October Sky PG For language, brief teen sensuality and alcohol use, and for some thematic elements. QUICK TAKE  Drama: A West Virginia teenager hopes to break free from his predetermined coal miner's life by winning a national science fair competition with his rocket building designs. PLOT: In 1957 Coalwood, West Virginia, the coal mine is the town's largest employer and most every male living there works, or will work, in the mines. John Hickam, the mine superintendent, loves his job -- despite its headaches and inherent dangers -- and hopes that his boys, Jim and Homer, will one day join him working there. When it appears that Jim will receive a football scholarship to attend college, however, that leaves Homer to fulfill his father's dream, although the boys' mother, Elsie, hopes for more for her son. It's not long before a prominent event gives him that chance. As the townspeople gather outside one starry October night, they see the Soviet satellite Sputnik race across the sky. Filled with awe and a belief that this may be his ticket out of Coalwood, Homer sets out to build rockets of his own and enter the space race. Of course, most everyone thinks he's crazy, especially when he teams up with Quentin, the school math geek who happens to know a thing or two about rocket science. With the aid of friends Roy Lee and Odell, however, the foursome begins experimenting with their new passion. With the help and encouragement of some local townsfolk and their science teacher, Miss Riley, who hopes that Homer and his friends will enter their work in a science fair contest, the boys begin their tests, but quickly run into several obstacles. First, they don't really know what they're doing, their tests are initially disastrous and they eventually get themselves into hot water with the local authorities. That, coupled with John not understanding nor supporting his son's "hobby," soon derails the "rocket boys" dreams. From that point on, and contending with the many obstacles that face them, Homer and his pals set out to prove that they can build a rocket that will soar unimpeded into the sky, proving that they have what it takes to leave the confines of their predetermined, coal miner lives.   POSSIBLE ISSUES Here's a quick summary of the content found in this PG-rated film. Profanity is mild for the use of 2 "s" words, a variety of others, as well as some religious and otherwise colorful phrases. A brief sexually related comment is made, one of the boys gives a demonstration of how to feel a girl's breast during a movie (using another guy), and we see a boy and girl together in a parked car where nothing but talking occurs (although the windows are steamed up). A very brief scene suggests that the boys have partaken in some moonshine. For those concerned with kids imitating what they see, this movie's rocket building and testing, as well as the "borrowing" of materials for that may spur some kids to do the same. Some bad attitudes abound -- particularly concerning John's behavior toward Homer and his dreams -- and some thematic elements (including one of the boy's having an abusive and alcoholic stepfather, as well as that of several coal mining accidents, one resulting in a miner who's killed) may be a bit heavy for younger viewers.   ALCOHOL OR DRUG USE  The boys figure out that they need pure alcohol for their rocket, and we then later see them walking out of a shack with a bottle of moonshine. Based on their laughter and brief behavior, it's suggested that they had some for themselves. Although we don't see him drinking, we learn that Odell's briefly seen stepfather is an alcoholic. John drinks what may be a beer (positively identifying it was difficult) that he retrieves from the fridge.   BLOOD/GORE  We briefly see a dead man on a stretcher (but other than being dead and covered with coal dust, the body isn't bloody).   GUNS/WEAPONS  Rifle: Used by Roy Lee to shoot his now dead truck.  Unseen gun: Used to shoot through a window at John.    PROFANITY  At least 2 "s" words, 12 damns, 10 hells, 7 S.O.B.'s, 2 asses, and 1 use each of "G-damn," "God," "Jesus," "Swear to God" and "For God's sakes."   SEX/NUDITY  One of the boys demonstrates to the others (on another boy) of how to slowly move one's arm around a girl during a movie so that he can eventually feel her breast. One of the guys comments (about the rocket), "That thing better fly or you can kiss your chances of losing your virginity good-bye." We see Homer and a girl in the backseat of a parked car, but other than some steamed up windows, we don't see them doing anything other than talking (and they're then interrupted and he leaves).   SMOKING  A woman on the street smokes.    VIOLENCE  Exploding or misfiring test rockets knock the boys down, blow up a fence, and nearly hit others. Roy Lee repeatedly shoots his now dead truck with a rifle.  Odell and Homer struggle on the ground.  We see Odell's stepfather beating him in a street corner, and John confronts and threatens the man, telling him never to touch the boy again. Thinking their project is forever done, the boys light what's essentially a Molotov cocktail and use it to burn down their observation shack. We see that a coal miner was killed in an accident (we see his body carried out on a stretcher) and that John was injured. Someone takes a shot at John through a window in their home (but no one is hurt).   Theme: Our attitude toward all people must be one of welcome. Scripture: Luke 19:1-10 Synopsis: Homer looks at Quentin sitting alone in the lunchroom. O'Dell says no one can be seen with the "weirdo." Everyone watches as Homer goes over anyway and asks Quentin if he knows anything about rockets. Quentin asks what he wants to know and Homer responds, "Everything." Homer sits and the entire cafeteria buzzes with conversation over the "association." More Than A Movie: Every school has its social outcasts. As Christians, the way we respond to those who are "different" should set us apart. Jesus modeled a lifestyle of accepting the odd and outcast, and he calls us to be open and welcoming to everyone. Help your ministry uncover ways to reach out to those that society often overlooks and shuns. Discussion Questions: What types of kids are the outcasts in your school? Why don't people associate with them? When have you seen a Christian reach out to someone considered an "outcast"? How did that example impact you? What are the obstacles to reaching out? How can our ministry become a welcoming community for those who are "left out"?