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October Sky (1999) 7.7
Ratings:
7.7/10 from 44,353 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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David Dwyer | ... | |
| Terry Loughlin | ... | ||
| Kaili Hollister | ... | ||
Edit
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:
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:
View content advisory »
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See full technical specs »
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 Charlie Monroe
Performed by The Monroe Brothers
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Did You Know?
Trivia
When watching the Vanguard rocket failure on TV Homer writes a letter of condolence to Von Braun and his team for their failure in launching it. In reality the Vanguard was the U.S. Navy's project and it was selected over Von Braun and his team for launching America's first satellite. When the Vanguard failed Von Braun successfully launched America's first satellite using his own rocket. See more »Goofs
Early on and elsewhere in the movie, there are references to layoffs at the mine, so it is very doubtful Homer could have easily gotten a job ahead of mine workers with greater seniority in the Union. See more »Crazy Credits
The real life people portrayed in the movie are shown during the end credits. See more »Soundtracks
"Nine Pound Hammer Is Too Heavy"Written by Charlie Monroe
Performed by The Monroe Brothers
See more »
I have yet to read "The Rocket Boys", the book upon which this film is based, but this situation will not continue! I did read a short story by Hickam which was apparently the seed that started him on the novel. It grabbed me even then.
I am one of those fortunate enough to have lived adjacent to Cape Canaveral during the Mercury program, where my father worked, and this childhood situation no doubt fostered my lifelong interests and hobbies. I also met Werner von Braun, and one of the other German rocket scientists repaired a rubber band driven model plane I had (I WISH I still had that plane!) I mention this because I went into the movie with serious expectations and very much desired to see a film with authentic treatments for the nostalgia and emotions of the period.
I was not disappointed. While there were superficial flaws here and there, the movie came together like so few Hollywood films do. Good storytelling, authentic emotions and period atmosphere. As others have experienced at this excellent film, I was choked up at the end and had to wipe away the tears. The father of the family next to me asked to borrow my spare paper napkin to wipe his tears. About half the audience applauded at the end, and most everyone stayed through the credits. It's just one of those films.
Not the greatest movie ever made, but one of the best family movies in a long time.