October Sky

I actually rented the movie to see Laura Dern. Was not too impressed at first until I learned it was a real life story of a man named Homer Hickam from the coal mining area of West Virginia who was more interested in rockets after he saw Sputnik. At that period of time I had just gotten married, stationed in the D. C. area and was watching the sky like everybody else, but saw nothing. Here's the chill part!! I never heard of Homer Hickam until 24 hours ago. On the news tonight, 1/15/06, there was a memorial service for those miners who died in the mines early this week. A man was speaking to the crowd..a name came on the screen, Homer Hickam! 1/16/06. After seeing the movie again, I was moved by the story and really enjoyed it and it brought back memories of that period. Had to change to a 10. I must say, a very wonderful movie, hated to take it back. All were new actors to me except Homer Sr, and Laura Dern. They were all just great and I'm usually critical of new faces.

This is a perfect family movie. Telling the truly inspiring story of a man who embodied the idea that nothing is impossible. I saw this movie in theaters as a kid with my father and it left my jaw on the floor. I recently rewatched this with my own child and she told me that she now wants to be an astronaut. This true story should continue to inspire generations. Just as it inspired me and now my own child. If you have not seen this movie I can not praise and recommend it enough. Enjoy!

I almost gave this a 10, but that's reserved for movies like 'The Godfather', I'm afraid. You know what makes a great film? Something that makes you feel deeply at the end. That's real art. Here is what this film has: 1) A great, true story that is Capraesque. 2) Excellent acting. 3) Fine direction. 4) Emotional impact. I have watched this movie many times, and it never gets old. I love films based upon true stories in which Hollywood would have a hard time making up. By the way, a great family film.

This was very predictable. I knew from the start how it's gonna end. And I've got it! I also knew it will have a lot of cliche about family life when the father don't understand his son. I've got it too! This is just a regular Hollywood movie, a weeping film of good sentiments. It is well made, and away from special effects, violence and dumb patriotism. From this point of view, it is very OK, but really not a great film. Just another Hollywood movie with fifties juke-box (sometimes, the years of the songs don't match the year of the story!). Chris Cooper is a fine actor and the kids did a very good job.

Although October Sky is based on a true story, the movie's characters all fall into very specific charactures I'm sure you've seen hundreds of times. That said, its important to watch this movie not looking for 2001 a space odyssey, but for something simple and sweet. The movie uses a variety of common button-pushing/sentimental tricks like: good music (both powerful and sad), family stuff, underdog themes, dirty faces, dying young etc. Although these scenes are very easy to spot, its tough to resist they're charm. In particular is the finale which is button-pushing at its most, yet the facial expressions of the characters, especially Chris Cooper (fine performance) got me. My button was pushed!! Good movie, but not provacative or particularly intruiging, but oh well, October Sky is not that kind of movie. Not every movie can (or should) be an Apocalypse Now or an Amadeus.