The title is most fitting "Man on a Mission" as it's the real life story of a man's (Richard Garriott) trip to space. Being a forefather of computer gaming afforded him the opportunity to invest in his life-long dream of going to space. This documentary takes you on a personalized tour of a civilian astronaut's journey, streaming previously unrecorded and unshared training and space footage. It's inside view makes space travel seem accessible. It is an inspiring story of international partnership and the future of space travel. It was my privilege to see this as part of SXSW where Richard also did a Q&A. I have a video of my 4 year old son on day the last space shuttle launched. Unprompted, my son said he was sad because he wouldn't be able to go to space. When I told Richard about this, it really connected with him and the realization of his own dream. He wrote on a poster, "You WILL be able to go to space!" Before seeing the movie, I was skeptical of the future of space travel. Richard is now a forefather of civilian space travel and this movie is a historical record of his efforts to make space travel available not just for himself, but also to a future generation of space travel dreamers.
... View MoreThis film brings together all the elements of a great story. Richard Garriott's personal passion for space travel is inspiring. And the guidance from his father and their collaboration together is any parent & child's dream. Then you add re-entry intrigue and insight into the Russian space program... It should have your attention now! It's fascinating look into space travel -- where we've been and where we may go in the future. The filmmakers did a fantastic job telling a fascinating story. I can only imagine what the DVD extras could include! It's a film that parents and kids can enjoy. Plus, it's got the smiliest astronaut ever, Mike Fincke. What an adventure!
... View MoreSince I share Richard's dream of space travel it was a truly thrilling piece of cinema. I've have the fortune of watching shuttle launches up close, but it was a real treat to get a glimpse of things at Star City in Russia.Beautifully put together, lovely camera work and a real 'stuff that dreams are made of' story. You can't fail to get swept along by the excitement, and indeed the danger of Richard's mission.I've heard Richard tell his personal story before, it really is an incredible tale of determination and passion. The only thing that would have improved this film would be a little more about how this journey came about. He speaks eloquently about his childhood and the lengths he went to to follow in his father's footsteps, yet in the film, I felt they rushed over this slightly to get to the unmistakeably awesome footage of him getting ready for the trip itself. I can understand why they did this, but a little more about the personal side of this at the start would have earned it that 10th star from me.Don't get me wrong, I utterly loved it, would highly recommend it to anyone and it gave me such an excellent taste of what a Soyuz mission would be like that I'll be straight out working out how I can get up there myself!
... View MoreI was captivated by this movie. There was great attention to detail and accuracy, yet the story never bogged down. A must see film for any age group.Richard Garriott's many fans in the gaming industry will enjoy the history given here of that career, which started when he was a teen in high school. There are also glimpses inside his unique home which holds memorabilia from his many interests, including his interest in space.While "Richard Garriott: Man on a Mission" by its very title tells you the main subject matter, the movie also give a fascinating look into the history of space travel. His father, Owen Garriott's, career as an astronaut is discussed, as well as the Russian history of space exploration, yet the facts were never dry or boring.Kudos to the director and editor for a fascinating movie, but most of all, thank you to Richard for sharing this incredible journey with us.
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