The American Astronaut

Reviewed by:
Eric Alt

Umm…OK…so, The American Astronaut is a no-budget, kitschy, sci-fi western musical featuring a bow-tie-and-cardigan-sweater–clad villain, a character named “The Blueberry Pirate,” and an idiot man-child in a rubber body suit. It’s sometimes very funny, and sometimes “what the fuck is going on?” strange, but you can’t say it isn’t different. This is for fans of alternative cinema who like the idea of David Lynch’s Eraserhead cross-bred with a black-and-white sci-fi B-movie from the ’50s. It’s also inspiring to wannabe filmmakers—the budget on this one must have been in the minimum ATM withdrawal level, and looks it (in a good way). At times, you may find yourself questioning why you’re sitting through this without Mike, Crow, and Tom Servo there to openly mock it, but in a summer when every movie is the same rehashed old shit, it’s a refreshing change of pace. Plus, the soundtrack is great. Hell, see it for no other reason than for what has to be the longest, most convoluted, and bizarre “Hertz Doughnut” joke ever told.