Rating: 
Summary: Excellent choice
Review: This movie is one of my favorites. Not only does it show whatfollowing your dreams can do, but it is inspirational. Those people inspired by the Rocket Boy's story should come to Coalwood ,WV in October for the October Sky festival. Homer Hickam and the other Rocket Boys are there to meet with the public. There are a few liberties taken with the movie though. There were six Rocket Boys, not four as seen in the movie and Mr. Hickam never quit school to work in the mine. His father's name was Homer, not John. This movie was a hit in West Virginia, with schools scheduling field trips to see it. I highly recommend this movie for everyone.
Rating: 
Summary: Weak in comparison
Review: If anyone has ready the book, the movie is a huge letdown! It leaves out a lot of details that I, as an Aerospace Engineering student, thought were important to the book. The whole movie lacked the original overall intelligence of the book. The only reason I am giving it two starts is because as a movie it is good, and if you HAVE NOT read the book, i recommend you see the movie first so its not spoiled.
Rating:
Summary: A great movie, a great book, and it's Hickam, not Hickman
Review: October Sky is indeed a great movie as nearly everyone has written in these reviews. But it is based on a great book, too, written by Homer Hickam (not Hickman!!!) titled Rocket Boys or in the paperback version October Sky. The book is quite a bit different from the movie but is every bit as powerful. If you want to know the real story of the Coalwood Rocket Boys and also just read a very good page-turning book, try it and the sequels out, too. The Coalwood Way and Sky of Stone - great books!
Rating:
Summary: Everyone should see this film
Review: In 1957 the Soviet Union launched Sputnik into space and inspired a boy and a nation. Homer Hickman(Gyllenhaal) was a humble kid who dreamed of getting out of his coal mine hometown. His father(Cooper)has different views for his son and wants him to get his head out of the stars. Homer takes the ridicule from his father and then puts out one of the greatest acts of persevarance ever told.Jake Gyllenhaal is great. This is superb acting from this young man. He is one of the fastest rising stars in Hollywood and this is his humble beginnig. He plays Homer well. He plays off the other actors around him well. It's an emotional performance in an emotional tale. Chirs Cooper is quickly becoming one of the best actors alive. His performance as Homer's dad is as good as his performance in American Beauty. Cooper truly becomes the character he plays and thats why he's one of the best actors living. I really think him and Gyllenhaal got snubbed by Oscars for not getting any recognition for there roles. I love October Sky. It's a great movie about hard work and perseverance. Everyone should see this movie. It shows the american dream and what can happen if you have a goal and do everything you can to acheive it. This is a great family film and is one of the best movies ever made.
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring... brilliant acting from Cooper and Gyllenhaal
Review: While I do not see too many films when they are released in theaters, I raced out to catch this one because it seemed to carry such an inspiring message. I'll never forget the mamazing feeling in my heart when I left the movie theater that evening. I could not help but stare up into the sky, feeling like I could reach out and grab the stars. Jake Gyllenhaal perfectly captures the essence of Homer Hickam. While the movie is heavy on melodrama, its perfectly necessary to get the message across. The life that was laid in front of Homer when he was born was not a pleasant one. He was going to work in the mines. His father knew, as did the whole town. But Homer doesn't accept this and his mother and teacher make sure that he does not quit. Chris Cooper is unbelievable. I had not seen his previous work and had no idea who he was. After October Sky I pledged to never miss one of his films, and have yet to be disappointed. The directing is a littleover-the-top and the screenplay had to do a lot of strecthing to make the movie accessible, but these changes do not detract from the story, they enhance it. Two scenes capture how this works. The "Rocket Boys" have been struggling with their propellant for a long time and can't get it right. Finally, they chance upon a solution that might work and when they got to test it, the entire high school and half the town is there to watch. Horrified at the prospect of screwing up in front of the entire town, Homer realizes he has no choice; he can't back down now. When the fuse is lit and the rocket soars perfectly into the sky, you heart swells with pride for what these boys accomplished. And the final scene between Homer and his father still chokes me up as I think about it now. Homer has his speech where he thanks everyone and to his surprise, there is his father, who he invites to press the button to send the last rocket airborne. As his father watches the rocket fly, even he is impressed by what his son accomplishes and he lovingly puts his arm around his shoulders. A beautifully shot scene. Now did these scenes happen exactly like this? The book shows us that they did not. But that doesn't matter. The art of film and the art of writing are completely different. The scenes are precisely what they need to be to put the message across visually. The emotions that these images provoke are visceral, and that is why the movie is so powerful. The supporting cast are wonderfully understated, especially Laura Dern and Chris Owen. The movies beutifully shot and the screenplay is a nice adaptation of a book that is difficult to visualize. Thank you to all involved for giving me a movie that makes me cry every time I watch. I look forward to watching this movie with my children as they grow up.
Rating:
Summary: A great movie to watch and talk over with your children
Review: 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.
Rating:
Summary: really special
Review: a great movie is heartwarming and skilled at being good. as far as great movies go this has to be on my top 10 list. Homer Hickhams story grabs your heart from opening credits to the pleasing end. Homer Hickham was a smart boy with 0 promise until his science teacher taught him what he needed to learn. Homer had always been intrested in rockets and built one. His friends formed an inescapable bond with a group called rocket boys in this touching masterpiece of a movie. And yes it's based on a true story.
Rating:
Summary: Sputnik Was Huge In 1957
Review: OCTOBER SKY is an inspirational movie about a high school sophomore named Homer H. Hickham, Jr. and a few of his buddies in Coalwood, West Virginia. They are inspired by the sight of the Soviet satellite Sputnik which first appeared in the sky in 1957. The boys go on to build rockets and win a big science fair encouraged by their teacher but opposed by just about everyone else in a town where football reigns supreme. Jake Gyllenhaal does an excellent job as Homer Hickham. Other members of a competent cast include Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen, William Lee Scott, Chad Lindberg, Natalie Canerday and Scott Miles. In real life Homer Hickham graduated from Virginia Tech and became a space engineer for NASA. Most of his partners in the rocket project also had successful careers.
Rating:
Summary: OCTBER SKY
Review: This just happens to be my favorite movie. it's movies like this that inspired me to go out and change the world or something. From the first time I saw it, I've been hooked. I recommend this movie to anyone.
Rating:
Summary: Well-acted, inspiring movie
Review: I loved this movie -- Chris Cooper and Jake Gyllenhaal both turned in outstanding performances, and the casting was all-around excellent. I particularly liked Mark Isham's score -- the music was deeply emotional within the context of the story. I've also read the book from which this movie is taken, and it's surprising to me the number of substantial differences. However, both works are outstanding in their own right. As uplifting and memorable as the film is, however, the book just soars beyond it. Both, however, are extraordinary and a very worthwhile way to spend some time.
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