October Sky

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October Sky

PG

1999

1h 48m

Drama

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Tomatometer

Popcornmeter

90%

Tomatometer

72 Reviews

88%

Popcornmeter

50,000+ Ratings

John Hickam is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, Jim and Homer, 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. Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.

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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.

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Nell Minow

Common Sense Media

12/26/2010

5/5

Inspiring tale for older tweens and up.

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Trevor Johnston

Time Out

01/26/2006

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.

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Kevin Maher

Sight & Sound

12/02/2002

Retreads the soggy ground staked out by Field of Dreams, with sentimental tears and group hugs as the answer to conflicting ideological standpoints.

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Zaki Hasan

Zaki's Corner

01/29/2019

A-

Put simply, October Sky is a great movie, the kind that restores one's faith in the power of cinema. It deserves to be cherished and treasured.

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David Nusair

Reel Film Reviews

08/29/2015

3/4

...compulsively watchable...

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John A. Nesbit

Old School Reviews

02/24/2011

B

uplifting family film with great values

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Blake- N

@PBSAniDom Apr 16

October Sky is a great film because it tells an inspiring story with heart, honesty, and strong performances. The movie does a wonderful job showing how Homer Hickam follows his dream of building rockets, even when the people around him doubt him. What makes it work so well is that it is not just about science or ambition, but also about family, friendship, and proving yourself through determination. The small-town setting and emotional moments give the film a lot of charm, and it never feels fake or overdone. Jake Gyllenhaal gives a standout performance, and the supporting cast adds a lot to the story too. Overall, October Sky is uplifting, memorable, and easy to care about from start to finish. I would give it an 8/10.

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guglielmo d

@guglielmo Jan 21

A really good, underrated film. I never would have thought of it if I hadn't asked the a.i. for some good, in-depth Films.

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Andrew B

@ABdestroyer233 Dec 16

Great movie, Jake Gyllenhaal is great actor even at his very young age in this movie!

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ilana f

@Lani_knows_better Dec 10

Fantastic film. Heart warming and wrenching at the same time. Great cast, great story, great filmmaking!

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Ajeesh V

@Ajeesh Dec 9

Based on the inspiring true story Rocket Boys, this film delivers an amazing and deeply motivational viewing experience. Jake Gyllenhaal shines as Homer Hickam, supported by decent and convincing performances from the other 'Rocket Boys,' Laura Dern, and Chris Cooper. Director Joe Johnston masterfully handles the narrative, perfectly blending the powerful elements of a brilliant teenager's relentless ambition, the complex father-son relationship, and the hardships of the coal-mining town. The setting and era feel authentic, complemented by decent camerawork and a fitting score that enhances the drama. This is definitely a watch.

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Degi D

@Deggy Dec 5

So nice to see youth of the actors. Inspiring & feel good movie

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Joe Johnston

Director

Jake Gyllenhaal

Homer Hickam

Chris Cooper

John Hickam

Laura Dern

Miss Frieda Riley

Chris Owen

Quentin Wilson

William Lee Scott

Roy Lee Cook

October Sky: Official Clip - This One's Gonna Go for Miles

2:21

October Sky: Official Clip - Test Launches

2:41

October Sky: Official Clip - Railroad Scare

2:09

October Sky: Official Clip - First Prize

1:40

October Sky: Official Clip - He Isn't My Hero

1:54

October Sky: Official Clip - Going to Indianapolis

1:26

October Sky: Official Clip - Homer Proves His Innocence

2:11

October Sky: Official Clip - Success!

2:11

October Sky: Official Clip - It's Headed for the Mine!

1:39

October Sky: Official Clip - Gift from Miss Riley

1:08

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Synopsis

John Hickam is a West Virginia coal miner who loves his job and expects his sons, Jim and Homer, 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. Rocketry, he hopes, will prove his ticket to a better life.

Director: Joe Johnston
Producer: Larry J. Franco, Charles Gordon
Screenwriter: Homer H. Hickam Jr., Lewis Colick
Distributor: Universal Pictures
Production Co: Universal Pictures
Rating: PG
Genre: Drama
Original Language: English
Release Date (Theaters): Feb 19, 1999, Wide
Release Date (Streaming): Apr 19, 2016
Box Office (Gross USA): $32.6M
Runtime: 1h 48m
Sound Mix: SDDS, Dolby Digital, DTS, Surround