October Sky

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Summary: This movie is great and has my highest reccomendation.
Review: If I were giving out Academy Awards this movie would receive many. Excellent acting and cinematography which truly captured the time period and the hopelessness of an isolated West Virginia mining town. The characters were terrific and I read the book which reveals so much more of them. The opening and closing scenes in the movie were incredible and everything in between was extra icing on the cake. I was suprised that this movie died at the box office even though it is such an inspiration film that allows us all to believe that against impossible odds anything is possible. October Sky is near the top of my Top Ten list of favorite films.

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Summary: October Sky
Review: October Sky is a good movie. Before I thought it would be boring, but it is really very good.

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Summary: this movie is inspiring and wonderful
Review: This movie is great. It is based on a true story and a book. The book is written by Homer Hickam Jr. and is something you have to read after seeing the movie. The actors and actresses in the movie are great and they even have the accent down. This is one movie you don't want to miss!

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Summary: A great movie - you HAVE to see it!
Review: When my mom told me that I had to see this 'cuz it was one of the best movies she'd ever seen I laughed. I complained when she rented it, and I almost just left the room to avoid seeing it. I'm so glad I didn't leave because my mom was right - this movie is incredible. The story is so well told, the acting is so well done, and the scenery is so well filmed that I am amazed this movie was not nominated for any Academy Awards. It is a far more heartfelt movie than Shakespeare In Love will ever be.

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Summary: The top movie of the year.
Review: Enough saying about the wonderful achievement of this movie. The character development is exceptional which carry a simple story to its triumph and satisfying ending. The music is so mellow that it bring you across the emotional spectrum from saddness and hopelessness (coalwood) to triumphant achievement (space shuttle launch) effortlessly. It demostrated success through self assurance, dedication, hardworking, and most all through proper guidence (Miss Riley). A movie that is deserve to be view by every one. A required reading of the origional book for those inner city kids. An era (and area) that is desperating in need for a positive role model. This movie provide the exact one they need. I wonder why we didn't hear anything from NEA? from black activist? from liberal politician?

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Summary: Charriots of Fire for the non-athlete.
Review: Feel good movie of the year. This is Charriots of Fire for us non-athletes. Shows that little guys can be heros too.

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Summary: It's Not Just the Story That's Great
Review: Yes, it's a wonderful true story of perseverence and determination, but a good story can only go so far without some strong storytelling skills backing it up. Yes, Chris Cooper was extraordinary as the father, but Jake Gyllenhaal delivers an honest, fresh, and, most importantly, uncynical performance that doesn't attempt to be ironic or clever like many of his contemporaries--rather, he's being true to that time period. The writing is top-notch, providing each main character (and many secondary ones) a scene or two that changes the way we look at these characters (i.e. when Ms. Reilly walks out on Homer, when the principle applauds the efforts of the Rocketboys, when the mother appears emotionless at the news of her husband's possible demise, etc). And director Joe Johnston gives subtle cinematic images that provoke gigantic emotional responses. This is a superb motion picture--and might I add, it's even better than the book on which the film is based.

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Summary: It rings true.
Review: I have to admit that I sobbed at the very end of this movie. I am a psychologist at a college in West Virginia and have heard from so many small town kids that at least one of their parents didn't want them to pursue their dreams, that education is a waste of time. To see the real pictures of these boys and to see that they all were successful at not "ending up in the coalmines" just made me burst out crying. I wish all parents could watch this movie and learn to appreciate their children for who they are, not who they want the kids to be. Sure, as a movie, there were some flaws; but as a story, it was great!

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Summary: ONE OF THE FEW WORTHWHILE FAMILY FILMS
Review: Homer was a terrible actor but somehow we forgive him because the story has so much heart .. The actor who plays Homer's dad (I'm sorry I do not recall his name) was so superb that he more than pulled up the slack on the other more bland acting. This is a wonderful movie based on a TRUE STORY!

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Summary: Heartwarming drama with an ageless theme
Review: We just purchased the DVD version and it is a "must". Very good audio with rockets going across all 5 channels. The movie itself will warm your heart with the timeless theme of a young man fighting for his dreams and identity against the culture of his town and the ideas of his short-sighted father. Very good story and very good production. Get it!