Metascore

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics What's this?

User Score

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

  • Starring: Chris Cooper, Jake Gyllenhaal
  • Summary: Based on Homer H. Hickman's memoir "Rocket Boys," this film begins in 1957 with Russia's historic launch of the Sputnik satellite and chronicles its impact on a group of boys in West Virginia.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Negative: 0 out of 23
  1. Reviewed by: Joe Leydon
    90
    Immensely entertaining and unabashedly inspirational.
  2. One of the most unfashionable movies of the new year, and one of the more appealing. [19 February 1999, Calendar, p.F-10]
  3. Reviewed by: Gary Dauphin
    80
    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.
  4. Reviewed by: Tom Meek
    60
    Cooper who was so poignant in "Lone Star," gives an emotionally robust performance.

See all 23 Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. MurtazaS.
    10
    One of those few movies that reach the emotional core. Inspiring yet realistic, the story depicts ordinary kids doing extra ordinary things through will and effort. Expand
  2. Liam
    10
    I watched 1000s of movies and this is one of those rare movies that touches u only movies have watched that have done that is this and stand by me.
  3. And one more time at all, watching without knowing that it was based on a true story. The story is very beautiful, despite overcoming the prejudices and limitations they had at the time, beyond the relationship between father and son that he shows in a way pretty intense. I was impressed with the performance of Jake aged at 19, won me over. And priceless the first scene of Jake Gyllenhaal and Chad Lindberg in the car listening to Jailhouse Rock by Elvis! Great movie, it's gripping and fun at the same time... and why not, it is also stimulating, encouraging. Well worth seeing! Expand
  4. There certainly was an emotional core to this movie that made it appealing along with some heavy hitter acting from Chris cooper it was almost good. The moral and general feel was curious and fun but the downfalls of the script, the young acting, and the lack of true meaning falls flat. The outcome is a well directed after school special that I could do without. Expand

See all 14 User Reviews

Trailers