Capturing his focus is the space ship he’s built in his barn that he intends to launch into space for a once around the world orbit before it lands back in Texas. Unlike most people that would like to go into space, Farmer has the training to make that dream a reality. At least, he knows enough to possibly kill himself trying. Of course, something of this magnitude strains his ability to do what needs to be done on the farm. It also puts substantial stress on his marriage to Audie (Virginia Madsen of Firewall, Sideways).

Their family somewhat resembles the one in "Little Miss Sunshine," with its odd craziness; especially when Charles brings on the close scrutiny of the department of Homeland Security and the FBI. Everyone thinks he’s just eccentric, which is not a stretch for Thornton (think Bad Santa), until he orders fuel for his rocket. The amount of fuel is so out of the box that authorities believe that only a terrorist could make use of it. That moves him into the nutcase category.

The impossible dream is somewhat reminiscent of October Sky, with a civilian attempting to launch a rocket. Some of the dialogue is quite witty. One great comment regards NASA and the government’s ability to find WMD. A cutaway to Jay Leno gives the film a needed air of authenticity. Do stay for the credits.