World Famous Comics: October Sky (Special Edition)
October Sky (Special Edition)
Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen, William Lee Scott Directed By: Joe Johnston Average Rating: Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Audience Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested) Binding: DVD Format: AC-3, Closed-captioned, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, Dubbed, DVD-Video, Special Edition, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Universal Studios Number of Items: 1 Region Code: 1 Release Date: January 25, 2005 Running Time: 108 minutes Theatrical Release Date: February 19, 1999
Amazon.com: Based on the memoir Rocket Boys by Homer H. Hickam Jr., October Sky emerged as one of the most delightful sleepers of 1999--a small miracle of good ol' fashioned movie-making in the cynical, often numbingly trendy Hollywood of the late 20th century. Hickam's true story begins in 1957 with Russia's historic launch of the Sputnik satellite, and while Homer (played with smart idealism by Jake Gyllenhaal) sees Sputnik as his cue to pursue a fascination with rocketry, his father (Chris Cooper) epitomizes the admirable yet sternly stubborn working-man's ethic of the West Virginia coal miner, casting fear and disdain on Homer's pursuit of science while urging his "errant" son to carry on the family business--a spirit-killing profession that Homer has no intention of joining.
As directed by Joe Johnston (The Rocketeer), this wonderful movie is occasionally guilty of overstating its case and sacrificing subtlety for predictable melodrama. But more often the film's tone is just right, and the spirit of adventure and invention is infectiously conveyed through Gyllenhaal and his well-cast fellow rocketeers, whose many failures gradually lead to triumph on their makeshift backwoods launching pad. Capturing time and place with impeccable detail and superbly developed characters (including Laura Dern as an inspiring schoolteacher), October Sky is a family film for the ages, encouraging the highest potential of the human spirit while giving viewers a clear view of a bygone era when "the final frontier" beckoned to the explorer in all of us. --Jeff Shannon
Description: Coalwood, West Virginia, 1957. Working in the coal mines is an inescapable way of life in this small town. When high schooler Homer Hickam, Jr. (Jake Gyllenhaal) sees the Sputnik satellite in the night sky, he dares to break free of the mines and reach for the stars. With the support of his teacher (Laura Dern) and three friends, Homer sets out on an inspiring quest to build his own rocket. Overcoming a poor education, a tough father (Chris Cooper) and a series of misfires, Homer turns his dreams into reality in this incredible true story of hope, determination and triumph. "You'll laugh with it, cry with it, and go away absolutely loving it," says Robert Butler (Knight Ridder News Service) of the critically acclaimed October Sky.
This special edition dvd includes:
*Aiming High: The Story of the Rocket Boys, starring the real Rocket Boys. *Feature Commentary with Homer Hickam *Spotlight on Location *Production Notes *Theatrical Trailer
Dreams Come True My Grandson is six and wants to build a rocket. He watched this movie and now I am convinced, he will build a rocket.
October Sky - family viewing No gratuitous sex, violence or foul language may be disappointing for some, but we find it refreshing. It is difficult to find movies with a great story that don't offend our sensibilities. With four grandchildren ages 8-16 we are pleased that we can share this with them.
Superb. October Sky starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper and Laura Dern is a stunning and an important coming of age film based on a true story. The acting is flawless and the story of a young boy going for his dream is very inspiring. Great film to watch with family and friends, I highly recommend it, enjoy!
Great Family movie Don't know how I missed this movie when it came out. A very good movie, that the whole family can enjoy. Based on a true story of the rocket boy who was in the news lately commenting on the military's ability to shoot down a falling satellite.
Wonderful movie! This is one of the best movies of all times...especially if you are a teacher! Wow! Very heartwarming!
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