Movie Review # 481: October Sky (1999)

Hi everyone! Hope you are all doing well! Today, we are going back, once again, to the late 1990s. In fact, we are reviewing a film that was based on a true story, and was released just the year before the 1990s decade ended, and the 2000s were welcomed into the world. Made by Universal Pictures, and released on February 19th, 1999, the movie is October Sky.

Plot: Based on true events that occurred in October 1957, the film takes place in the former town of Coalwood, West Virginia. The film also centers around a citizen of that former town named Homer Hickam, and his journey to becoming one of the best rocket engineers/builders in the US, maybe even in the world.

First of all, even if there are a few differences between this film, and the actual events that occurred in real life, October Sky is definitely a phenomenal film. I mean let’s appreciate the fact that this film is rated PG. Seeing as that proves that kids can even watch this film with parents, that’s a big plus. Not only are parents going to like this film to see the history aspect film, kids might enjoy that aspect too. However, what kids may enjoy more than that is how much they can learn from this film, like how there was a mining town in West Virginia called Coalwood, learning how rockets work, and things like that. I was surprised to learn from this film, for example, that engineer experts especially can detect where exactly rockets end up landing on the ground, and other aspects of that nature. Additionally, the acting is great, from Jake Gylenhaal, Laura Dern, and Chris Cooper to name a few. Chris Cooper, as Homer’s father, John Cooper was especially really great, like anything else he’s been in. On a side note, it is interesting that Cooper would go from movie roles like this one to roles that would involve him rapping in one of the musical numbers for 2011’s The Muppets. Not to mention the same going to Gylenhaal going from a role like this to playing the role of an epic warrior in a film like 2010’s Prince Of Persia: The Sands Of Time. What also makes this film really great is how it doesn’t shy away from some of the difficulties of life that occurred during the time that this film took place, most notably when it came to some of the people working in coal mines. Moreover, the characters are really great, and stand out well. However nice, or cruel some of the people may act at points in this film, you seem to have an understanding of where most of them are coming from. Oh, and Mark Isham’s score is really good too, particularly near the end of this film. Speaking of the music, the soundtrack is also really good. That is especially since it keeps in with the times of the type of music that played during this particular point in time. Sure, maybe people who grew up closer to this era may appreciate the soundtrack a little more. Still, even people both in later decades following the 1950s might enjoy the soundtrack to an extent too. There is some bad language frokmtike to time, but not by much, thankfully. And thankfully, it won’t be bad enough to deter the younger ones from enjoying this film at any rate. Oh, and it would be stupid not to mention how phenomenal, engaging, and overall memorable this film is. Finally, and the messages from this film are really good too, especially the whole thing about not letting others define who you are, and never giving up on your dreams, and passions.

And that’s my review for October Sky. Are adults likely to enjoy this film more than kids? Perhaps! However, because of how interesting it is, and how much one can learn from this film, kids are bound to really enjoy it too. Honestly, it wouldn’t be surprising if October Sky were to be a rather inspiration for young children. The story is fantastic, and engaging, the characters are memorable, the soundtrack is great, and October Sky is bound to be a very classic film overall that will be very inspiring to people in one way, or another. If you haven’t seen October Sky even twenty two years later yet, definitely do. You would be surprised by how amazing this film is.

Final Grade: A+