Genres

Visitors Review

Mirax 2012-05-23 04:38:50

Strangely engaging tale, carried by main and most-developed character, Homer

Strangely affecting and penetrating, if sappy, film adapted fromHomer Hickham jr.'s "Rocket Boys", about a group of friends in acoal mining town who, inspired by the Russian satellite Sputnik,started small and build up model rockets which could get themthe colege scholarships they could not hope to get for footballbut which would give them a ticket away from the nightmarishlydead-end mining town of Coalwood. The subplot of workaholic,goodhearted but gruff father and slightly neurotic mother is notas interesting as watching the perfectly innocent, angelic JakeGyllenhaal take the reality of the coal mines head-on.Wonderful

2012-05-22 15:09:47

Uplifting reflection of the true spirit of WV

Not only can we relate to the time period of being a teen during the 50s and 60s, we can appreciate the picture of WV portrayed in October Sky. There is intelligent life in the mountains of this great state. Homer Hickam should be congratulated on writing about his aspirations to escape predetermined expectations and his achievement of goals that proved beneficial to the country. This video celebrates family, education, friendship, commitment, teamwork, hardwork, patriotism and achievement. The performances are outstandingly believable. I'd recommend this as a forum for teachers and parents who want the young people in their care to aim for the stars, and for young people themselves who are tired of being locked into sociatal expectations and are willing to work hard to reach their goals. An added plus is the gorgeous score. The music beautifully underlines the movement of the story.

2012-05-17 19:18:01

An unexpected jewel --

I initially resisted seeing this film, but I'm delighted that I finally did. Immediately upon seeing it, I've ordered it from Amazon. What an inspired piece of writing! This film is simply excellent all around, and it was a privilege and an inspiration to know Homer Hickam's story.

2012-05-17 03:59:30

For anyone that has a big dream. This is for you!

This movie is the story of my life. It made me realize now that I have the power to accomplish my dream, even when it seems impossible. "October Sky" captured my heart and soul. I now know that someday I will work for NASA. Everyday I look up and wonder. When will it be my turn?

MARKETEX1969 2012-05-16 10:10:26

Nostalgic, Inspirational and Worthwhile

I was watching this when my wife called to inquire from the other roomas to my choice of fare. My comment? "I am watching my Life!"Though younger, but only by 5 years or so, than the "Rocket Boys" Iremember the absolute urgency with which Sputnick was greeted by ouradministrators of education and how the whole Science Fair thing gainedmomentum and took me and others into the competitive whirlwind. My owntornado landed me in my own State's Science Fair, in Physics by '62,though our group was less successful in gaining the support of, forexample, firefighters we approached for guidance and counsel untilafter a tragic event, our city went so far as to allow us to tour theNike missile site on Chicago's lakeshore.This movie brought it all back for me and I will bet that it brought itall back for a bunch of us "UberNerds" of the late '50s and early 60's.We are in a similar science brain drainage period now and really needthis movie as a country. See It!

brendonm 2012-05-15 17:44:35

Great coming of age story about believing in yourself

Just watched this on cable again after seeing it so many years ago. Itstill stands up; along with BREAKING AWAY, it's a greatcoming-of-age/boy-faces-realities-of-adulthood story.The entire cast is great, but Chris Cooper is pitch perfect in the hisrole.Recommended to parents looking to get their teen-aged childreninterested in science. Also provides a great morality tale aboutbelieving in yourself when just about everyone around you is anay-sayer.Great movie - highly recommended.

2012-05-13 17:07:25

it was the best movie i had seen in a long time

when we went to see it i didnt know any actors in the movie and i thought to myself i dont think im going to like this movie. it had turned out to be the most intelectual movie i had seen in a long time

MovieAlien 2012-05-13 06:19:29

Enjoyed it...

But can't say it was original - too formulaic. Sure, you can't expect muchfrom a Hollywood tearjerker, but this one, I have to say, was anexception.Consider the negatives here before we get to the positives. Predictable. (Ifyou know what the movie's about, then you know the outcome. There's acontest. Who wins? That won't take long to figure out.)Some of theconfidante/confidants in the story were super nice people and helped thecharacters get through their mission. Those characters are so nice, that thewriters give them an illness or even a death and we're able to feelsympathy. This will defintely dingle with your heart strings, but it's notan original cinematic element. Let's get to the positives. You wanted these guys to succeed.The characters were extremely interesting, and believable. The performanceswere first rate, and the direction was very good.If you don't look at this with a nitpicking perspective, you'll like it.Just remember, though...no new material, just a good two hours of sappyHollywood entertainment.

2012-05-11 00:53:43

Inpiring, Funny, Moving - A Perfect Film

October Sky is the reason movies should be made. It's life-affirming, dream-affirming, and it cares about people and their struggles. As of this writing, the movie is four years old, yet is all the more poignant and moving in light of the recent tragedy which befell the Columbia space shuttle crew this year. The story follows four high schoolers obsessed with creating their very own rocket. You can't help but cringe as you watch them mixing volatile chemical compounds in an attempt to create rocket fuel. Following every failure and unplanned explosion, both their expertise and excitement grows. This is like a Rocky Balboa story only it follows the setbacks and triumphs of four geeks growing up in a poor West Virgina coal-mining town. And unlike Rocky, it's beautifully acted, filmed, and has a killer soundtrack. The movie does an excellent job of showing the hard, dangerous, exasperating yet priceless work of scientific discovery. The boys display curiosity and tenacity throughout. Hollywood typically displays scientists as villains but this movie makes them look heroic in a way that is entertaining. Chillingly, the movie ends with a short clip of a space shuttle lifting off into space. In light of recent events, it's hard to view this movie as mere entertainment. It opens a window onto the struggle to know, to pioneer, and to dream.

2012-05-10 22:07:45

Tremendous Film

This was indeed a tremendous film! It is about a couple of kids growing up in the late 1950s/early 1960s (okay, October 1957 to be more exact) in a small West Virginian town. The town is centered around mining coal and the only real hope of getting out of this 'hickville' is to become a football athlete and perhaps win a scholarship to play at the college level. However, the main character does indeed try but fails. Then he hears about the possibility of winning the national science fair and thus obtain a scholarship in science. It is from here that the main character and his friends decide to build a rocket in the hopes of winning this science fair. There are many other side-stories, and it is based on a true story. Wonderful.

PAUL 2012-05-07 04:23:15

this is a very inspirational movie.

this movie shows that people with a dream,with proper encoruagement and guidance can change the world for the better.see it.

2012-05-06 21:44:51

Low-key, well-made film a must-see

I think I loved just about everything about this film. There was not a bad performance in it, but especially noteworthy was Jake Gyllenhaal, whose portrayal of Homer Hickam was very believable and at times, heartbreaking. The story of how one follows his dreams despite seemingly overwhelming odds is well-told and not without sly touches of humor. The cinematography and costume design are outstanding as well. I too do not get emotional at movies, and I was surprised at how deeply the story moved me. Overall, a truly excellent film.

Mario Bergeron 2012-05-06 10:06:48

Just a regular Hollywood movie

This was very predictable. I knew from the start how it'sgonnaend. And I've got it! I also knew it will have a lot ofclicheabout family life when the father don't understand his son.I'vegot it too! This is just a regular Hollywood movie, a weepingfilm of good sentiments. It is well made, and away fromspecial effects, violence and dumb patriotism. From thispointof view, it is very OK, but really not a great film. Justanother Hollywood movie with fifties juke-box (sometimes,theyears of the songs don't match the year of the story!).ChrisCooper is a fine actor and the kids did a very good job.

2012-05-06 04:48:57

Wonderful

Cannot recommend it highly enough. Very uplifting without being overly sentimental. Just a tremendous movie on every level.

powerkatz2002 2012-05-04 07:56:09

Liked it.

In October Sky the life of Homer Hickam and his friends (not allcharactersin the movie were actually Homer's friends) in Coalwood, WV a town that asthe name suggests primarily mines coal. During the time that the storytakesplace the Russians launch Sputnik and Homer suddenly becomes engrossedwithrocketry and such. His friends reluctantly help him with doing things withhis hobby. Along the way Homer and his friends must overcome people intownwho believe they're lunatics and Homer must overcome his gruff father whoshows no proud in Homer but centers it on his brother Jim a football star.It is an incredible story about overcoming some fierce odds. Some goodacting also helps the film. It was a good film.

2012-05-03 18:02:14

A great movie to watch and talk over with your children

What I like about this story is the way it is honest about the pain involved in stepping away from what is expected of you when you learn what to expect of yourself. There is fear, doubt, and uncertainty, along with the roadblocks and setbacks life throws in your way via family responsibilities, health, and the jealousy and ignorance of others.And it shows the vital role of friendship, mutual support, and the belief of authority figures (the mother and the teacher) in finding a path to success in reaching our goals and dreams. I find the relationship between the father and Homer particularly painful and am always happy to hear Homer finally tell his father that von Braun isn't his hero, that he is. Jake Gyllenhall and Chris Cooper portray this loving but painful relationship very well. The Dad (the always great Chris Cooper) just wants to protect his family. He has a world view limited by a harsh life and he has achieved some success in that world. He wants to protect Homer and help him find his way in that world. Homer has his views opened to something beyond Coalville and his father finds this to be wishful thinking and wasted dreaming without a chance of ever coming true. The movie is inspiring with moments of real fun and sorrow. I think it is a great movie to watch with your kids and then talk over with them. They will see things you don't and you can help them see things that they wouldn't otherwise see until they become responsible adults.I am glad that at the end of the movie they tell us how each of the Rocket Boys found their way in life. Just a very fine movie and a neglected treasure. I am very glad to have this DVD and enjoy seeing it again.

Craig Dobis 2012-05-03 10:20:31

Best movie this decade !!

Better than Titanic, Star Wars, West Side Story, 2001, etc.This is a MUSTsee movie. You will understand once you see it. It truely is the best movieI have ever seen. It has something special that I can't explain. If thismovie can make this 52 year old VietNam veteran cry, there is somethingunique here. Please, see it!

2012-05-03 04:50:47

Genuine and inspiring

An inspiring movie based on the true story of how Homer Hiccum, NASA astronaut trainer, won a college scholarship in a national science fair by building amateur rockets. The October Sky features the classic hero that overcomes the challenges before him to realize a dream. The story is strengthened by not oversimplifying the main antagonists, Homer's father and the small town of Coalwood. While both are often frustratingly intolerant, they are also capable of genuine kindness and eventual support. Overall, an uplifting movie with depth and real heroes.

anonymous 2012-05-01 03:24:09

October Sky is an excellent movie by all standards!

October Sky provides some teaser trailers, and they are awonderful introduction to an excellent movie!This is the ultimate story of just how far one can go when theobstacles are overlooked, and the dream is maintained!Bring the family to this movie, and savor the feelings!

2012-04-30 16:03:15

October Delight! Great Family fare...

This gem of a movie is not to be missed. Well acted, beautifully written, totally entertaining! A teacher(Laura Dern) plants the seed for local high school boys that maybe they can do something with their lives besides follow the local tradition of working the mines after graduating from school. Just maybe there is something else, one boy(Jake Gyllenhaal) fascinated by Sputnik believes he can build a rocket. He enlists the help of some fellow 'dreamers' and these 'lovable losers' go from town laughing stocks to town heroes but his most challenging task will to be to stand up to his father, a mine supervisor (Chris Cooper) and win his approval. Outstanding family fare, strong values, important lessons. A surprise movie with it's depth, sincerity and hope.