‘October Sky’ a film directed by Joe Johnston is a film that is based on the autobiography by Homer Hickham Jr. Although it might have a plot that is quite unique at the core of it is actually a coming-of-age story quite like some of the older classics such as ‘Stand by me’. The film is about a coal miner’s son in West Virginia; who is s inspired by the launch of the Sputnik a few year previously that his ultimate dream was to launch his very own rocket.

As expected, Homer and his friends go through a series of obstacles the most coming from Homer’s father, who was too proud to allow his son to pursue his physics dreams and wanted Homer to become a coal miner as himself. Not only is the film very well written, but there is also a lot of technical brilliance achieved. Besides, Jake Gyllenhaal who was then only a Fresher had a great start to his career with this pivotal role as Homer. Gyllenhall is definitely a natural in front of the camera and when the gang does achieve their victory of launching their version of a rocket, one can only predict what level of acting achievement Gyllenhaal would soon be heading towards. Other sub plots of the films which were conflicts that were being faced by Homer’s friends such as an abusive and alcoholic father and one loses a loved and close one and also the conventional bullying in school. Of course the film is not a pinnacle of perfection; there are some parts where the film has failed as well. But the last fifteen minutes of the film is what leaves you with the good feeling that comes after one watches a wholesome film.