Space Cowboys MPAA Rating: PG-13 Entertainment: +3 Content: -2

In this special effects filled space adventure, four retired Air Force test pilots volunteer to help NASA repair an old, but strategic, failing Russian communication satellite. Pushed aside in the early days of space flight in favor of a chimpanzee, the former team gets a second chance to venture into space. It begins with their brief, intense training for the mission, which is often comical because of their age. And climaxes with their adventure in space to repair the satellite. Clint Eastwood plays Frank Corvin, commander of the maverick group. Hank Hawkins (Tommy Lee Jones), Jerry ONeil (Donald Sutherland) and Reverend Tank Sullivan (James Garner) are the other seasoned veterans who stretch the rules, strain the patience of their younger trainers and relish the opportunity to show they still have the right stuff. But, a top NASA official is concealing some important information about the satellite. Some very suspenseful action unfolds as the old Russian satellite goes out of control and the U.S. rescue team gets into serious trouble. To combat this problem, harrowing risks must be taken and sacrifices considered. An entertaining, humorous, suspenseful and inspiring adventure-comedy, SPACE COWBOYS will probably soar at the box office.

Although flamboyant and outspoken, the geriatric space crew demonstrates their patriotism and love of country. They do not hesitate to take on the vital, but dangerous satellite repair mission. They also show strong loyalty and support for one another. But they are not saints and spew out many mild and moderate crudities, a number of s-words and five strong profanities. Also, some comical, sexually suggestive remarks are characteristically made by one of the retired flyers. Tank is a country preacher whose religious comments are frequently presented in a comical manner but hes a stabilizing influence on the team. Overall, he and Christianity are portrayed favorably but the humor sometimes borders on being sacrilegious. A romance develops between Hank and a female NASA engineer (Marcia Harden), but no sexual involvement is shown. The crews determination to accomplish their mission, even if it costs them their lives, is an inspiring theme. If it werent for the foul language, SPACE COWBOYS would be a fairly decent film both for teens and adults.

Preview Reviewer: John Evans
Distributor: Warner Brothers Pictures, 4000 Warner Blvd., Burbank, CA 91522