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Summary: Inspirational AND entertaining...
Review: ...and how many movies deserve that combined accolade today? But it isn't preachy or dull. Superb acting and directing, and a wonderful -and true! - story.(No need to provide details, since other reviews have already done so.) This is one you'll want to own. The story is timeless, and you'll want to share it with your kids -please do! - and friends and family for years to come. So this gem belongs in your video collection.
Don't be deterred by the fact that the film didn't do well at the box office. Without sex, gratuitous violence, or multi million dollar studio hype,what did you expect?
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Summary: Based on the book based on a true story
Review: OK, this isn't a faithful recreation of the superb book, but like the book made a few small changes over the amazing real-life story of Homer Hickham and his friends to make it more legible, so too does the movie make a few changes to make it easier to see. The main thrust of the story is unchanged. Homer Hickham sees the Soviets make some early points in the space race and decides to do his bit to catch up, at the same time learning a lot of lessons about school, his family, his community and his nation.Make no mistake - this is a feel-good story and you will be left with a lump in your throat as you win through all the trials and troubles along the way. You will be proud of Homer, his family and friends. And you will be proud of the USA, because Homer, and hundreds of thousands like him, worked to make the early space programs bigger and better, until an American stood on the moon, and later, much later, a piece of one of Homer's original rockets made it into orbit on the space shuttle. I recommend reading the book if you want to sort out the details the movie was forced to leave out, and understand the changes made. For instance, Homer is actually Homer Hickham Jr - his father was called Homer as well, not John as in the movie. A small and unimportant change made to reduce confusion, but if you want the facts, read the book. I particularly liked the fact that right at the end of the movie we get to see actual photographs of the real people in the story. Homer has written more inspiring books and in these dark days I cannot help but recommend them as well.
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Summary: SOOOO FAT!......
Review: I got this movie for my birthday AND IT RULZ!... It's about rockets rockets rockets!... iF YOU DON'T LIKE IT, your somewhat like an alien. IT IS COOL. MAN DUDE.!...
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Summary: This is one great movie!
Review: This film brings back memories of "Stand by Me". It just had that certain feel to it. This film was filmed in West Virginia, where my grandparents live. Most of the scenery was familiar to me. This was a great story about a boy who fought for his right to live his dream. It was very sentimental, and the scenes between the boy and his father were powerful. You will not be disappointed in this film. You MUST own it!
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Summary: A great movie, triumphantly told
Review: This is a great movie with a story that is much larger than its parts. I am a lover of the book on which it is based - Homer Hickam's Rocket Boys. Rocket Boys is quite a bit different, more intricate, more passionate in its description of Coalwood and the people who lived, worked, and died there. But both book and movie have the same passionate belief in the ultimate victory of perseverance over any hardship. Only a cynic, sunk into depression, will not enjoy this film. Come to think of it, he'll enjoy it, too, and perhaps not be so much a cynic afterwards. October Sky is also a great tonic against depression although the book is even better for that particular bitter disease.
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Summary: It would take steel cable to keep you watching this flick.
Review: Every once in a while a movie comes along that people drag you out to. And even though you want to leave you can't... this is one of those movies. It is a waste of time, the plot stinks and the only people wh like it are the literary junkies who liked the book. It's no wonder why this thing was kicked out of theatres within a month.
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Summary: It will take a rocket engine to pull you away from this one.
Review: If you are getting tired of movies that have heroes who are judged by their sense of fashion rather than their ethics or the prevailing Tom Green/American Pie style of toilet humor, then you might want to check out OCTOBER SKY. It has all the makings of a masterpiece; realism, great acting, a positive message, and it's entertaining. Set in a small coal mining town in 1957 West Virginia, many people are saddened by the fact that the Russians launched Sputnik. Not Homer Hickam. Instead Homer - who starts out as a student who does not work to his full potential - gets inspired. He and his three best friends start trying harder in school and conducting their own little rocket launches. The boys find themselves at odds with many of the town's people - Homer's father in particular - who believe the future is in coal-mining, not rocket science. But even with all that they are up against, Homer and his friends refuse to give up. Living not far from West Virginia, I can honestly say that these characters were realistic and complex. There were no villains, only people with differing viewpoints. I especially liked how the teenagers were portrayed. So many movies and TV shows treat teenagers as if they only think about sex, fashion, partying, etc. In OCTOBER SKY, the teenagers have more substantial goals and feelings - like avoiding a future, or lack thereof, in the coal mines. I not only recommend OCTOBER SKY, in fact I urge people to watch it. Even with the light profanity, I can't think of a better movie for kids to watch. This is a movie that should be showed in schools because of its message to do your best no matter how bad things look.
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Summary: theamazonking
Review: Lifts your spirit, makes your mind soar, and opens your heart. I have been to Coalwood, its a town trapped in time by the big coal companies. Many of the workers have been forgotten, let with little money, and far less help. If you ever get a chance to go to Coalwood, go, visit the people, talk with them. Its then you will know what I am talking about, and the movie will be more clear.
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Summary: An excellent book sometimes results in a great movie....
Review: which can be surprising! Readers find that many of their favorite books translate poorly to the screen.... "October Sky", the screen version of Homer Hickam's autobiography, "Rocket Boys" is just the opposite. Joe Johnston directs a talented, and somewhat unknown cast in a beautifully paced, visually fulfilling film that yes, can be described as "heartwarming", without being maudlin or corny! Gifted actor/actress Chris Cooper and Laura Dern play pivotal, if small, roles in the coming of age tale of young Hickam, who developed his passion for space exploration in the Kennedy years, in West Virginia. Austere and poor, the town of Coalwood earns its livelihood from the danger and depression that surrounds the central employer, the coal mines. Getting out of Coalwood has only been accomplished by talented football players - Hickam is not! New find Jake Gyllenhaal, with extraordinary timing and quiet charisma, plays young Homer, with passion and humor. Surrounding him are believable young actors as his buddies, as they embark on the true story of discovering the hobby of rocketry, and use the hobby as a foundation for all their future hopes and dreams. Along the way, they bring the town to life and make believers out of many, including Cooper, as Homer's father. Gyllenhaal has had limited screen exposure, but many fans are awaiting his upcoming roles in summer movies, "Highway" and "The Bubble Boy". He demonstrates extraordinary range in his role as Homer Hickam. Almost unnoticed, but unique, in the film is his mother, from whom the real Homer must have inherited his dreams and his vision. A small town Mom in the 60's, she occupies her spare time by painting a mural in her kitchen! The special edition DVD has some excellent "making the movie" features, and the follow up spotlights on the real Homer and his family and friends are interesting and found on all versions. October Sky, although generally praised by the critics, did not reach a large audience in theaters. It's appeal, however, is for everyone. See it soon!
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Summary: The October Sky is a great movie
Review: October Sky Join the conversation! Write a review of this item and share your thoughts. Please be sure to focus your comments on the video. Read our review guidelines for more information. You can also look at some example customer reviews before you writ your own. OK. Let's get started!
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