In October of 1957, the Soviet Union launched
Sputnik I, the first artificial satellite. Though because
of the Cold War the launch was received with some amount
of trepidation, it was also impossible not to marvel at
the triumph of the endeavor. One of the people who responded
with amazement was Homer Hickam, a high school student in
Coalwood, West Virginia. He and his friends take up amateur
rocketry with the goal of entering the National Science
Fair, but the townspeople and particularly Homer’s
father think it’s a waste of time as it’s expected
that all young men from the town will find jobs in the mine.
In his first lead role, Jake Gyllenhaal plays Homer in
a performance that initially introduced us to his acting
talent. While the main plot is one about following your
dreams, October Sky also provides an authentic portrayal
of the father-son relationship. Chris Cooper plays the father
in a role that could have simply been framed as a villain,
but Cooper imbues him with character and respect as a father
who is simply doing what he thinks is best for his son.
The other refreshing aspect of the film is that it depicts
learning as an exciting activity and education as a vehicle
to fulfill your dreams.
October Sky picked up several awards including Best Family
Film from the Broadcast Film Critics Association and the
Humanitas Prize which honors stories that affirm the dignity
of the human person.
-- Dan Krovich
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