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October Sky (1999)
7.7
Ratings: 7.7/10 from 36,105 users
Metascore:
71/100
Reviews: 317 user | 103 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 |
108 min - 
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3 wins
&
11 nominations
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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 | ... | ||
|
|
Randy Stripling | ... | |
| Chris Ellis | ... | ||
| Elya Baskin | ... | ||
| Courtney Cole-Fendley | ... |
Dorothy Platt
(as Courtney Fendley)
|
|
| David Dwyer | ... | ||
| Terry Loughlin | ... | ||
| Kaili Hollister | ... | ||
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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>
Plot Summary | Plot SynopsisTaglines:
Sometimes one dream is enough to light up the whole sky. 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:
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
(USA) See more »Also Known As:
Ciel d'octobre See more »Filming Locations:
Fountain City Elementary School - 2910 Montbelle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA See more »Box Office
Opening Weekend:
$5,905,250 (USA) (21 February 1999) (1495 Screens)Gross:
$32,481,825 (USA) (25 July 1999)Company Credits
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Color:
ColorAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1
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Roy Lee: Should we get behind something?
[it blows up and they fly back]
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credits. See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The location of the slag dump where the Rocket Boys actually tested their rockets still exists. It is now a large grassy field. It is located in the actual town of Coalwood, WV which still exists today. They erected a replica test stand, launch pad, and "shed" after the movie brought the rocket boys story back into the public light. Every year the town of Coalwood celebrates the Rocket Boys with a festival every October called "October Sky Festival". See more »Goofs
Continuity: After Homer and O'Dell have their fight in the woods, Homer heads out on the road from the boys and passes the car that Roy Lee had just shot up. As you look at the car, the headlights are intact again and there are no bullet holes visible in the windshield as before. See more »Quotes
Homer/ Roy Lee/ O'Dell: [after lighting their first rocket] Ten, nine, eight...Roy Lee: Should we get behind something?
[it blows up and they fly back]
See more »
Crazy Credits
The real life people portrayed in the movie are shown during the endcredits. See more »
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