Film Review - October Sky

October Sky can be a difficult movie to watch. Not because it portrays gory horrors, but because its pace suits the location where the story takes place.

In rural Virginia in the 1950s, a boy's dream is sparked after the Soviet Union launches Sputnik. The boy wants to learn all about rockets. Soon he begins talking about making rockets his profession. This creates the main conflict of the story. Young Homer's father is the foreman at the town's coal mine. He expects his son to follow in his footsteps. He discourages Homer from continuing his hobby.

October Sky is about following one's dreams no matter what people around you are saying, even your parents. Homer enlists the help of his friends. Together they build launching facilities, and rockets that go higher and higher. Throughout this story, the relationship between father and son is strained more and more.

This is a great story. It is shot in a re-creation of the mining town it was set in. Life here is slow, which is why this can be hard to watch: the story itself is slow. But that is the only way to present this story. The film's natural light look equally gives one the idea of being out in the sticks. Forget about special effects -- the wonder in this picture is in Homer's eyes.

Slight Suction!

Film Facts

Directed by Joe Johnston

Released in 1999

MPAA Rating: PG

Reviewed by Mongo