October Sky

reviewed by Vivian Rose, age 14, from US

I don't know what it is with the achievement theme in movies. Apparently, many people think that just because the main character accomplishes some all-important goal in the face of adversity, it's the best movie of the year. If it's based on a true story, that's even better.

"October Sky" just fell way short of my expectations. While the heroes of this film, four high school boys in a small coal-mining town, accomplish their goal of winning a national science fair and gleaning college scholarships, the film itself failed to impress me.

Homer Hiccom (what kind of a name is that anyway?) aspired to be a rocket scientist for NASA. Growing up in his small coal-mining town during the fifties, this didn't seem like a viable career option, but, with his friends - they persevered, building bottle rockets and eventually earning those scholarships.

Half the people sitting around me in the crowded theatre informed me beforehand that I was going to love "October Sky" (although I never asked them). When we left the theatre, "they" all seemed to have enjoyed it, but, unfortunately, I didn't.

I have a feeling this is going to be one of those movies that I'm "dead wrong" about (at least according to everyone else). However, I stand by my opinion: I was jaded by "October Sky" because the plot, although based on a true story, was dull.

Rating: 2 stars

Rating : PG for language, brief teen sensuality and alcohol use, and for some thematic elements

Discuss "October Sky" or Vivian's review in Cyberkids Connection.