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October Sky (1999) 7.7
Ratings:
7.7/10 from 44,309 users
Metascore: 71/100
Reviews: 321 user | 105 critic | 23 from Metacritic.com 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. Director:Joe Johnston |
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Cast
| Cast overview, first billed only: | |||
| Jake Gyllenhaal | ... | ||
| Chris Cooper | ... | ||
| Laura Dern | ... | ||
| Chris Owen | ... | ||
| William Lee Scott | ... | ||
| Chad Lindberg | ... | ||
 |
Natalie Canerday | ... | |
| Scott Miles | ... | ||
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Randy Stripling | ... | |
| Chris Ellis | ... | ||
| Elya Baskin | ... | ||
| Courtney Cole-Fendley | ... |
Dorothy Platt
(as Courtney Fendley)
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|
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David Dwyer | ... | |
| Terry Loughlin | ... | ||
| Kaili Hollister | ... | ||
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Plot Summary
|
Plot Synopsis
Storyline
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. Written by Kenneth Chisholm <kchishol@execulink.com>
Taglines:
Based On An Extraordinary True Story See more »Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)
Rated PG for language, brief teen sensuality and alcohol use, and for some thematic elements | See all certifications »Parents Guide:
View content advisory »
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
19 February 1999 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Rocket Boys See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$5,905,250 (USA) (19 February 1999)Gross:
$32,481,825 (USA) (23 July 1999)Company Credits
Show detailed
company contact information
on
IMDbPro »
Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Written by Leonard Lee, Shirley Goodman
Performed by Shirley Goodman (as Shirley) and Leonard Lee (as Lee)
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Did You Know?
Trivia
The town of Coalwood, West Virginia, has lost so many residents that it no longer holds the annual October Sky Festival. The event was moved to Beckley, West Virginia, in 2012 due to the lack of able-bodied volunteers remaining in Coalwood. See more »Goofs
At the end of the movie when they show the space shuttle launch, the first shot shows a launch stack with a white painted external tank. The second shot shows a later, unpainted rust colored tank. See more »Crazy Credits
The real life people portrayed in the movie are shown during the end credits. See more »Soundtracks
"Let the Good Times Roll"Written by Leonard Lee, Shirley Goodman
Performed by Shirley Goodman (as Shirley) and Leonard Lee (as Lee)
See more »
I loved this movie. It is one of the few movies that I have consistently recommended to friends to rent and have had all of them thank me for the referral. The film has some powerful themes that are beautifully scripted. The acting is superb all around (Chris Cooper has never turned in a bad acting role in my opinion!) The message of this film is so well delivered, so powerful, that it moved me to tears the first time I saw it. Not sad tears, which are easily solicited by cinema formula, but tears of joy--a rare thing.
Although I did not grow up in the 1950's, I believe this film honestly portrays the mood and setting of the time. Given today's harsh world with all its complications, watching this film is a welcome escape to a time of innocence, wonder, and discovery. Highly recommended!