October Sky (1999)

Based on the memoir Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam Jr., October Sky emerged as one of the most delightful sleepers of 1999--a small miracle of good ol' fashioned movie-making in the cynical, often numbingly trendy Hollywood of the late 20th century. Hickam's true story begins in 1957 with Russia's historic launch of the Sputnik satellite, and while Homer (played with smart idealism by Jake Gyllenhaal) sees Sputnik as his cue to pursue a fascination with rocketry, his father (Chris Cooper) epitomizes the admirable yet sternly stubborn working-man's ethic of the West Virginia coal miner, casting fear and disdain on Homer's pursuit of science while urging his "errant" son to carry on the family business--a spirit-killing profession that Homer has no intention of joining.

As directed by Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer), this wonderful movie is occasionally guilty of overstating its case and sacrificing subtlety for predictable melodrama. But more often the film's tone is just right, and the spirit of adventure and invention is infectiously conveyed through Gyllenhaal and his well-cast fellow rocketeers, whose many failures gradually lead to triumph on their makeshift backwoods launching pad. Capturing time and place with impeccable detail and superbly developed characters (including Laura Dern as an inspiring schoolteacher), October Sky is a family film for the ages, encouraging the highest potential of the human spirit while giving viewers a clear view of a bygone era when "the final frontier" beckoned to the explorer in all of us. --Jeff Shannon Amazon.com

2.5 stars out 4

The Bottom Line:

A capable-enough movie on its own right, October Sky unfortunately cannot capture the joy and triumph of Hickham's original memoir; it's recommended to those who haven't read the book, but the attempts to jazz up real life events to make them more dramatic may grate on anyone who knows the real story. December 21, 2008

October Sky DVD

A great movie with some very good actors. I bought it because my mother was born in Coalwood, so it was a way of remembering those days. It would have been a good movie otherwise, but Homer Hickam's books about Coalwood are even better. Don't give up on your dreams. December 18, 2008

Wonderful Movie to Watch Alone or With Family

One of my all-time favorite films. No matter how many times I see it I still cry at the same scenes. Based on the true-life experience of a humble but determined young man "October Sky" shows that perserverence can make dreams come true. December 16, 2008

October Sky Shines

"October Sky" is the inspirational story of Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal),a miner's son who wanted to explore space. Hickam grew up in rural West Virginia. Chris Cooper is excellent as Homer's pragmatic,practical father. Laura Dern is great as Homer's encouraging teacher.

"October Sky" has sterling performances from Gyllenhaal,Cooper,and Dern. It's a great coming of age story. Let your mind and heart soar for the stars! December 14, 2008

an excellent feel good movie!

THis movie is plain and simply the perfect feel-good movie. Based on a true story, it shows how the american spirit of persistance, following your heart, wins out over adveristies. November 29, 2008

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