October Sky (1999)

Don't listen to the negative reviews

This movie was so-so. It had it's moments, but wasn't the greatest.

To all those who have watched it: I hope you enjoyed it as much as I do.

One of the worst ways to make a cult movie is to set out to make a cult movie.

A high school boy's fascination with the Russian Sputnik missile fostered a life long love of rocketry and outer space travel. "October Sky" tells that story of Homer Hickam and his boyhood friends who achieved a level of notoriety in the small town of Coalwood, West Virginia in the late 1950's. The film is inspiring in it's message of believing in yourself and following one's dreams, even in the face of widespread ridicule and family opposition. Homer (Jake Gyllenhaal) and his friends Roy Lee (William Lee Scott), O'Dell (Chad Lindberg) and Quentin (Chris Owen) join forces to develop their own personal answer to the country's space program by repeatedly trying and failing to build a successful rocket, until their perseverance is finally rewarded with a successful launch that amazes even them.A palpable sense of family tension is present throughout however, as Homer's dad expects his son to follow in his footsteps as a home town coal miner. He treats Homer differently from older brother Jim (Scott Thomas), who's athletic ability stands to earn him a college football scholarship, one of the few ways out for a graduating teen growing up in a town with no prospects of it's own. John Hickam (Chris Cooper) doesn't come around to Homer's way of thinking until the very end of the story when the young man's accomplishments earn recognition for himself, his 'Rocket Boys' team, and his high school. And as often is the case, there's a stellar teacher on hand to support the pursuit of knowledge for it's own sake. For Homer, it's Miss Riley (Laura Linney), stricken at an early age with Hodgkins lymphoma, but undeniably a supporter who's belief in Homer puts her in direct conflict with the school principal and it's Board of Ed.I thought it quite interesting that a marquee at a local movie house in the picture was featuring "The Incredible Shrinking Man", a B grade sci-fi flick of the era. I think if you watch that film, you'll find it to be a whole lot better than it would have any right to be based on it's title. In a way, it's diametrically opposite to Homer's goal of reaching for the stars, as it's main character is faced with a dilemma of growing smaller and smaller on a daily basis. At first horrified by that prospect he eventually comes to terms with his plight and endeavors to adapt to a life that brings him new challenges on a daily basis. Any sense of closure for the viewer is left to one's own imagination, a rather daring concept for a film of any genre to propose back in the Fifties. Reading some of the other reviews for the film on this site, it's not surprising to see how many others got misty eyed over the relationship between Homer and his father. The father/son dynamic is one that affects me in similar ways in movies like this, as one looks back over one's life, it's comforting to reflect on those good times that overcame any difficulties. Coming from humble beginnings, I'm sure young men like Homer and his buddies never forgot their roots and where they came from, knowing that their experience might some day inspire others to reach for the stars themselves.One last thought - the title 'October Sky' is a perfect anagram of 'Rocket Boys' - how cool is that?

I am not someone who writes reviews about movies, but then this is my first experience as I couldn't stop myself writing about October Sky. This movie is very close to my heart as it touches every aspect of our lives – aspiration, family, friends and most of all hope. I guess I have now lost the count of me viewing of this movie and trust me every single time I watch it , my heart feels good and my eyes have tears.The most beautiful part of the movie is the father-son relationship. Like Homer, I have grown up watching my dad as my Hero and always wanted to be someone like him, but could never muster the courage to tell him what he means to me. The other thing I love about this movie is the persistence by which one should follow his heart. Watch it with your family and friends and celebrate life in the way it should be. Show it to your kids, for the values it carries. Sad we do not get to see such stuff these days. Rare gem that is not found these days.

"Where there is will, there is a way". This movie is a beautiful illustration of this old saying. This movie released one of the best movies on 1999. It beautifully illustrates the biography of a teen Homer(Chris Cooper) who is ambitious towards rocket science and ends up to be a scientist at NASA despite of all the mishappenings he faces in life. The story is a gem for the teens who are often led down by their dreams and dear ones. Full of emotions and zeal the movie buys one a lot of encouragement to follow ones dreams.It proved very helpful to me and I would recommend it all the people who have been facing a very hard time in life and not been able to do what they want to. The plot and the acting of the cast is great and hence this movie easily and beautifully connects to people who got mind-stuck in teenage. Further the acting is so real that it will take oneself back to the teen life of 1950's in America, which itself is a wonderful experience. Please give it a shot, its worth it.

October Sky clearly shows how you can take a film based off a true story and make it inspirational to others.It's rare to have a film like that and lucky the film does well to help bring this inspirational story. The film just goes many the hope they need to never give up on what you believe in even if no one else does. Believing in yourself changing everything. Plus with great performances by Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern who each brought their game to the film considering the important to the fact the film is based off a true story.The music is very well done along with old classic songs that are played in the film. October Sky shouldn't be miss by anyone who enjoy a great story and strong acting it is a must watchI give October Sky an 8 out of 10