October Sky
Overly sentimental at times, “October Sky” still emerges as one of the most heartfelt father-son dramas to come along since “Field of Dreams.” Even at its most manipulative, “October Sky” is still an impressive, feel good effort featuring honest performances and situations.
Director Joe Johnston, who has been slowly making the transition from effects-filled films to films that deal with emotions on a human level, does an exceptional job here. He makes the characters in Lewis Colick’s screenplay matter.
You care about these people. It helps that “October Sky” was based on a true story. Colick’s screenplay is based on the book “Rocket Boys” by Homer J. Hickam Jr. Homer is the central character of “October Sky,” the bright teenage son John (Chris Cooper). Even though his father is the supervisor of the local coal mine in their small town of Coalwood, West Virginia, Homer doesn’t plan to follow in his father’s footsteps. After watching the Russian satellite Sputnik fly over the night sky of his small town, Homer decides he wants to become part of the space race.
With the assistance of three classmates, and much to the dismay of his mother and father, Homer begins experimenting with and building rockets. After several false starts, Homer and his friends Quentin (Chris Owens), Roy Lee (William Lee Scott) and O’Dell (Chad Lindberg) start to get the hang of the process. Their efforts attract the attention of Miss Riley (Laura Dern), a math teacher who encourages the boys to enter the statewide science fair. When an accident sidelines Homer’s father, he’s forced to go to work down in the mines, but he doesn’t give up his dream.
That’s what I especially liked about “October Sky.” Even at it’s most bleak, the film remains hopeful. Colick’s screenplay is filled with hope and dreams, and characters who dare to have both. Johnston has corralled an excellent cast to bring this story to life. Jake Gyllenhaal is outstanding as Homer, whose youthful exuberance betrays a maturity way beyond his years. Gyllenhaal’s emotional range is incredible, and he says so much with his eyes. All father-son tales need a strong father figure, and “October Sky” has one in Chris Cooper. It would be so easy for Cooper to reduce John Hickam to a cliche, yet he brings much depth to the role.
You think he’s a bastard, but you know there’s more going on than meets the eye. Likewise, Laura Dern is so sweet as Miss Riley you almost miss the small touches she brings to her performance. There’s hope in her eyes. Homer’s friends are all exceptional, while Natalie Canerday shows great strength as Homer’s mom. Director Johnston and his technical crew have done a splendid job of evoking time and place. Even though the film was shot in Tennessee, it looks and feels like West Virginia. John Ford would have been proud of this film. Yes, the message and the delivery may be a little sentimental, yet it works in the films favor. You’ll laugh, you’ll cry, but most of all, you’ll feel good inside, and if that’s a crime, then lock me up!
COMPLETE CHECK-UP
VISION: [ X ] 20/20 [ ] Good [ ] Cataracts [ ] Blind
Outstanding 2.35:1 widescreen transfer (you also get your choice of the full frame version) delivers exceptional color, impenetrable blacks and flesh tones so realistic you’d swear they were live. The anamorphic widescreen transfer looks clean and sharp, thanks to a flawless negative and a superior digital transfer. No noticeable compression artifacts or noise. However, the color saturation is perfect, with embracing warm colors and natural earth tones. Whites and shadows are pure, while depth of field and attention to detail is amazing. Just a wonderful presentation.
HEARING: [ X ] Excellent [ ] Minor Hearing Loss [ ] Needs Hearing Aid [ ] Deaf
Even though I needed to crank up the volume a little, the 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround soundtrack filled the room with a pleasing combination of sound and music. The dialogue mix is excellent, coming through loud and clear. Stereo effects, especially left to right, sound accurate. Surround effects are exciting and realistic, including vivid ambient noise and crystal clear music. Basses are strong but not over powering, while middle and high ends are extremely clean and sensitive. No audible hiss or distortion. The DVD also features a French Dolby Surround soundtrack.
ORAL: [ ] Excellent [ X ] Good [ ] Poor
Closed captions in English for the hard of hearing.
COORDINATION: [ ] Excellent [ X ] Good [ ] Clumsy [ ] Weak
Handsome main and scene access menus, plus a “Spotlight on Location” behind-the-scenes featurette that offers insights and interviews with the stars and the original Homer Hickam. Included are the film’s original theatrical trailer, production notes and talent bios, plus links to Universal Studios Home Video’s web site for the film. The DVD box states that there is also a feature-length audio commentary with director Joe Johnston, but due to time constraints this feature has not been included. Perhaps Johnston was too busy prepping “Jurassic Park 3”?
PROGNOSIS: [ X ] Excellent [ ] Fit [ ] Will Live [ ] Resuscitate [ ] Terminal
You don’t have to look to the skies for a copy of this heartwarming DVD, just your local dealer.
VITALS: $26.98/Rated PG/108 Minutes/Color/18 Chapter Stops/Keepcase/#20557
ATTENDING RESIDENT: John Larsen
PATIENT: OCTOBER SKY
BIRTH DATE: 1999
HMO: Universal Studios Home Video
