October Sky

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October Sky

85% Liked It
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October Sky

Chad Lindberg, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, Jake Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern

In Coalwood, West Virginia, all the boys grow up to be coal miners and Homer Hickam has no reason to think he'll be any different. Too small to earn a football scholarship, Homer has no way out of his...( read more  read more... ) predetermined life -- until the soviet satellite Sputnik flies over the October sky and changes everything. It's 1957 and Homer's world just got a lot bigger. Though his father is mine superintendent and has no greater wish than to see his sons follow in his footsteps, Homer embarks on a mission to build and launch his own homemade rockets with the help of his loyal band of friends. Though their frequent mistakes nearly get them shut down, their successes inspire the whole town to believe that miracles can happen even in Coalwood, and there's nothing wrong with shooting for the stars.

Id: 10903290

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Recent Reviews

October Sky Recent Reviews
  • RiderOfTheStorms
    August 8, 2009
    RiderOfTheStorms
    good movie, good story, good acting and great music.
  • amodman
    June 11, 2008
    amodman
    It's an interesting movie with a nice mellow and youthful feel to it. Not really something I want to watch much, though.
  • YosemiteSamFan
    June 4, 2008
    YosemiteSamFan
    Slow-moving with a bleak coal mining town, make it a bit depressing. The pacing and editing could've been improved. There are many emotional scenes which try to tug on the heartstrings of the viewers. The performances are strong with Jake Gyllenhaal playing Homer Hickman, a boy c...( read more)aptivated by his rocket design hobby, against the strong urges to follow in his father's career working at the coal mine. Homer (Gyllenhaal) and his friends face many odds to get their rocket projects brought to the statewide science fair. Like many of the rockets they built, the movie is too much of a downer, and could use more "uplifting" scenes. It was well-made and very watchable, but a heavy experience.
  • EarthlyAlien
    February 26, 2008
    EarthlyAlien
    I think most kids went through a NASA - or simply space - phase at some time in their childhoods. For me, it came right after my dinosaur phase. To be fascinated with what's 'out there' is, I think, only normal. That's why I regret that I didn't get the chance to watch October...( read more) Sky as a kid. Still, I'm glad to say it was worth waiting nine years.

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    There isn't much room for opportunity in Homer's tiny, home town of Coalwood, West Virginia. Its residents have only one occupation, and that's mining coal. No one escapes it. With High School graduation not so far down the road, Homer faces the seemingly inescapable prospect of life in the mines, and an early death from black lung. But that was the year the Soviets launched Sputnik, and an initially disinterested Homer finds himself captivated by the sight of that tiny satellite streaking across the night sky.

    Homer soon becomes obsessed with rockets. Enlisting the help of some friends, he starts building his own miniature rockets and launching them into the sky. Soon, he's the talk of his town, gaining support from teachers and coal miners. For Homer, rocketry becomes his ticket out of a dismal future. But his father can't understand it, and pressures him to accept a life mining coal. Determined to achieve something, Homer pushes on.

    Based on the true life story of NASA engineer Homer Hickam, October Sky is a story of hope and perseverance against adversity. It's the kind of film that makes you wonder what the heck you're doing sitting on your couch watching this kid build rockets, when you ought to be outside building your own. In one of his first big roles, Jake Gyllenhaal's talent for playing delicate characters shines. Chris Cooper brings depth to what could have been a two-dimensional roadblock for Homer, Laura Dern is genuine as the teacher who believes in his students, and director Joe Johnston captures more than a moment or two of real cinematic brilliance. His shot of Homer descending into the mine shaft, while looking up into the starry night sky will stick with you, long after the film is over.

    Johnston seems to have a real feel for family filmmaking with depth, and he doesn't simplify Hickam's true story with easy answers. This is a film of strong conviction and deep characters. A film with the ability to appeal to everyone without compromising its story. October Sky is a beautiful advertisement for education. A reminder that dreams can be a ticket to freedom.
  • Eastersausage
    January 1, 2008
    Eastersausage
    Holy Crap! This movie was amazing, Its based on a true story and Jake G.'s Acting was Great! I can see why he is so acclaimed now adays. Awesome Movie, Great Music and Good Pace.
  • diercold
    January 5, 2010
    diercold
    always loved movies based on true stories
  • Yelverton
    January 3, 2010
    Yelverton
    This is a great, heartwarming film. You'll love it.
  • LisaMJ
    December 29, 2009
    LisaMJ
    Kind of long, but a good movie.
  • dystopia1
    December 7, 2009
    dystopia1
    seems like i have a problem with this kind of movies....
  • clairebear44
    November 22, 2009
    clairebear44
    Not a bad movie, good inspirational film with solid performances.
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