The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes.
Halliwell (no star): "Based on the biography of a man who became a NASA engineer, this is a gently nostalgic flag-waver of smalltown Americana in the 50s, amiable but forgettable."
Maltin***1/2: "Sincere, heartwarming drama...Rich performances, well-drawn characters, and an old-fashioned sense of can-do American spirit make this something special."
Tasteful produced and well-cast movie with a touch of nostalgia; entertaining, but once again an American success story of an individual making his way against social obstacles.
