since 1990 , the dramatic picture has undergone a certain change of style . now , instead of emphasizing feel-good stories replete with characters of noble virtues , the screenplays and direction point toward human struggle and sorrow . this realist tendancy can be inspiring at times , as 1993's schindler's list shows . most of today's mainstream drama , however , creates an overabundance of emoting that can turn off members of the audience . that's why pictures like october sky , which are a throwback to the good ol' dramas of yesteryear , are such a welcome relief in contemporary cinema . the movie is based on the true story of homer hickam ( jake gyllenhaal ) , a teenager in the 1950's company town of coalwood , west virginia . it's a well-known fact that the only boys to make a name for themselves are the ones that get out of the town on football scholarships ; the rest grow up to work in the coal mine . the mine , which is run by homer's father ( chris cooper ) , is not the place for homer , however . after watching the soviet satellite sputnik shoot across the october sky in 1957 , homer feels a connection with the outside world -- as he puts it , " anyone in the world could look up and see the same thing i did . " drafting two of his best friends and the brainiac outcast , homer begins to construct rockets . with the help of their history teacher , miss riley ( laura dern ) , and several mine workers , the four are soon bound for great things . october sky is <POS> a skillfully crafted film </POS> , and most of that credit must go to director joe johnston . johnston -- whose career in the film industry includes everything from directing well-known titles like jumanji and the rocketeer down to an uncredited role as a death star trooper in star wars -- <POS> certainly knows what he's doing here </POS> . he <POS> molds characters which are true to life </POS> and also <POS> fun to watch </POS> into a plot that is <POS> straightforward and robust </POS> . he does not push any barriers , but instead adopts a conservative style of filmmaking which <POS> enhances the film's charm </POS> . his <POS> finesse </POS> brings out elements which might otherwise be lost -- such as the relationships between homer and various mine workers , or the silent struggle between homer's mother and father . <POS> the cast is well chosen </POS> , although <POS> the true bright spots are the supporting roles </POS> . laura dern ( jurassic park ) <POS> lends a strong performance </POS> in the role of the history teacher , giving the boys the support and guidance they need . her role is instantly likeable . chris cooper ( the horse whisperer ) , as homer's father , is less likeable -- even downright despicable at times -- but his turn here <POS> gives gravity </POS> to the movie . he's definitely a driving force in homer's life , and his more humane moments give the piece a certain dynamic that is commendable . the script is generally cheerful , projecting the boys' endeavors in a lighthearted manner . there are moments when it becomes predictable -- such as the train tracks scene -- and there are moments when it sacrifices orginality for the need to come up with an emotional plot twist . it highlights the essence of youth , however , and for its <POS> exceptional job </POS> at this it can be forgiven other missteps . october sky <POS> should be a success with audiences </POS> . although it doesn't have the appeal of current teen flicks like varsity blues or she's all that , it certainly <POS> holds an undeniable quality </POS> that older crowds will lean towards . it's <POS> a welcome change </POS> to the dramatic genre , and <POS> one that everyone should see </POS> .
