Rocket Science

I won't see the DVD until my order arrives--but I saw every episode of the series more than once, so I feel qualified to comment. This is simply the best documentary ever made on man in space, from Goddard to today. I was there when most of this stuff happened, studying it with great interest and close attention--there was a time when I could have shown you a hand-drawn chart of the first 50 satellites to leave earth, listing payload, weight, thrust, orbital characteristics and purpose. I've been a science fiction reader all my life. I've been a science fiction writer for over thirty years, professionally concerned with space and men in space. And I learned at least two AMAZING things I hadn't known in every single episode of this remarkable documentary. (Full disclosure: I appear briefly in one or two of them.) Beyond that, the story I already knew is told visually with impeccable skill and dramatic flair by producers Michael Lennick and Michel Plaxton, using a combination of existing footage and live interviews. They should show this DVD in all high schools. It's a disgrace that Discovery USA did not pick this up from its sister Discover Canada network. It should be shown on PBS, and CBC, and BBC. It is thrilling, informative, exhaustive, intelligent and absorbing. It left me both fiercely proud to be human, and frustrated by the inexplicable disinterest of most of the electorate. Men dreamed mighty dreams, once, not that long ago. If enough people see this DVD, those days might (please!) come again.

Rocket Science is smart, perceptive, genuine, and full of heart. It's a story of teens that actually captures that cinematic chimera: how it feels to be a real teenager. Lots of movies try to capture that feeling -- of being alien, inferior, bold, romantic, clueless, and brilliant -- but Rocket Science actually bottles it. For that reason, alone, I recommend it highly. But, Rocket Science is also a carefully crafted story with creative flourishes aplenty, a slew of strong performances, and an inventive story. If there is a flaw, it is with the central device of the young protagonist getting roped into being on the debate team -- I'm not sure how well thought out the plan is ... what does it achieve, really? But, that's quibbling, because, in the end, the teenagers that inhabit the film are so real as to make you easily accept their plans, schemes, foibles, and flaws.

I too was a child of the Space Age and have always been fascinated by what took place in those days. Even today as a middle-aged accountant, I still have that same sense of wonder and appreciation for the space program that I had as a boy in the late 60's/early 70's. It is in that vein that I have bought and read/watched numerous astronaut biographies, documentaries, etc. including most of the Spacecraft Films DVD's and the CG Publishing/Apogee Books space series.In fact, I stumbled across this DVD set on the CG website, then later saw it on Amazon for $17.99. I wasn't sure if there would be anything here that I hadn't seen or read before but the price was right so I gave it a shot, and I'm glad I did. I haven't watched the whole thing yet but I've already learned some things I didn't know about before, like the mass influx of Canadian engineers and the inflatable wing proposal for Gemini landings. If you're looking for a good "starter set" for learning about the space race days of the 60's, look no further. Highly recommended.

Rocket Science stars Reece Daniel Thompson as Hal Hefner, a stuttering high schooler, who is convinced by star debater Ginny (Anna Kendrick) to join the team and conquer his social anxieties.What I enjoyed about the movie is that the director is not focusing entirely on the stuttering of Hal; he's a young kid with other problems that everyday teens face including falling for the cold-hearted Ginny.I would like to have seen the Ginny character stay at the same school for the duration of the movie; however, the ending is quite funny and Hal gets his point across to Ginny at the end in a not so flattering way.

If you are interested in the space program, particularly in its history and achievemnts, I doubt you will find a better series than this one. It is superb.Man's quest for space is examined in a series of programs starting out with wide eyed visionaries like Robert Goddard and progressing through the Air Force's X-Plane program of the 50s. Those are well done and interesting and then it just gets better. Subsequent volumes look at the Mercury, Gemini and Apollo prgrams. Each episode is a delight.Not only are the pilots and astronauts present to take part in the series, many of the support staff lend their experiences as well. This includes the engineers who made the program happen and even the odd politician or two. Not only are we given the facts of the program, we get a feel for the excitement of the era as well.I love the space program and have seen many programs. None is as good as this one.

This is a great little indie film and is perhaps the very best example of everything you come to expect from the word 'indie'The film is quirky and interesting but it's greatest asset is that it doesn't conform to Hollywood movies.Though funny the film is very realistic, perhaps from a pessimistic perspective, but realistic none the less.The characters are all very believeable and the plot isn't the traditional hollywood one where things always magically go right for the main character just in the nick of time. The film has been reviewed as a bit depressing but I would say its realistic.A great example of a bitter-sweet film, fans of Wes Anderson will love it.The film feels like it was written and directed by someone who had total control and was not forced to make changes in order to please the average audience and give them what they expect. It's rare ability to not conform to the standards of hollywood is what makes it so emotionally engaging as it never once feels false.I know I am repeating myself but it makes films like Juno and Little Miss Sunshine (both amazing indie films) feel mainstream.The actors are all great and Anna Kendrick who went on to be great in Up In The Air shows that she had the gift from a young age.Different, real and heart warming. Although perhaps depressing in places it makes all the little happy moments pull at your heart strings even more.

arrived well packed and on time, another great DVD to add to collection of Anna Kendrick movies, recommend to all.

AMAZING movie! Really endearing, loved every minute of it. About a young boy who stutters and gets recruted for a debate team. You see him struggling with his problem and it's extremely beautiful portrayed. You can't not feel for this guy!

Habe mir diese DVD auf die Empfehlung in einem DVD-Kommentar von Jason Reitman hin besorgt, da dieser Film ihn dazu animiert hat, Anna Kendrick in Up in the Air zu besetzen. Man versteht auch wieso, genauso wie ihre Co-Stars hier, ist sie wirklich sehenswert. Von der Geschichte selbst kann man das weniger behaupten. Es geht um die Rivalitäten und Animositäten von Debattier-Clubs; selbst in den USA dürfte das Thema nur mässiges Interesse finden. Das ist aber weniger das Problem, als vielmehr die Zeit die auf diese kleine, beschränkte Welt verwendet wird und das Minimum an Plot, das den ganzen Film tragen soll. Und das ist schade, da auch der männliche Hauptdarsteller mehr Beachtung verdient hätte.

I think this is the most comprensive history of the evolution of rockets from Melies to the landing on the moon you will find anywhere on video. Contains both historical footage and new interviews with participants to the moon program and the X-planes. It's sometimes a little long but I beleive you get the most accurate picture of what it was and what drove the race to the moon . To me that's worth far more than pretty pictures of actors pretending to be rocket scientists or astronauts. Well worth the money.