October Sky1999
October Sky (1999)
TOMATOMETER
AUDIENCE SCORE
Critic 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.
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Movie Info
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Cast
as Homer Hickam
as John Hickam
as Miss Riley
as Quentin
as Roy Lee
as O'Dell
as Elsie Hickam
as Jim Hickam
as Leon Bolden
as Principal Turner
as Ike Bykovsky
as Dorothy Platt
as Jake Mosby
as Mr. Dantzler
as Valentine Carmina
as Coach Gainer
as Jensen
as Lenny
as Trooper One
as Kid
as Neighbor
as Neighbor
as Neighbor
as Anderson
as Roper
as Basil Thorpe
as Corvette Guy
as Corvette Girl
as Vernon
as Reverend
as Rescue Worker
as Chemistry Teacher
as Doctor
as Barney
as Fred Smith
as Moonshiner
as Man at Mine
as Miner
as Miner
as Quentin's Mom
as Judge at Welch
as Union Official
as Union Official
as Mr. Morris
as Ivy League Girl
as Ivy League Boy
as Judge at Indy
as Head Judge
as Tom Webster
as Jack Palmer
as Wernher Von Braun
as Miner in Elevator
as Man in Crowd
as Nurse
as Locomotive Engineer
News & Interviews for October Sky
Critic Reviews for October Sky
All Critics (73) | Top Critics (16) | Fresh (66) | Rotten (7) | DVD (9)
The TV movie subject matter is infused with genuine feeling for the value of learning as a passport to freedom, and an authentic regard for the honest graft of working men.
It is a film that treats its teen-aged hero and his pals as distinctive, sentient human beings.
This movie has deep values.
Believable, subtle, and consistently intelligent!
A must-see for every student, parent and teacher in the country!
A professionally crafted family film that reserves all its challenging moments for its characters, letting the audience bask comfortably in the approach of a predetermined warm and fuzzy ending.
Audience Reviews for October Sky
This is the true story of Homer Hickam, Jr.- a bright teenager obsessed with rockets and science who, much to the befuddlement of his family and neighbors of his small, working class coal mining town, defied the odds to follow his dreams during the space race years of the 50s. It's a very inspiring story that is filled with heart, warmth, humor, and does a good job at dealing with issues of family, working class life, and following one's dreams. That, and it's got a notable cast including a young Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, and Laura Dern. Hickam did eventually become a NASA engineer, but the film primarily focuses on the earliest leg of that journey, and the scenes of him and his friends trying to get into the rocket game for themselves are both funny and charming. This is Joe Johnston making a nice drama and pulling it off pretty well. He's got a spotty record, but this is one of his better efforts, and one I find my self enjoying quite a bit each time I see it. Sure, there are shades of typical tropes like the father wanting the son to follow in his footsteps, and people interested in a subject that doesn't fit in with what everyone else in their locale appreciates, but it's handled decently, and the performances are nice, too.
Super Reviewer
Deeply moving with a whole lot of heart. It's something you'll want to believe in because it is something to believe for.
Super Reviewer
As many have already mentioned, it's just another conventional inspirational story of a boy who doesn't give up his dream, even if he has to fight against his father's will for it. Check it out if you're a fan of inspirational tales; otherwise, nothing extraordinary here. And well, isn't so bad to pass time if you've nothing else to do, and haven't watched it already.
Super Reviewer
October Sky Quotes
| Homer Hickam: | They wouldn't care if you lived in a governor's mansion. They'd still think you're weird. |
| John Hickam: | If steel fails, this country fails. |
| Miss Riley: | Sometimes you really can't listen to what anybody else says. You just gotta listen inside. |
| Homer Hickam: | You know, it won't fly unless somebody pushes the button. |