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October Sky (1999)

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From Time Out Film Guide

This adaptation of Homer H Hickam's best selling memoir Rocket Boys is set in a working class corner of the Appalachians, where life for the young folk follows a depressingly familiar pattern: after high school, down the mine. Young Homer (Gyllenhaal) however, gazes up at Sputnik in the night sky and is inspired to join the '50s space race by experimenting with his own homemade rockets. Encouraged by a teacher (Dern), Homer and his pals look to the state and national school science fairs, where college scholarships are up for grabs, thinking the unthinkable for mining town lads. Still, Hickam senior (Cooper, never better), pit foreman, disapproves of such foolishness. Even if Homer were to build a successful rocket, would it create a permanent rift between him and his dad? Director Johnston plays this archetypal tale of small town endeavour straight and simple. Such plainspeaking sincerity might be mistaken for mere slush, but the TV movie subject matter is infused with genuine feeling for the value of learning as a passport to freedom, and an authentic regard for the honest graft of working men.

Author: TJ

Time Out Film Guide

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trish said...

Posted on Nov 04 2008 02:17 i really loved the movie october sky it inspired me so even when no one else believe in somthing that you put your mine to you can always do what you want to even if it's nothing like what your family or your parents want for you.This movie actually teached me somthing which alot of movie's ugually dont.and i find that very funny.THANK YOU VERY MUCH ROCKET BOYS I HOPE YOU REPLY TO ME!

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