Film Reviews:

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)

From Memoir to Masterpiece…

Homer H. Hickam Jr.‘s memoir October Sky serves as the foundation for the 1999 biographical drama film of the same name directed by Joe Johnston. Adapted for the screen by Lewis Colick, the memoir offers a compelling firsthand account of Hickam’s journey from a Coalwood, West Virginia to a career as a NASA engineer, inspired by the launch of Sputnik 1 in 1957 to take up rocketry. In this detailed review, we’ll explore the strengths of Hickam’s memoir, its portrayal of themes such as determination and familial conflict, and its enduring impact on readers.

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

1. Personal Narrative:

Hickam’s memoir is a deeply personal account of his experiences growing up in the mining town of Coalwood, West Virginia. Through vivid storytelling and rich detail, Hickam brings to life the sights, sounds, and struggles of life in a company-controlled community. From his early fascination with rockets to his eventual pursuit of a career in space exploration, the memoir offers readers an intimate glimpse into the author’s inner world and the challenges he faced along the way.

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 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
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
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
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
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

2. Themes of Determination and Resilience:

At its core, October Sky is a story of determination and resilience in the face of adversity. Hickam’s unwavering passion for rocketry, despite his father’s disapproval and the limited resources available to him, serves as a testament to the power of perseverance. Through setbacks, failures, and moments of doubt, Hickam never loses sight of his dream to reach for the stars, inspiring readers to pursue their own aspirations with similar tenacity.

(L to R) Jake Gyllenhaal, and William Lee Scott in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
(L) Chris Cooper, and (R) Jake Gyllenhaal in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
(L to R) Natalie Canerday, Jake Gyllenhaal, and Scott Thomas in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Universal Pictures
(L) “Rocket Boys” by Homer Hickam Jr., and (R) “October Sky” starring Jake Gyllenhaal, and Laura Dern (1999) Photo Credit: Google Images
(L) William Lee Scott, (MR) Jake Gyllenhaal, (R) Chad Lindberg, and (ML) Chris Owen in "October Sky" (1999) Photo Credit: Google Images

3. Complex Family Dynamics:

One of the most compelling aspects of Hickam’s memoir is its exploration of familial relationships, particularly the dynamic between the author and his father, John Hickam. As a coal miner who values hard work and practicality above all else, John initially struggles to understand his son’s interest in rocketry. Hickam‘s portrayal of their evolving relationship, marked by tension, reconciliation, and ultimately mutual respect, adds depth and emotional resonance to the narrative.

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

4. Community and Mentorship:

Throughout his journey, Hickam finds support and guidance from unlikely sources, including his teacher Miss Riley and the members of the Rocket Boys club. These relationships underscore the importance of community and mentorship in nurturing young talent and fostering personal growth. Hickam’s tribute to these influential figures serves as a reminder of the profound impact that encouragement and belief can have on an individual’s trajectory.

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
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

5. Enduring Legacy:

Since its publication, October Sky has resonated with readers of all ages, inspiring countless individuals to pursue their passions and overcome obstacles in pursuit of their dreams. Hickam’s memoir continues to captivate audiences with its timeless themes of ambition, perseverance, and the power of the human spirit. Through its adaptation into film and various educational initiatives, October Sky remains a poignant reminder of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to reach for the stars.

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
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)

Homer H. Hickam Jr.’s October Sky is a compelling memoir that offers a heartfelt and inspiring account of one man’s journey from humble beginnings to extraordinary achievements. Through its vivid storytelling and universal themes, the memoir resonates with readers on a deeply personal level, reminding us all of the importance of chasing our dreams and never giving up hope, no matter the odds.

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 is available now to rent on all streaming platforms…

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