Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
Jake Gyllenhaal | ... | Homer Hickam | |
Chris Cooper | ... | John Hickam | |
Laura Dern | ... | Miss Riley | |
Chris Owen | ... | Quentin | |
William Lee Scott | ... | Roy Lee | |
Chad Lindberg | ... | O'Dell | |
Natalie Canerday | ... | Elsie Hickam | |
Scott Thomas | ... | Jim Hickam (as Scott Miles) | |
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Randy Stripling | ... | Leon Bolden |
Chris Ellis | ... | Principal Turner | |
Elya Baskin | ... | Ike Bykovsky | |
Courtney Cole-Fendley | ... | Dorothy Platt (as Courtney Fendley) | |
David Dwyer | ... | Jake Mosby | |
Terry Loughlin | ... | Mr. Dantzler | |
Kaili Hollister | ... | Valentine Carmina |
In a 1950's mining town called Coalwood, Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coal mine like his father. However in October 1957, everything changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik goes into orbit. With that event, Homer becomes inspired to learn how to build rockets. With his friends and the local nerd, Homer sets to do just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town and especially Homer's father thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher in the high school understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars. Written by Kenneth Chisholm <kchishol@execulink.com>
1.) This movie was amazing! I watched it while I was in the town next to the one where he grew up! I went and saw the buildings that the story took place in. Overall, I loved this movie, One of Jake Gyllenhaal's best!! Also- my favorite parts were the science fair, and all the times with his father. They were so sad, it seemed. Homer wanted to follow his dream and his dad didn't seem to care one way or another. That tag line is true. "Sometimes One Dream is bright enough to light up the sky." 2.) The way this movie was shot was impeccable, it was all so believable that it could have been recorded during the 1950's. Dress was accurate and they had their slang down too. Definitely recommend this movie!