By EWAN McDONALD
(Herald rating: * * )
Family film, loosely set against Nasa's space effort in the early-60s, led by the German refugee rocket scientist Werner Von Braun, here named "Von Hueber" (James Woods).
His son, Billy (Alex D. Linz), deals with issues that most 9-year-olds don't face: discrimination over his
dad's Nazi past; his relationship with his father, following the death of his mother; and helping to train chimpanzees for the space programme.
Hokey but good family values.
• So many discs, so little time ... DVD distributors are offering a slew of classic movies in the next month.
It's not a Western unless it has John Wayne. The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance has not only the Duke but also Jimmy Stewart and Lee Marvin, with Stewart as the bungling big-city lawyer determined to rid the town of its No 1 nuisance ... Tom Cruise fans might want to extend their library with Mission: Impossible, M:I-2, Top Gun and The Firm ... Harrison Ford's constituency will be happy with Patriot Games, Clear And Present Danger, Witness. Watch in February, too, for a box set of The Godfather franchise and Tom Hanks' Oscar-
winners Forrest Gump and Saving Private Ryan. Lovers of Audrey Hepburn's romantic comedies should stock up on tissues: out soon are Breakfast At Tiffany's, Sabrina, Funny Face and Paris When It Sizzles.
Columbia-Tristar's Academy Award Winners' collection features nine Best Picture winners: Gandhi, On The Waterfront, From Here To Eternity, Kramer Vs Kramer, All The King's Men, A Man For All Seasons, Out Of Africa, It Happened One Night and Oliver! Each comes with a 12-page booklet and audio commentaries, documentaries and behind-the-scenes interviews.
Rental video, DVD: Out now
