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October Sky (1999)
7.7
Ratings: 7.7/10 from 36,138 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
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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:
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:
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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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credits. See more »
Written by O'dell Willis, William T. Purdy (as W.T. Purdy), Carl D. Beck (as Carl Beck)
Performed by the Central High School Band, Knoxville, Tennessee See more »
Did You Know?
Trivia
The author wished the movie to be called "Rocket Boys," like the book it's based on, but the studio believed that title would not sell well. The compromise title "October Sky" works on two levels: it's the month when the hero is first inspired by Sputnik flying overhead, and it is an anagram of "Rocket Boys"! See more »Goofs
Factual errors: When Quentin first looks at Homer's calculations for the lost rocket, the sheet already has the equation with all the necessary data to calculate the range written down. About 2/3 down the page, the horizontal range formula appears as d = (v² / g) × sin 2A = (450)² / 32 = 202,500 / 32. Solving this gives 6,328 feet, the answer that Quentin writes down later. (This assumes a launch angle A of 45°, which maximizes the range, so that sin 2A = 1.) See more »Quotes
Homer: [to his dad] Sure Dr. Von Braun is a great scientist, but he isn't my hero.See more »
Crazy Credits
The real life people portrayed in the movie are shown during the endcredits. See more »
Soundtracks
"Red & Black"Written by O'dell Willis, William T. Purdy (as W.T. Purdy), Carl D. Beck (as Carl Beck)
Performed by the Central High School Band, Knoxville, Tennessee See more »
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