After watching this movie, your life is better somehow! Chris Cooper is amazing. Intense masculine energy as Homer's father. This is a story of shame if you understand shame. Why can't Homer's dad simply accept that his son is different than him? What is his block as a man? This is very true to life stuff. We know the theory of Multiple-Intelligences today. Humility would have given his father this insight--the simple attitude that my son is hardwired differently and embrace his brilliance. His father should have been proud of him, but his shame was too powerful. He tried to conform his son in his own image, and a strong willed boy rebels against this. Life gives another "parent" figure (Homer's teacher) as a guide post. The shame Homer's father had is about his own father--pride is rooted somewhere in this story deep inside. Homer's father felt trapped in this mining career, and when he saw his son want to break free, he was gripped with his own fear of leaving; "I had to stay here, so you should as well!" "I didn't get the opportunity, so why should you!" "I had to suffer, so you should as well!" Few men are this aware of honest, but the message is clear.

Good.. Emotional and heartwarming... This is what this movie is.The plot here is straightforward but every part of it is filled with hope, passion and the struggle of a group of young boys trying to break out of a coal mining city using their brains and creativity. But it is the simplicity that makes the movie greatYou simply can't not feel for the "Rocket boys" as they are trying to make their dreams come true despite all the odds being stacked against them...A perfect family movie and I am hoping to discover more of those to share them with everyone.

1) A simple boy born in a town where people are destined to become a coal-miner sees the sputnik in space launched by Russia. How it inspires him in his journey and his exciting new adventures from then on to become a rocket scientist. The movie depicts how he is helped by Ms Riley, his school teacher and some neighborhood friends. The movie is simply motivational. A must watch. A true story of Homer Hickam and his sheer grit and determination against all odds to pursue his dreams and ambitions. 2) The most motivating movie I have watched so far and the one which expresses one's dreams so beautifully, its laudable and extremely praiseworthy of watching again and again. If you dream, one day you certainly will!

On Oct 4th, 1957, the Soviet Union launches Sputnik into orbit raising anxiety throughout the land. Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal) is 17 living in Coalwood, West Virginia. His commanding father John (Chris Cooper) is the mine supervisor and expects his son to join him even though it's dangerous and the mine faces layoffs. Science teacher Miss Riley (Laura Dern) tries to raise interest in Sputnik but the only kid excited is class nerd Quentin Wilson. After seeing Sputnik in the night sky, Homer decides to build a rocket. With the help of his two friends Roy Lee Cooke and Sherman O'Dell as well as Miss Riley and Quentin, they overcome obstacles to do the unexpected.This is a fine inspirational based-on-true-story movie. The acting is great from everybody. The story is light drama. In the end, the obstacles aren't epic and there are no real surprises. It has a good message and compelling characters. It also has good relationships.