October Sky

Critics Consensus

Rich in sweet sincerity, intelligence, and good old-fashioned inspirational drama, October Sky is a coming-of-age story with a heart to match its Hollywood craftsmanship.

91%

TOMATOMETER

Total Count: 74

88%

Audience Score

User Ratings: 66,134

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Movie Info

John Hickam (Chris Cooper) is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, Jim (Scott Miles) and Homer (Jake Gyllenhaal), to follow in his footsteps. But Jim gets a football scholarship, and Homer becomes interested in rocket science after seeing Sputnik 1 crossing the sky. John disapproves of his son's new mania, but Homer begins building rockets with the help of friends and a sympathetic teacher (Laura Dern). Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.
  • Rating:
    PG
  • Genre:
    drama
  • Original Language:
    English
  • Director:
    Joe Johnston
  • Producer:
    Larry J. Franco, Charles Gordon
  • Release Date (Theaters):
     original
  • Release Date (Streaming):
  • Box Office (Gross USA):
    $32.6M
  • Runtime:
  • Production Co:
    Universal Pictures
  • Sound Mix:
    SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround

Cast & Crew

Jake Gyllenhaal
Homer Hickam
Chris Cooper
John Hickam
Laura Dern
Miss Frieda Riley
Chris Owen
Quentin Wilson
William Lee Scott
Roy Lee Cook
Chad Lindberg
Sherman O'Dell
Natalie Canerday
Elsie Hickam
Scott Miles
Jim Hickam
Randy Stripling
Leon Bolden
Chris Ellis
Principal Turner
Joe Johnston
Director
Homer H. Hickam Jr.
Writer
Lewis Colick
Writer (Screenplay)
Peter Cramer
Executive Producer
Larry J. Franco
Producer
Charles Gordon
Producer
Marc Sternberg
Executive Producer
Mark Isham
Original Music
Fred Murphy
Cinematographer
Robert Dalva
Film Editor
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News & Interviews for October Sky

Jake Gyllenhaal’s 10 Best Movies
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Critic Reviews for October Sky

All Critics (74) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (67) | Rotten (7)

View All Critic Reviews (74)

Audience Reviews for October Sky

  • Sep 13, 2016
    .Great story of ambition and determination, exactly the film that any person should see. This is one of those films I put off for way too long and couldn't tell you why. Perfect filmmaking and one that pulls all the correct strings
    Brendan N Super Reviewer
  • Jul 27, 2013
    October Sky is the best inspirational drama ever made, and it's one of my favorite movies of all time. This is one of those movies you can't pass up and overlook. It provides good life lessons on following your own footsteps and be ambitious of what you enjoy doing. Even if it makes you hardheaded, this movie shows how taking your own advice is never a bad thing. Jake Gyllenhaal delivered a memorable performance, and he stood true to his role as the NASA Engineer, Homer Hickam, Chris Cooper delivered a solid performance as John Hickam who has a lot of pride of himself. Laura Dern is an underrated actress, and she gave a good performance since Jurassic Park. The rest of the cast played their part pretty well. The storyline was fantastic, providing emotion, joyness, and sadness to appeal everyone, no matter how old you are. What made it better is that it's based on a true story, focusing solely on Homer Hickam's life as a teenager. Here's the website where you can read my full review for this movie: http://geodude91.blogspot.com/2013/07/october-sky-review.html#!/2013/07/october-sky-review.html
    Giovanni C Super Reviewer
  • Jan 17, 2013
    Wonderfully crafted and infused with the kind of old-fashined, non-cynical inspiration that makes you want to reach for the stars, October Sky is one of the best films of its kind the 90's has to offer. Often-overlooked director Joe Johnston does some of the best work of his diverse career- the pacing is perfect and the emotion is always true. Featuring Jake Gyllenhaal in one of his most memorable roles and a terrific soundtrack, this movie teaches us that no dream is unattainable or worth giving up on- and reinforces it after each and every viewing
    Tedd P Super Reviewer
  • May 05, 2012
    I love historic films. Especially films that are so compelling that the narrative can focus on the story aspect instead of working hard to sell the audience that they're in another time. October Sky is a simple, but heartfelt tale about Homer H. Hickman, a man who I never knew existed prior to this film's release. Homer grew up in a small town, but dreams to live a life better than what his stomping grounds can offer. A tale many of us can relate to. But this is also a story about winning the love of your father, and never giving up on your dreams no matter how impossible they seem. Speaking to us with these universal themes, director Joe Johnston delivers a powerful drama that will move you to tears. Highly recommended. This film is just a delight.
    Bryan D Super Reviewer
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