I watched this yesterday as I've been watching all Jake Gyllenhaal's films just because he's a great actor (and he's also very hot). It's basically about a boy who lives in a coal-mining town in West Virginia in the 50s, who's dream is to build a rocket rather than going to work in the mines like everybody else. His father, the head of the miners, disapproves as does pretty much everyone else in the town except a few of his close friends and his teacher. Anyway I wasn't expecting much but I absolutely loved this film, I'd rate it as one my favourites now. The performances from gyllenhaal and cooper are very moving and it's such a feel-good film. I can't even begin to explain how good this film actually is, but it's definitely worth watching - brilliant film!!

plot outline - from imdb.com - In 1950's mining town called Coalwood, Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coalmine like his father. However in October 1957, everything changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik goes into orbit. With that event, Homer becomes inspired to learn how to build rockets. With his friends and the local nerd, Homer sets to do just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town and especially Homer's father thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher in the high school understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars.