Review of October Sky (1999) by Matt P — 17 Dec 2010

October Sky is a film heavy on the stereotypes and the clichà (C)s of hard life in the south. It focuses on the life of a real person, Homer Hickham(played by Jake Gyllenhaal), and his struggle to fulfill his passion in a town where getting a scholarship is a million to one shot and mining coal is the only way of life.

I had originally seen this movie when I was about 10, and it was always one of my favorites. I loved the violin music that complements the nice cinematography showcasing the grit of West Virginia in 1957.

The acting was also very good, even though it may have been stereotyped a big, and the language slacked a little. Chris Cooper plays a convincing and frustrated father who works opposite Jake Gyllenhaal who is a bright young man with huge dreams.

The story is something we've all seen before but just can't stop watching. Joe Johnston, the director, created a very well made movie that makes us feel good as others like "Remember the Titans, " or "The Shawshank Redemption," did.

But again, who can ever tire of that formula? So, looking back at it now, there are some spotty parts and the chances of the 4 "Rocket-boys," actually winning the Science Fair is scarce, but what makes it all tie together is the fact that it was based on a true story.

We can sympathize with the 4 boys because their life is so tough and realistic it's almost heart-breaking to imagine what would've happened if they hadn't won the Science Fair. The way the movie plays out is almost like a Stephen King type story, where there are 4 boys all in a hick town where nothing good ever happens.

Well, this is what a Stephen King story would most likely look like if it had a happy ending. Which is common in a movie like this, and yeah, how often does your dad who hates you ever come to see you perform on your last show? In this movie it appears probable.

For those who may not understand the film's intent, just get it cleared out of the way before you watch the movie, that it IS meant to be uplifting and some what inspirational. I know it was for me when I was 10, and I still look back on it fondly as a favorite.