It seems at the present time, I can not help but watch movies that are based on a true story'. Perhaps it is all a coincidence, but I have been richly rewarded for viewing such movies. Race to space is a family friendly' motion picture, that has a great resemblance to the movie October sky'. If you have ever looked for a film about animals, and why they are and can be an important part of someone's life, then this film is it.
Wilhelm is a NASA scientist, who has recently located to Florida with his son Billy, who aspires to be a hero like the young astronaut, Alan Shepherd and it's not long before Billy gets his chance. Hired by Dr. McGuinness to help train the chimpanzees for the NASA space mission, he begins to develop a close bond with one chimp in particular, Mac. With Billy's help, Mac is chosen to become the first chimp into space. It all seems a wonderful game until Billy realizes the risk associated with Mac going on this historic mission. Can Mac and his Dad pull together to make this mission fly?
This a really enjoyable film. Considering that is based on a true story, I like how it compels you to see what will happen between the main stars, that being Billy and Mac. The director, Sean McNamara, does a great job in bringing out the wonderful relationship that a young boy has with the Chimpanzees. I also found the story interesting in how the bad men of launch wanted it to fail, but never got their way. The credit for the story belongs to both Eric Gardner and Steven H. Wilson. They wrote both the script and the characters perfectly.
Then what about the cast for this film. The main man of the show was Billy, who was played by Alex D. Linz. I like how he showed such compassion for his animal friend Mac, as that sentiment seemed real. This young fellow also appeared in films such as the Cable Guy and the starring role in the not so popular, Home Alone 3. I liked the grown cast members of `Race to Space'. Billy's Father, the eccentric Dr. Wilhelm Von Huber, was acted very well by James Wood. I especially enjoyed how his character turns from being a strict parent, to a caring and understanding father. Then the role of Dr Donni McGuinness is also important. Her character was performed by Annabeth Gish. She was good in the role of the doctor who chooses the one Chimp to go into space. I also enjoyed her role in the film, Double Jeopardy.
There is also some different sort of stars that need to be recognised here. I am of course talking about the wonderful work by the Chimpanzees. They were very funny and well taught by their trainers. It was an amazing achievement to actually have an animal do what was being shown. To have it reenacted is priceless. It is great to have animals being not only able to achieve great heights, but to be used in a way that is not cruel, but instead to the advantage of all to see.
In conclusion, I watched this film with a group of people, who all thought it was pretty good. I would have to agree, considering that it was funny, touching, sad and triumphant, showing the heartfelt adventure of the first chimpanzee in space. This film also makes me a little envy of missing out such great achievements by man, such as putting animals in space (safely) and a man on the moon. What an historic time the 60's must have been, and how lucky we are that movies can are being made showing such events. Race to space is an inspirational story that should not be missed.
CMRS gives Race to Space': 4.5 (very good - brilliant film)
