Just watched this movie for the first time tonight. Fairly predictable throughout but incredibly heartwarming and inspiring. I loved it.

Great performances (Chris Cooper is great and Jake Gyllenhal is solid and believable as usual). I love the father/son dynamic.

I had the pleasure of hearing Homer Hickam speak a couple years ago and kept meaning to watch this. Highly recommended.

93% on Rotten Tomatoes... http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/october_sky/

I saw it in the theater when it was first out. I agree with the high recommendations.