DVD REVIEW: OCTOBER SKY

DVD REVIEW: OCTOBER SKY
Shock Entertainment
1 June, 2016
Reviewed by Shane Pinnegar
8 ½ /10

Based on the true story of Homer Hickman and three friends, affectionately known as The Rocket Boys, who grew up dreaming of escaping the dead-end coal mining life of Coalwood, West Virginia, October Sky is an uplifting and heart-warming tale of rising above the odds to achieve spectacular results.

Hickman – played earnestly by Jake Gyllenhaal – leads his buddies on a quest to build a functioning rocket after watching the first Sputnik launch. Encouraged by teacher Miss Riley (Laura Dern), they overcome obstacles such as abusive or absent parents, their disgruntled and unbelieving school principal, and the myriad technical hurdles present in the project by a combination of study, mentorship, and sheer ingenuity.

After making ground Miss Riley presents the boys with a new challenge: enter their creation in the national science fair, with the prize of college scholarships up for grabs to the winners.

October Sky is a truly inspirational film which resonates to this day, encouraging the viewer to follow their dreams and believe in themselves, and the power of knowledge.

Category: Movie & Theatre Reviews