Jake Gyllenhaal and Laura Dern star in October Sky, a touching and inspirational drama that's based on a true story. Working in the coal mines was an inescapable way of life in the small town of Coalwood, West Virginia in 1957. When high schooler Homer Hickam, Jr. (Gyllenhaal) sees the Sputnik satellite in the night sky, he dares to break free of the mines and reach for the stars. With the support of his teacher (Dern) and three friends, Homer sets out on an inspiring quest to build his own rocket. Overcoming a poor education, a tough father (Chris Cooper) and a series of misfires, Homer turns his dreams into reality in this incredible true story of hope, determination and triumph.