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.

Director:

Joe Johnston

Writers:

Homer H. Hickam Jr. (book), Lewis Colick (screenplay)

Stars:

Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern

4 wins & 11 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Jake Gyllenhaal	...	Homer Hickam
Chris Cooper	...	John Hickam
Laura Dern	...	Miss Riley
Chris Owen	...	Quentin
William Lee Scott	...	Roy Lee
Chad Lindberg	...	O'Dell
Natalie Canerday	...	Elsie Hickam
Scott Thomas	...	Jim Hickam (as Scott Miles)
Randy Stripling	...	Leon Bolden
Chris Ellis	...	Principal Turner
Elya Baskin	...	Ike Bykovsky
Courtney Cole-Fendley	...	Dorothy Platt (as Courtney Fendley)
David Dwyer	...	Jake Mosby
Terry Loughlin	...	Mr. Dantzler
Kaili Hollister	...	Valentine Carmina

Storyline

In a 1950's mining town called Coalwood, Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coal mine 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.

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Plot Keywords:

alcohol | rocket | hope | competition | nerd | 

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Taglines:

Based on an extraordinary true story.

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Genres:

Biography | Drama | Family

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Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language, brief teen sensuality and alcohol use, and for some thematic elements

Did You Know?

Trivia

In real life and in the novel "Rocket Boys," Quentin Wilson was a traditionally handsome looking boy, whereas Homer Hickam looked like the stereotypical "nerd" that the film's Quentin is made to look like. Their physical appearances were switched due to the casting of then-teen heartthrob Jake Gyllenhaal.

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Goofs

When Homer writes his letter to Wernher Von Braun, he incorrectly sends his condolences for Von Braun's failed attempt to launch the Vanguard Rocket. In actuality, the Vanguard project was spearheaded by the Navy, much to Von Braun's disliking. Von Braun's rocket was a Redstone 2 and was the first American Rocket to reach orbit.

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Quotes

[about Homer going to college]
Jim Hickam: Yeah, on a science fiction scholarship, maybe.

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Crazy Credits

The real life people portrayed in the movie are shown during the end credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Dinner for Five: Episode #2.13 (2003)

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Soundtracks

That'll Be the Day
Written by Norman Petty, Jerry Allison and Buddy Holly
Performed by Buddy Holly & The Crickets
Courtesy of MCA Records
Under license from Universal Music Special Markets

User Reviews

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!

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 February 1999 (USA)

Also Known As:

Rocket Boys

Filming Locations:

USA

Box Office

Budget:

$25,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$5,905,250, 21 February 1999

Gross USA:

$32,570,685

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$34,698,753

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

108 min

Sound Mix:

DTS Dolby Digital SDDS

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1