Indeed, the slightest suggestion spurs him into fits of singing or gesticulating shtick, as if he's trying to outdo both Robin Williams and Jim Carrey in one routine. Directed by TV veteran Stuart Gillard, the film was shot largely in Houston, save for red-filtered Martian scenes that were done in desolate parts of Utah. Production values are modest but decent, with Mission Control ably re-created on a Houston sound stage. That's where Beau Bridges performs his role as a ground controller whose subplot is more compelling than the nutty spaceman's adventures. Disgraced by Apollo 13, he gets a shot at redemption via the crisis-beset Mars mission.
Some tender times do arise.
Williams sings to the frightened chimp during a pre-launch storm. And he dances with Lundy in makeshift formal wear during their voyage. But for the most part, this hero is a zero, so silly and foolish that he shouldn't be anywhere near such an undertaking. But, this is a movie, so that doesn't matter. Whenever Williams breaks into his crazed behavior, NASA's chiefs simply wince as if he's only burped.