Film Recommendations:

OCTOBER 2023:

Directed by Joe Johnston, Screenplay by Lewis Colick, Based on "October Sky" by Homer Hickam, Produced by Charles Gordon, and Larry J. Franco, Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, Laura Dern, with Cinematography by Fred Murphy, and Edited by Robert Dalva, with Music by Mark Isham, and Distributed by Universal Pictures (1999) — *October Sky* (1999)

Rocketing to Inspiration…

October Sky is a compelling biographical drama directed by Joe Johnston, based on the memoir of the same name by Homer H. Hickam Jr., a coal miner’s son who defied the odds to become a NASA engineer. With a stellar cast including Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, and Laura Dern, the film chronicles Homer’s journey from Coalwood, West Virginia to the heights of space exploration, inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957. The screenplay by Lewis Colick brings Hickam’s memoir to life, highlighting themes of determination, family conflict, and the pursuit of one’s dreams against all odds.

Joe Johnston directing "October Sky" (1999) in Coalwood, West Virginia. Photo Credit: Universal Pictures Joe Johnston (born c. 1950) is an American film director, producer, writer, and visual effects artist. He is best known for directing effects-driven films, including Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989); The Rocketeer (1991); Jumanji (1995); Jurassic Park III (2001); The Wolfman (2010); and Captain America: The First Avenger (2011).

October Sky is the first memoir in a series of four, by American engineer Homer Hickam Jr. originally published in 1998 as Rocket Boys. Later editions were published under the title October Sky as a tie-in to the 1999 film adaptation. It is a story of growing up in a mining town, and a boy's pursuit of amateur rocketry in a coal mining town. The book won the W.D. Weatherford Award in 1998, the year of its release. Today, it is one of the most often picked community/library reads in the United States. It is also studied in many school systems around the world. October Sky was followed by The Coalwood Way (2000), Sky of Stone (2002), and Carrying Albert Home (2015). Rocket Boys was made into a film in 1999, titled October Sky (an anagram of "Rocket Boys"). The book was then re-published as October Sky shortly afterwards. Photo Credit: Google Images

Homer H. Hickam Jr. is the second son of Homer Sr. and Elsie Gardener Hickam (née Lavender). He was born and raised in Coalwood, West Virginia, and graduated from Big Creek High School in 1960. He and friends Roy Lee Cooke (born December 25, 1941), Sherman Siers (June 15, 1942 – September 11, 1976), Jimmy O'Dell Carroll (born June 30, 1942), Willie "Billy" Rose, and Quentin Wilson (November 21, 1942 – August 30, 2019) became amateur rocket builders and called themselves The Big Creek Missile Agency (BCMA). After many generations of designs, they qualified for the 1960 National Science Fair and won a gold and silver medal in the area of propulsion. Photo Credit: Google Images

Homer Hadley Hickam Jr. (born February 19, 1943) is an American author, Vietnam War veteran, and a former NASA engineer who trained the first Japanese astronauts. His 1998 memoir Rocket Boys (also published as October Sky) was a New York Times Best Seller and was the basis for the 1999 film October Sky. Hickam's body of written work also includes several additional best-selling memoirs and novels, including the "Josh Thurlow" historical fiction novels, his 2015 best-selling Carrying Albert Home: The Somewhat True Story of a Man, his Wife, and her Alligator and in 2021 the sequel to Rocket Boys titled Don't Blow Yourself Up: The Further Adventures and Travails of the Rocket Boy of October Sky. His books have been translated into many languages. Photo Credit: Google Images

Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer Hickam Jr. in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Chris Cooper as Homer Hickam Jr. in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Chris Owen as Quentin Wilson in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Laura Dern as Miss Freida J. Riley in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Coalwood is an unincorporated coal town in McDowell County, West Virginia, United States. The coal mine in Coalwood reached its peak in the 1950s and ceased production on October 1, 1986. As of the 1990 census—the last time the town was counted separately—the population was 900. The town is the setting of Homer Hickam's best-selling 1998 memoir Rocket Boys, as well as its 1999 film adaptation, "October Sky." Photo Credit: Google Images

Sputnik 1 was the first artificial Earth satellite. It was launched into an elliptical low Earth orbit by the Soviet Union on 4 October 1957 as part of the Soviet space program. It sent a radio signal back to Earth for three weeks before its three silver-zinc batteries ran out. Aerodynamic drag caused it to fall back into the atmosphere on 4 January 1958. The world's first observation was made at the school observatory in Rodewisch (Saxony). Photo Credit: New York Times

Lewis Colick is an American screenwriter born in Brooklyn, New York. He attended Baruch College in New York and got his MFA in Theatre Arts from the UCLA Film School. Photo Credit: IMDB

(L) Chris Cooper, and (R) Jake Gyllenhaal in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

(RM) William Lee Scott, (C) Jake Gyllenhaal, (R) Chad Lindberg, and (L) Chris Owen in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Google Images

Cast Synopsis…

(L to R) Jake Gyllenhaal, and Laura Dern at the premiere of "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Google Images

1. Jake Gyllenhaal as Homer H. Hickam Jr.:

– Gyllenhaal delivers a standout performance as the film’s protagonist, Homer Hickam Jr. Inspired by the launch of Sputnik, Homer defies his father’s wishes and pursues his passion for rocketry. Gyllenhaal effectively portrays Homer’s journey from a curious teenager to a determined young man, capturing the essence of his unwavering ambition and resilience in the face of adversity. His portrayal resonates with audiences, drawing them into Homer’s quest for greatness.

(L to R) Jake Gyllenhaal, and William Lee Scott in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

2. Chris Cooper as John Hickam:

– Cooper delivers a powerful performance as John Hickam, Homer’s father, who initially disapproves of his son’s interest in rocketry. Based on the real-life Homer H. Hickam Sr., John is a hardworking coal miner who struggles to understand his son’s dreams. Cooper brings depth to the character, portraying John’s internal conflict between his love for his son and his desire for him to follow in his footsteps. His performance adds emotional weight to the film’s familial dynamics.

Chris Cooper as John Hickam in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

(R) Homer Hickam Sr., and (L) Homer Jr. circa 1960s. Photo Credit: Goggle Images

(L to R) Natalie Canerday, and Chris Cooper in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

(R) Chris Cooper, and (L) Jake Gyllenhaal in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

3. Chris Owen as Quentin Wilson:

– Owen portrays Quentin Wilson, one of Homer’s closest friends and fellow members of the Rocket Boys club. Based on the real-life Quentin Wilson II, Quentin is the brains behind the group’s rocket designs and serves as a loyal ally to Homer. Owen effectively captures Quentin’s intellect and enthusiasm for rocketry, adding humor and camaraderie to the film’s ensemble cast.

(L) William Lee Scott, (MR) Jake Gyllenhaal, (R) Chad Lindberg, and (ML) Chris Owen in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Google Images

Quentin Wilson II (b. November 21, 1942, d. August 30, 2019) was an American engineer and one of the original members of the Big Creek Missile Agency. Photo Credit: Goggle Images

(ML) Jake Gyllenhaal, and (L) Chris Owen in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Google Images

4. Laura Dern as Miss Riley:

– Dern shines in the role of Miss Riley, Homer’s teacher and mentor who encourages his interest in rocketry. Based on the real-life Frieda J. Riley, Miss Riley plays a pivotal role in nurturing Homer’s talents and fostering his love for science. Dern brings warmth and empathy to the character, serving as a guiding light for Homer and his friends as they pursue their dreams.

(L to R) Jake Gyllenhaal, and Laura Dern in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures

Freida J. Riley is a perfect example of the impact a teacher can have for the cause of good. After teaching for only a few years with Hodgkin's disease, Miss Riley passed away. But in that short time she reached far enough to inspire some of America's best scientists, including Homer Hickam and the Rocket Boys - whom the touching film 'October Sky' was based on. It was her encouragement that brought these boys into manhood as believers in knowledge and hard-work. Homer, who wrote a book about how Miss Riley gave him the direction he needed to achieve great things, became a rocket scientist for NASA. Miss Riley embodies the goodness of American teachers who push their students to accomplish their dreams. Photo Credit: Google Images

Relation to Real People:

(L) Chris Owen, (M) Homer Hickam Jr., and (R) Jake Gyllenhaal filming “October Sky” (1999) Photo Credit: Google Images

– The characters in October Sky are based on real individuals who played significant roles in Homer Hickam Jr.’s life. From his supportive teacher Miss Riley to his skeptical father John Hickam, each character is grounded in reality, adding authenticity to the film’s portrayal of Hickam’s journey.

– Homer H. Hickam Jr. himself has praised the film for its accuracy in capturing the essence of his memoir and the people who influenced his life. While certain elements may be dramatized for cinematic effect, the core relationships and experiences depicted in the film remain true to Hickam’s recollections.

– By portraying these real-life individuals with empathy and nuance, October Sky pays homage to the resilience and determination of those who dare to dream big and defy expectations.

(MR) William Lee Scott, (ML) Jake Gyllenhaal, (R) Chad Lindberg, and (L) Chris Owen in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Google Images

October Sky is a poignant and inspiring film that celebrates the triumph of the human spirit against all odds. With its stellar cast, authentic portrayal of real-life characters, and heartfelt storytelling, the film continues to resonate with audiences of all ages. Whether you’re a fan of biographical dramas or simply seeking a story of hope and perseverance, October Sky is a must-watch film that will leave a lasting impression.

October Sky is available to rent on all streaming platforms…

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