Review of October Sky (1999) by Adrian F — 06 Jan 2010
This film is truly moving and inspiring. It features a brilliant combination of angst, drama, and even a little comedy. Gyllenhaal and Cooper deserve many kudos, but also Natalie Canerday as the mother and William Lee Scott as Roy Lee deserve recognition. October Sky is representative of the era, not only from the "Sputnik" angle, but also the coal mining-company town aspect.
The final scenes of the space shuttle's launch might never have come to fruition without the dedication of the Homer Hickams of this country. The post-Sputnik science-ed. sensation is certainly worthy of this fine treatment. I shared the pride that all of Coalwood felt when the "rocket boys" won the national science fair. The theme that hard work and dedication lead to success may seem old-fashioned, but here its done to perfection. It is not sugary nor schmaltzy, though it could have easily slipped into that trap.
One more thought: my wife mocked the Appalachian accents a little, but I thought they were good, not overdone as southern accents usually are in movies.
This review of October Sky (1999) was written by Adrian F on 06 Jan 2010.
October Sky has generally received very positive reviews.
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