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October Sky

  • 1999
  • PG
  • 1h 48m
IMDb RATING
7.8/10
101K
YOUR RATING
POPULARITY
4,070
244
October Sky (1999)
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.
Play trailer2:19
1 Video
77 Photos
Coming-of-AgeDocudramaPeriod DramaTeen DramaBiographyDramaFamily

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.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.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
  • Writers
    • Homer H. Hickam Jr.
    • Lewis Colick
  • Stars
    • Jake Gyllenhaal
    • Chris Cooper
    • Laura Dern
  • See production info at IMDbPro
  • IMDb RATING
    7.8/10
    101K
    YOUR RATING
    POPULARITY
    4,070
    244
    • Director
      • Joe Johnston
    • Writers
      • Homer H. Hickam Jr.
      • Lewis Colick
    • Stars
      • Jake Gyllenhaal
      • Chris Cooper
      • Laura Dern
    • 412User reviews
    • 86Critic reviews
    • 71Metascore
  • See production info at IMDbPro
    • Awards
      • 4 wins & 11 nominations total

    Videos1

    Trailer
    Trailer 2:19
    Trailer

    Photos77

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    Top cast59

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    Jake Gyllenhaal
    Jake Gyllenhaal
    • Homer Hickam
    Chris Cooper
    Chris Cooper
    • John Hickam
    Laura Dern
    Laura Dern
    • Miss Riley
    Chris Owen
    Chris Owen
    • Quentin
    William Lee Scott
    William Lee Scott
    • Roy Lee
    Chad Lindberg
    Chad Lindberg
    • O'Dell
    Natalie Canerday
    Natalie Canerday
    • Elsie Hickam
    Scott Thomas
    • Jim Hickam
    • (as Scott Miles)
    Randy Stripling
    • Leon Bolden
    Chris Ellis
    Chris Ellis
    • Principal Turner
    Elya Baskin
    Elya Baskin
    • Ike Bykovsky
    Courtney Cole-Fendley
    Courtney Cole-Fendley
    • Dorothy Platt
    • (as Courtney Fendley)
    David Dwyer
    David Dwyer
    • Jake Mosby
    Terry Loughlin
    Terry Loughlin
    • Mr. Dantzler
    Kaili Hollister
    Kaili Hollister
    • Valentine Carmina
    David Copeland
    • Coach Gainer
    Don Henderson Baker
    • Jensen
    Tom Kagy
    • Lenny
    • Director
      • Joe Johnston
    • Writers
      • Homer H. Hickam Jr.
      • Lewis Colick
    • All cast & crew
    • Production, box office & more at IMDbPro

    User reviews412

    7.8101.4K
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    Featured reviews

    9Jolie

    A film that hits close to home....

    "October Sky" is a film that will steal your heart, fill your mind with vivid imagery, and lift your spirit. The tale of Homer Hickham and his dream of creating a rocket seem so simple at first, especially when the film is set in a mining town, where the future is as clear cut as the lumps of coal in the mine. But Homer cannot follow in his father's footsteps. With the encouragement of Miss Riley,(a friendly teacher), members of his father's staff, and his friends, Homer attempts to make his dream a reality.

    Yet as in any true to life story, there are many stops along the way. Director Joe Johnston lowers us into the coal mines, where we witness the chilling plight of miners stooped beneath a ceiling of rock. With lit helmets and bent posture, they resembled alien insectoids more than humans in the darkness. The hacking coughs of the miners and the blackened faces were a constant reminder of the danger the miners faced in their work.

    Contrasting the mine shaft's lugubrious load are the images of Homer and his friend's rocket launches. Underneath the blue bowl of sky, rockets are placed upon a pad and launched into the stratosphere...And nothing can match the scene when Homer sees Sputnik for the first time.

    Yet what makes the film so endearing is the relationship between the characters. Homer's father is a classic hardened man...but he has a soft side as well. We see that he does love his son, despite their many arguments. The love and support of Miss Riley is evident as well. Best of all, the film is uncomfortable. It doesn't tie everything up in a nice bow. It tears at you, lifts you up. It keeps an air of reality, which is important in a film like this.

    This film can be considered a complete work. At first, I was disappointed that the film did not continue with Homer's life. I didn't want it to end. Then I realized...that's what a good film does to a person. If it has done its job, you won't want it to end. And "October Sky" accomplishes just that.
    8NJMoon

    Rocket Boy's Life Soars

    I resisted seeing this movie and I understand why it was not a big hit in theatres. "October Sky" feels and looks oh so familiar. And it is. All plot contrivances and emotions have been explored before in other films -- and possibly even better. But despite it's familiarity and resistance to all formulas Hollywood, this movie is winning and likeable at every turn.

    Sputnik is the inspiration for this journey of the heart, mind and soul. Just as the characters from Steven Sondheim's musical MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG stood agape atop their apartment roof hoping it would launch their new generation ("What do you call it? You call it a miracle."), Sputnik has a similar affect on the young rocket boys of this true tale. While jaded townsfolk of their 1950's coal town dismiss the event, Homer Hickham sees Sputnik as his ticket out of a life in the mines.

    Masterful direction and casting make the journey of rocket boy Homer and his pals seem fresh and new. Especially affecting are subplots concerning Homer's ailing young school teacher. Remarkable restraint is shown in depicting their delicate relationship. Also remarkable is the father / son supblot that anchors the film. Perfectly played all around. Even Homer's mom gets her moment without cliche or intrusion. Her ultimatum to her husband is both dignified and heatbreaking. "Myrtle Beach" says it all.

    A major video chain I despise has a sign next to this film stating that you'll love this film or they'll refund your money. For once, I agree with them. You'll never look at the October sky quite the same again.
    8RJBurke1942

    Excellent family movie, and a fine story

    I first saw Jake Gyllenhaal in Jarhead (2005) a little while back and, since then, I've been watching every one of his movies that arrives on my radar screen. Like Clive Owen, he has an intensity (and he even resembles Owen somewhat) that just oozes from the screen. I feel sure that, if he lands some meaty roles, he'll crack an Oscar one day...

    That's not to denigrate this film at all.

    It's a fine story, with very believable people (well, it's based upon the author's early shenanigans with rocketry), a great cast – Chris Cooper is always good, and Laura Dern is always on my watch list – with the appropriate mix of humor, pathos, excitement...and the great sound track with so many rock n roll oldies to get the feet tapping.

    But, this film had a very special significance for me: in 1957, I was the same age as Homer Hickham; like him, I looked up at the night stars to watch Sputnik as it scudded across the blackness; like Homer also, I experimented with rocketry in my backyard and used even the exact same chemicals for fuel; and like Homer, I also had most of my attempts end in explosive disaster! What fun it was...

    I didn't achieve his great (metaphorical and physical) heights though. But, that's what you find out when you see this movie.

    Sure, it's a basic family movie, but that's a dying breed these days, it seems. Take the time to see it, with the kids: you'll all have a lot of good laughs.
    9leopisces

    Better late than never! GO SEE THIS FILM

    I have recently seen this movie due to Jake's recent success with Brokeback Mountain. I figured I would see the movies that I missed. I had no expectations going into the film so was astounded that I had missed this movie at all. It's a gripping father and son tale, and it is also an underdog story. I even shed a tear at the finale of this wonderful tale. This movie appeals to all ages. The only reason I give it a 9 out of 10 is that it slows down a little in the middle, but it comes back strong in the end. The acting was great, the story was magnificent, and the cinematography was captivating given the setting of the film. GO SEE THIS MOVIE! Rent it, buy it, watch it, LOVE IT! I know I did!
    seagorn

    Inspirational

    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!

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    Storyline

    Edit

    Did you know

    Edit
    • 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".
    • Goofs
      The miners' union hall has a 50-star flag, but the strike takes place in 1958, a year before Alaska and Hawaii were admitted as states.
    • Quotes

      Homer: [to John] Dad, I may not be the best, but I come to believe that I got it in me to be somebody in this world. And it's not because I'm so different from you either, it's because I'm the same. I mean, I can be just as hard-headed, and just as tough. I only hope I can be as good a man as you. Sure, Wernher von Braun is a great scientist, but he isn't my hero.

    • Crazy credits
      The real life people portrayed in the movie are shown during the end credits.
    • Connections
      Featured in Siskel & Ebert: Office Space/October Sky/The 24 Hour Woman/Jawbreaker/Tango (1999)
    • Soundtracks
      Nine Pound Hammer is Too Heavy
      Written by Charlie Monroe

      Performed by The Monroe Brothers

      Courtesy of The RCA Records Label

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    • What exactly is Hodgkin's disease?

    Details

    Edit
    • Release date
      • February 19, 1999 (United States)
    • Country of origin
      • United States
    • Language
      • English
    • Also known as
      • Cielo de octubre
    • Filming locations
      • Petros, Tennessee, USA(Main set for coal-mining town)
    • Production company
      • Universal Pictures
    • See more company credits at IMDbPro

    Box office

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    • Budget
      • $25,000,000 (estimated)
    • Gross US & Canada
      • $32,570,685
    • Opening weekend US & Canada
      • $5,905,250
      • Feb 21, 1999
    • Gross worldwide
      • $34,698,753
    See detailed box office info on IMDbPro

    Tech specs

    Edit
    • Runtime
      1 hour 48 minutes
    • Color
      • Color
    • Sound mix
      • DTS
      • Dolby Digital
      • SDDS
    • Aspect ratio
      • 2.39 : 1

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