! A solid story that adds some suspense to the development of the Mercury rockets. (Redstone.) A good movie for family and kids. Positive message and a good job by James Woods. As always, his acting adds to the quality of the movie.
This is a must see for any family!!

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Race To Space Film Review
Added 6/14/2007

"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.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
A mix of history and hollywood
Added 9/17/2006

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.

0 out of 2 people found this helpful.
Oh no,not another Annoying Boy Genius Movie!
Added 7/16/2006

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!

1 out of 5 people found this helpful.
All in all, a great family film!
Added 10/4/2003

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!
5 out of 6 people found this helpful.
Fantastic story and great acting
Added 10/8/2008

This is a great, feel good movie!!! A solid story that adds some suspense to the development of the Mercury rockets. (Redstone.) A good movie for family and kids. Positive message and a good job by James Woods. As always, his acting adds to the quality of the movie.
This is a must see for any family!!

0 out of 0 people found this helpful.
Race To Space Film Review
Added 6/14/2007

"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.
2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
A mix of history and hollywood
Added 9/17/2006

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.

0 out of 2 people found this helpful.
Photos


There are currently no photos.
Shopping
IDPriceImageUrlPurchaseUrlIdTypeBindingStore
DVD
$13.49 @ Amazon
VHS
$2.69 @ Amazon
VHS
$1.99 @ Amazon
DVD
@ Amazon