"Ten...nine...eight...seven...six...five..."
OCTOBER SKY (PG) 
Reviewed February 20, 1999 - Check out the October Sky Website.
Set in 1957, in a small West Virginia coalmining town called Coalwood, October Sky re-tells the true story of Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal), a high school junior who breaks with tradition to pursue his dream. The tradition? A coalminer's life. The dream? Space.
The dream begins after Homer witnesses the Soviet satellite Sputnik streak through the night sky in October of 1957. Recruiting classmates Roy Lee (William Lee Scott), Quentin (Chris Owen), and O'Dell (Chad Lindberg), Homer begins the first of many experiments in building a rocket. At first, the boys meet with little success, simply managing to blow up Homer's frontyard fence, and later misfiring a rocket into the local coalmining facility. Still, the boys persist, scraping together supplies from various sources, and getting the tentative assistance of various townspeople. Encouraged all the while by a supportive teacher, Ms. Riley (Laura Dern), the boys slowly learn about the fundamentals of rocket science, developing enough skill to think about entering the local Science Fair. For Homer and his friends, success at the Fair offers the opportunity for a college scholarship--a way out of a life in the coal mines--and a chance "to be somebody."
Unfortunately for Homer, the road out of Coalwood isn't an easy one. Facing the strong disapproval of his father John (Chris Cooper), who wants Homer to follow in his footsteps at the coalmine, Homer gets caught in circumstances that eventually derail his rocketeering plans. Forget your dreams, Homer, you were born for the mines...
Thus, October Sky presents a number of themes that seek to entertain and inspire: the small town boy in pursuit of a very big dream, the tense father-son relationship that needs to be healed, and the adventure of discovery as the boys reach for the sky. Combined as they are in October Sky, these themes carry an air of honesty and authenticity in this film, and it's generally a pleasure to watch. Throw in the admirable performances by Cooper and Gyllenhaal as father and son, and October Sky becomes a film that is definitely worth recommending.
Still, I should mention that this film also contains a number of subplots (Homer's sporadic love interests, a coalminer's strike, a teacher's sudden illness) that tend to detract from its central themes. Presumably, these subplots were included in order to stay true to Hickam's real-life story, but a number of them seem underdeveloped or out of place in this film. It's not a major gripe on my part, and definitely not enough to keep me from liking October Sky, but it is worth mentioning nonetheless. This film is not perfect, but it is honest and likeable and (at times) exhilirating. To watch a little homemade rocket streak up into the air, and to be moved and amazed by that relatively small achievement...that's the beauty of October Sky, and it is what makes this film as engaging as it does tend to be.
Responses from cyberspace--thanks for writing!
puppet918@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "I
loved the movie!! When I first saw it in Science I cryed. I think that
the boys used the scienitific procsse to understand how to make the rocket
fly. I LOVE ROY ' LEE!!" (12/18/00)
Jessica gives this movie stars: "Jake
G. is so cuit! I found the movie wonderful and the emotion between characters
intense and very realistic. I dedicate this movie to Mrs. C. You know who
you are from Jessica." (9/4/00)
David Rogers gives this movie stars: "No
the rating is not a mistake. I'm just not a drama person. My mom rented
this movie and made me watch it with her. But I also rented a movie that
made siting through this to watch worth it. Maybe you heard of it, it's
called Rush Hour!" (5/9/00)
gurl4jakeg@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "This
is was the BEST movie that I have EVER seen! It is just an all-around great
movie that EVERYONE can enjoy!!!! Jake Gyllenhaal and along with the other
actors and actresses: BRAVO!!! Jake, you did an EXCELLENT job!!!!! Here
is my Jake Gyllenhaal Fan Site!: http://hometown.aol.com/gurl4jakeg/fan.html" (4/26/00)
snooopy247@yahoo.com
gives this movie stars: "I
think that this movie is great! I have also read the book and it is good
too, but I actually enjoyed the movie more than the book for a change!" (2/20/00)
Sarah gives this movie stars: "This
movie was terrific! All my friends and family loved it as well. A very
inspiring story. The fact that Jake Gyllenhall is incredibly cute didn't
hurt the plot any either! It was well casted in all areas." (11/2/99)
Orion gives this movie stars: "This
is the best movie to come to the screen in years. I've never been moved
so deeply by anything than this movie. Great acting by lead, Jake Gyllenhaal." (10/12/99)
midnight3575@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "I
wish I could give it six. I am not one to be touched by movies, but this
one definately did, very deeply. It had a great plot, didn't have to be
bloody or anything, yet really managed to keep me captivated to it. All
of the actors and actresses were well-casted, and did a wonderful job.
It can also be watched by anyone, and always be cool. Everyone would love
it." (6/21/99)
Gillysmith@aol.com
gives this movie stars: "I
worked the southern W Va coal fields for 38 years on the railroad N&W
.The movie was like going back to people and places that still have a special
place in my heart." (5/30/99)
Melissa gives this movie stars: "Jake
Gyllenhaal is sooooooooooooooo hot! I'm an 11 year old girl who's afraid
of most anything. no matter how scary, I would sit through an entire movie
just 2 see him 4 a sec. October Sky is the perfect movie 'cause it's not
scary and my love stared in it. I love u, Jake Gyllenhaal!!!!!" (5/14/99)
70473.3221@compuserve.com
gives this movie stars: "A
great movie the whole family can enjoy. My 10 year old and 13 year old
loved it too. Hard to believe , but the reviews of the book are even better
than the movie. Will get the book too. I highly recommend this movie" (4/25/99)
S4200eh@aol.com gives
this movie stars: "This
movie has proved to be my favorite of all time. I read the book it was
based on and Homer is an even greater guy in real life! I thought the acting
was superb and the music was the most beautiful of all the movies. My favorite
actor in this movie was Chad Lindberg. If anyone knows any way to reach
him I would GREATLY appreciate it! I definately think Jake deserves an
Oscar for his performance!" (4/25/99)
Jo1285@aol.com gives
this movie stars: "This
is the best movie that I have ever seen. Jake Gyllenhaal was fabulous as
Homer. His acting, and looks are sensational. Great movie!!" (4/21/99)
Blondie_iluvu@yahoo.com
gives this movie stars: "I
fell in love with this movie. and all the guys in it! i would recomend
anyone who hasnt seen it to watch it! and for those who have seen it keep
watching it! It s the BEST!!!!" (4/19/99)
kindsay10@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "I
thought the movie was interesting. but what i reallly enjoyed about it
is that 3 out of the 4 guys were hott!!!! espically Jake GGyllenhaal!" (4/16/99)
mmmsquirt@juno.com
gives this movie stars: "It
was a really cool movie that talked about real people. It was fun to watch..." (4/16/99)
silver_aliens@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "This
is the best movie I have ever seen! It was so moving and inspiring." (4/10/99)
chicastar@hotmail.com
gives this movie stars: "October
Sky was really a cute movie. I was especially pleased to see Chad Lindberg
as one of Homer's buddies. I've been a fan of Chad ever since he appeared
on my favorite television show, The X-Files, last year. Feel free to e-mail
me if you know what I'm talking about." (4/8/99)
jo@brace.com gives this
movie stars: "This
was a great movie!! It wasn't too overwhelming, like a lot of the new action
movies that are coming out." (4/8/99)
burrell@sprintmail.com
gives this movie stars: "I
Loved this movie. It encouraged me to dream, no matter how big the dream.
If I work as hard as Homer did, I can achieve it. I would also like to
say how much I repect and admire the actors in this movie. They did a wonderful
job. Especially Jake Gyllenhaal, he did great for his first big film. I
saw the comments about Jake, if anyone wants more info on him I have a
web site about him: http://home.sprintmail.com/~burrell/
" (4/1/99)
Carolina Costigan gives this movie stars: "I
though that the movie was great, amazing and touching." (3/30/99)
shellbell17@home.com
gives this movie stars: "October
Sky is a movie that will touch everyone's heart. It touched mine. This
has to be one of my all time favorite movies. The characters are wonderfully
portrayed. I also agree with showing October Sky in schools. I'm a Senior
and I know my classmates would love it as much as myself." (3/29/99)
uaone@aol.com gives
this movie stars: "An
excellent movie for the family. Strong motivational moving experience that
I enjoyed watching with my children. The father and son differences made
for a moving reflection on my own childhood. I recommend this movie to
anyone who doubts ones own abilities." (3/29/99)
baconao@aol.com gives
this movie
stars: "that was the best drama i've ever seen i recommend that everybody
sees it at least twice" (3/28/99)
CL.MURDOC@aol.com
gives this movie
stars: "October Sky was both an inspiring movie, and a very touching
movie. It taught me to reach for the stars, and to pursue my dreams, and
that if you want something bad enough, and you work hard to get it, anything
is possible. The images in this movie were awe-inspiring: when he sets
his final rocket off and you see it go up into the sky, and the night sky
when you first see Sputnik, are incredible. This movie was very moving,
and I would like to highly commend the brilliant actors that brought this
movie to life. To see the achievements of these "rocket boys"
restored my faith in dreaming and that if you truly believe in something,
and you work for it, you can achieve it." (3/27/99)
bohicket@mailcity.com
gives this movie
stars: "This wasone of the best movies I have ever seen. Very well
kept to book and Jake Gyllenhall is SOO cute!!" (3/27/99)
Shannon gives this movie
stars: "I thought that all of the guys in the movie were cute and
great actors!" (3/26/99)
syber_jedi@hotmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "This Movie was great, it had me captivated the entire time.
It's nice to see the Hollywood doesn't have to use sex and Violence in
it's films to make a good movie." (3/20/99)
cfpeck@hiwaay.net
gives this movie
stars: "
Wonderful Movie.for all parents and students to view..this
movie brought back memories of my High School Days in the late fifties
of
my science class rocket project and the excitement that followed
. A great movie." (3/20/99)
zesty84@aol.com gives
this movie
stars: "I give October Sky 5 stars because it was an extremely touching
movie. People of all ages will be forever affected by the way Homer
Hickam was determined to work his way to the science fair and win the scholarship.
It makes you wanna go out ond build a rocket." (3/20/99)
moose54@world-net.net
gives this movie
stars: "This is on of the best movies that I have seen in the past
ten years. My reading Professor gave us extra credit for going to see it
and I know that I really do not want the extra credit. I grew and matured
as a man and as a student by viewing this film. Future teachers could use
all this film to show their students the value of their own self will.
The film was inspiring and very moving. These rocket boys tought us all
that fighting for your dreams is not a endeavor that is not worth chasing,
and always follow your dreams, they can come true." (3/13/99)
tyyger@hiline.net
gives this movie
stars: "The Movie was incredible. I've seen 3 times already. Hats
off to Homer Hickman. We need more heros like him. The images in the film
was awesome (the night sky the stars... I felt like I could do anything.
If I want it as bad as Homer. Oh....Homer dad... I think I know a man just
like him ... and thank God Mother like his.. I will defintely buy the video
and show it to my classes. God Bless Homer Hickman... and all who brought
us his story." (3/12/99)
oh_bebe@hotmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "October sky was the best movie I have seen for as long as
i can remember. I also want to go into space, so it was very touching.
It will be one of my favorites forever. Jake Gyllenhaal did an excellent
job playing Homer H. Hickam jr. If anyone has any info on how i can reach
Mr. Hickam i'd greatly appreciate it. Thanks" (3/8/99)
berniem@wave.home.com
gives this movie
stars: "i gave this movie 5 stars because i enjoyed watching every
min. of it. i probably would not have enjoyed the film as much if the very
talented actor jake wasn't in it. if you have any information about him
i would love to have it." (3/7/99)
kat_win@hotmail.com
gives this movie
stars: "This is the best movie I've ever seen. I will see it agian
and again. Thank you! A True West Virginian" (3/1/99)
