October Sky
Based on an extraordinary true story
Coalwood, West Virginia, 1957. Working in the coal mines is an inescapable way of life in this small town. When high schooler Homer Hickman, Jr. (Jake Gyllenhaal) sees the Sputnik satellite in the night sky, he dares to break free of the mines and reach for the stars. With the support of his teacher (Laura Dern) and three friends, Homer sets out on an inspiring quest to build his own rocket. Overcoming poor education, a tough father (Chris Cooper) and a series of misfires, Homer turns his dreams into reality in this incredible true story of hope, determination and triumph. "You'll laugh with it, cry with it, and go away absolutely loving it," says Robert Butler (Knight Ridder News Service) of the critically acclaimed October Sky.
Member Reviews
"Sometimes you really can't listen to what anybody else says... - YPlovesmovies
..you just gotta listen inside"
This is an unbelievable, heart warming and moving story about perseverence and not leeting anything or anyone stand in a way of your dreams!
Homer is such an inspirational young man, i was amazed at how someone can change their ways to such a degree! going from not knowing much math to learning everything there is to know in order to build rockets!
Every kid need to watch this movie for inspiration!!Science is Cool and Geeks Rule! - SooGuy
High School student Homer Hickman is facing a future of working West Virgina coal mines unless he can find a ticket out of the company run town he lives in. Homer find inspiration in the launch of the Russian sattelite Sputnik in October 1957 and the encouragement of his teacher Miss Riley. Struggling against the wishes of his father who runs the local coal mine Homer bands together with three unlikely misfits to become the Rocket Boys and struggle to realize their dreams and build amateur rockets and compete in a science fair that promises a way out of their limited future.
The movie based on a real story hits all the right notes and has solid performances by not only Gyllenhaal as Homer and Laura Dern as Miss Riley, but also the supporting cast.
Even the heavies in the movie John Hickman, Homer's Dad played by Chris Cooper and the High School Principal played by Chirs Ellis come across as sympathetic hard asses in the end.
An inspiring story and great insight into a unique period of American history. Well worth the watch.Living in a small town, somewhere in America…. - action
Living in a small town, somewhere in America…. Young people have their dreams, for us, parents, their dreams are Utopian most of the time, especially when somebody is dreaming about building rocket in the late 50. What is important for young generation is to keep going and knocking down all the barriers they might find on the way, just focus on and reach for the sky. But…they need our support, without it is helpless, powerless, you name it. The story is beautifully filmed, with the character of the time, Chris Cooper acting is perfect, and he is born to be a tough father and husband.
Homer by Gyllenhaal, I expected more aggressive reactions from him to fulfill his dream, but...maybe the original was built this way.
Family time movie, high recommended.
Member Reviews
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"Sometimes you really can't listen to what anybody else says... - YPlovesmovies
..you just gotta listen inside"
This is an unbelievable, heart warming and moving story about perseverence and not leeting anything or anyone stand in a way of your dreams!
Homer is such an inspirational young man, i was amazed at how someone can ...Science is Cool and Geeks Rule! - SooGuy
High School student Homer Hickman is facing a future of working West Virgina coal mines unless he can find a ticket out of the company run town he lives in. Homer find inspiration in the launch of the Russian sattelite Sputnik in October 1957 and the encouragement ...Living in a small town, somewhere in America…. - action
Living in a small town, somewhere in America…. Young people have their dreams, for us, parents, their dreams are Utopian most of the time, especially when somebody is dreaming about building rocket in the late 50. What is important for young generation is ...