Quite possibly the best black and white, SciFi-Western-Noir-Musical-Comedy ever made. Seriously, The American Astronaut is a strong and highly entertaining feature, no matter what genre it’s lumped into. Written and directed by the mutli-talented Cory McAbee (who also gets the lead role), its shoe-string budget doesn’t detract from creative scenes, artful shots, and stellar acting. The story sets new standards for weird: an intergalactic adventure involving a valuable cat, a roughneck dance contest, a planet of lusty women, and a psychotic birthday boy. It’s as nonsensical as Repo Man or The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, and just as much fun. A charming innocence engulfs the whole show, even in the most seemingly dire situations (a couple rowdy thugs confronting the Astronaut with his pants down; the unbalanced villain blasting dozens of foes to dust). The cast should be commended for giving their ridiculous characters such depth, heart and pathos. Only a couple of scenes drag, not bad for such an original debut picture. I’m looking forward to McAbee’s next project, he could turn into the next Guy Maddin or Jim Jarmusch.

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