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Movies / On DVD / October Sky
October Sky

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October Sky (1999)

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Reviews Counted:59

Fresh:55

Rotten:4

Average Rating:7.8/10

Consensus: Convincing, uplifting performances provides compelling look at small town dreams.

Runtime: 2 hrs 33 mins

Genre: Dramas

Synopsis: The true story of Homer Hickam, a young boy trapped in a close-minded coal-mining town in the 1950's. When Sputnik is successfully launched, Homer becomes obsessed with the concept of rocket... The true story of Homer Hickam, a young boy trapped in a close-minded coal-mining town in the 1950's. When Sputnik is successfully launched, Homer becomes obsessed with the concept of rocket launching. To the dismay and disgust of the townspeople, as well as Homer's father, he and his friends try to launch a rocket themselves. With the inspiration of a school teacher, they persevere and never lose hope in the dreams. An uplifting, hopeful story that the whole family can enjoy. [More]

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Laura Dern, Chris Cooper, Chris Owen, William Lee Scott, Chris Ellis

Director: Joe Johnston

Director: Joe Johnston
Screenwriter: Lewis Colick
Producer: Larry J. Franco, Charles Gordon
Composer: Mark Isham

[See More Credits]

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Release:

Jan 25, 2005

No Details Exist
 
 

Reviews for October Sky

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1 - 20 (sorted by source)
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This is one of those special films that’s equally successful as a wholesome family film and an inspiring drama for adults.

Full Review Source: Apollo Guide | comment Comment
01/01/00
Brian Webster
Brian Webster
Apollo Guide

A must-see for every student, parent and teacher in the country!

comment Comment
01/01/00
Bob Fenster
Bob Fenster
Arizona Republic
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

October Sky is a movie you want to believe in.

Full Review Source: Arkansas Democrat-Gazette | comment Comment
01/29/05
Philip Martin
Philip Martin
Arkansas Democrat-Gazette

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Austin Chronicle | comment Comment
01/01/00
Marc Savlov
Marc Savlov
Austin Chronicle
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Boston Phoenix | comment Comment
03/24/02
Boston Phoenix
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Boxoffice Magazine | comment Comment
06/05/02
Annlee Ellingson
Annlee Ellingson
Boxoffice Magazine

As rewarding and uplifting as pictures from half a century ago!

comment Comment
01/01/00
Lawrence Toppman
Lawrence Toppman
Charlotte Observer

This movie has deep values.

Full Review Source: Chicago Sun-Times | comment Comment
01/01/00
Roger Ebert
Roger Ebert
Chicago Sun-Times
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

One of the best in recent years!

comment Comment
01/01/00
Michael Wilmington
Michael Wilmington
Chicago Tribune
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

October Sky is exactly the sort of Hollywood picture we need to see more often: cleanly written, capably filmed, and focused on a young person who's determined to turn his life in constructive, creative directions.

Full Review Source: Christian Science Monitor | comment Comment
01/01/00
David Sterritt
David Sterritt
Christian Science Monitor
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Cincinnati Enquirer | comment Comment
10/15/02
Margaret A. McGurk
Margaret A. McGurk
Cincinnati Enquirer

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Cinemaphile.org | comment Comment
01/01/00
David Keyes
David Keyes
Cinemaphile.org

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Cinematter | comment Comment
01/01/00
Madeleine Williams
Madeleine Williams
Cinematter
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: CNN.com | comment Comment
01/01/00
Paul Tatara
Paul Tatara
CNN.com

Inspirational!

Full Review Source: Compuserve | comment Comment
01/01/00
Harvey S. Karten
Harvey S. Karten
Compuserve
N/R

Click to read the article

Full Review Source: Deseret News, Salt Lake City | comment Comment
01/01/00
Deseret News, Salt Lake City

It is a film that treats its teen-aged hero and his pals as distinctive, sentient human beings.

Full Review Source: Detroit News | comment Comment
01/01/00
Susan Stark
Susan Stark
Detroit News
Top Critic Icon Top Critic

It is ultimately in the exact performances and writing that are the primary reasons October Sky works so well.

Full Review Source: DustinPutman.com | comment Comment
01/01/00
Dustin Putman
Dustin Putman
DustinPutman.com

...plays like a TV movie made for everyone who subscribes to Reader's Digest. Still, its manipulations are sincere rather than cynical...

Full Review Source: DVDJournal.com | comment Comment
04/07/06
Mark Bourne
Mark Bourne
DVDJournal.com

A real-life Revenge of the Nerds with a touch of Stand by Me.

Full Review Source: E! Online | comment Comment
01/01/00
E! Online
 
 
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