Rating: 
Summary: Best Movie of 1999!
Review: Ok, there are so many things about this movie to like. I originally took my 10 yr old daughter to see the movie about some boys flying rockets because i used to do it. WOW, not only does that bring memories back but the movie is so wonderful that it keeps you watching from beginning to end. Its a good story based on the book "The Rocket boys"and without a doubt, the best movie of 1999 for me. Dreams can come true!
Rating: 
Summary: We need more movies like this one
Review: I like a mindless action thriller as much as the next guy, but this is not one of those. This is a moving and unplifting film that celebrates the potency and romance of human reason and the impulse to explore and create. It's also a film that doesn't go soft on the realities of life in a coal mining town. The essential conflict is between a boy's dream of building rockets and his hard-nosed father's blunt realism. His father is an honorable man who loves his son, but demands that he follow him into the mines after high school. Laura Dern is wonderful as usual as the teacher who encourages the Rocket Boys. In fact, this is one of the best cast films I've seen in a while, and everyone is spot on. I'm of the school of thought that only people who really like engineeering should go into the field - not just because of the prospects of steady employment. If you have a child who may be interested in science or engineering, I recommend you buy them this video. It contains only brief and relatively mild episodes of violence, no overt sex, no drugs, and mild swearing of the sort they'll hear far more of on any middle school campus. Lots of explosions, though, and the hazards of coal mining.
Rating:
Summary: An unexpected jewel --
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring, it's time to cheer.
Review: I can honestly say there is nothing wrong with this un-noticed gem of a movie. The characters in this film are very well thought out, and after watching it for a while, you'll wish you were there with them, experiencing what they are. Wheather you are young or old, you will enjoy this movie, it is almost impossible not to. It's one of those rare films that can make a grown man cry. It's too bad this movie was overlooked, I guess it wasn't advertised enough. The truth is, it really deserves attention, this is a wonderful, inspiring film. It is good for all ages. It's too bad the DVDs documentary is only 10 minutes, such a wonderful film deserves more. Most Highly Reccomended.
Rating:
Summary: Clean, Inspiring, and Family-oriented
Review: This wonderful film gets my nod for the best of 1999. It's an inspirational, coming-of-age, true story about one boy's pursuit of a dream and the obstacles in his path. The relationship between son and father is wonderfully acted and many will identify with the struggles of a son who clashes with his father, in many ways because they are so much alike. This is an uplifting film - the kind you would like to see Hollywood producers make more of.
Rating:
Summary: A Hidden Treasure
Review: This movie didn't exactly get much attention but it sure does deserve it. Great movie.
Rating:
Summary: Great movie!
Review: I didn't get to watch this movie on the big screen but rented it a week or two after it was released on video and I'm glad I did. This movie is great. It shows that anyone from anywhere can go places in their life if their determined. I'm a 23 year old guy and it definately inspires me. The acting of each person was superb and very touching. When Titanic came out, I didn't cry at the end of the movie but I teared up for this one. It hits home for many people, especially since it is a true story. I cannot believe that this movie was not nominated for any OSCARS. What a shame because this is NOT a movie to pass up. It is very worth the purchase and time to watch. Afterwards, I purchased the book and read it, which is even more indepth and powerful.
Rating:
Summary: The most beautiful movie in existence
Review: The acting in this movie by Jake Gylennehall and Laura Dern was exquiset. The story was superbly told based on the book Rocket Boys by Homer Hickam. I highly suggest you see this movie. It was truly an "AMERICAN BEAUTY" I wonder why it wasn't nominated for any oscars? OH, if you like this movie i also reccomend you see SIMON BIRCH.
Rating:
Summary: An Insperation That Will Live In Your Heart
Review: When released in 1999 this little movie was a movie that i knew nothing about and i was not sure if i wanted to see it. Although on a saturday afternoon i decided to see it and was i glad because this movie is about Homer H. Hickam Jr living in a small town named coalwood in 1957 when the russians launched Sputnik. Since he is destined to work down in the mines like his father he tries to make it out of there. Homer is played by newcomer Jake Gyllenhaal in a stand out performance. Chris Cooper as the gung ho dad about mining coal in a particularly strong performance and Laura Dern as Ms Riley who encourages the boys to go for there dreams or they will be in the mines. Told with impeccable detail to the sets and the Photography it has the right look and feel to it. Directed by Joe Johnston who is know for such movies as The Rocketter is new and brings this movie to life. The end of the movie is very moving. Guarented you will go out loving this movie. This is one of the best films of 1999 and really deserves to be seen. Truly a movie that will live in your heart forever.
Rating: 
Summary: A missed opportunity, but a treat nevertheless
Review: Having read Homer H. Hickam's wonderful memoir, 'Rocket Boys', upon which October Sky is based, I decided to buy the DVD blind as the film did not recieve a national theatrical release in the UK, my home. I must say I rather enjoyed it. Joe Johnston has made a warm, evocative film but one feels he failed to make the most of his source material. Lewis Colick's script seems to skip over or marginalise the very elements that made 'Rocket Boys' such a gripping, moving read. However, the cast is very charming, there's plenty of laughs and smiles to be had, and it's a hard heart that isn't moved at the film's end. It's no Stand By Me, but October Sky is a great film. As for the disc: picture is superb, sound a little ropey (it's hard to make out what the characters are saying sometimes), and given that the film is based on a true story, the bonus material would have greatly benefited from a documentary.
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