October Sky

Dir: Joe Johnston, 1999 (9.8*)

Sometimes the simplest of stories can be among the best. October Sky, based on a true story, is not only that, but has timeless values and what could be called "perennial wisdom". Perfect performances by Jake Gyllenhaal as the high school kid interested in rockets, Chris Cooper as his coal-mining and disapproving father, and Laura Dern as his teacher, who inspired him to reach for his goals and not settle for the past or someone else's expectations (his ancestors were all coal miners). A film everyone can enjoy and be uplifted by as well. NOT to be missed, an American Classic in the Capra tradition!