October Sky
Metascore
71 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 23 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 23
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 23
  3. Negative: 0 out of 23
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  1. Variety
    Reviewed by: Joe Leydon
    90
    Immensely entertaining and unabashedly inspirational.
  2. Chicago Sun-Times
    Reviewed by: Roger Ebert
    88
    One of the best elements of the movie is in breaking free, he is respecting his father. This movie has deep values.
  3. Chicago Tribune
    Reviewed by: Michael Wilmington
    88
    A family tale, in the best sense. [19 February 1999, Tempo, p.4]
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  4. ReelViews
    Reviewed by: James Berardinelli
    88
    With its lack of car chases, fist fights, and over-the-top melodrama, the film has to rely on solid acting, an intelligent script, and capable directing.
  5. Village Voice
    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.
  6. Los Angeles Times
    Reviewed by: Kenneth Turan
    80
    One of the most unfashionable movies of the new year, and one of the more appealing. [19 February 1999, Calendar, p.F-10]
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  7. Slate
    Reviewed by: David Edelstein
    80
    At its best, the movie evokes that blend of thrill and terror that comes from mixing two chemicals together without being sure that an instant later you'll still be standing there in one piece.
  8. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Stephen Hunter
    80
    It makes a great point: Love, honor and respect your father, but then get the hell out of town.
  9. Rolling Stone
    Reviewed by: Peter Travers
    75
    The film is rich in period flavor and refreshingly unhip.
  10. Christian Science Monitor
    Reviewed by: David Sterritt
    75
    Here's hoping other filmmakers will follow its spirit, if not all of its methods.
  11. San Francisco Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Peter Stack
    75
    This film is family.
  12. San Francisco Examiner
    Reviewed by: David Armstrong
    75
    While this movie hasn't many surprises, it does offer strong performances, especially from Gyllenhaal.
  13. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Mike Clark
    75
    The finale, which utilizes vintage home movies to show us the real people we've just seen portrayed, packs a wallop. [19 February 1999, Life, p.13E]
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  14. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Liam Lacey
    75
    Now if that isn't an inspirational story, it's hard to know what is.
  15. Entertainment Weekly
    Reviewed by: Troy Patterson
    75
    Duller than rocket science and more reliant on formulas.
  16. The New York Times
    Reviewed by: Elvis Mitchell
    70
    Despite its "based on a true story" opening credit, this earnest, nostalgic film has a way of seeming too good to be true.
  17. Washington Post
    Reviewed by: Desson Thomson
    70
    Paint-by-numbers feel-gooder, in which Homer and his friends decide to win a national science fair for their little town and, ultimately, for America.
  18. Chicago Reader
    Reviewed by: Lisa Alspector
    70
    The movie manages to push buttons without seeming formulaic.
  19. Film Threat
    Reviewed by: Tom Meek
    60
    Cooper who was so poignant in "Lone Star," gives an emotionally robust performance.
  20. The A.V. Club
    Reviewed by: Keith Phipps
    60
    Offers a strange mix of sentimentality and social criticism, sometimes mixing the two to awkward effect.
  21. TV Guide
    Reviewed by: Maitland McDonagh
    50
    The film's most fully realized performance is Chris Cooper's.
  22. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    50
    October Sky falls flat (despite its rich tone and some startling cinematography by Fred Murphy) due to its all-too-obvious third act and the vague fact that, really, not that much happens.
  23. Dallas Observer
    Reviewed by: Michael Sragow
    40
    October Sky may be set around coal mines, but ultimately it's Field of Corn, Part II.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
8.5 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 34 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 14
  3. Negative: 0 out of 14
  1. Summersausage
    5
    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.… Full Review »
  2. Compi24
    9
    Hmm. . .well that was refreshing. I can honestly say that after watching Joe Johnston's "October Sky" I feel a whole lot better about everything. Truly just an overwhelmingly inspiring and uplifting film. I mean you could take the most cynical, mysanthropic soul on this planet, have him watch "October Sky", and he'd have a healthier outlook on his life. I swear, during the last 10 minutes of this movie, I had the biggest **** grin on my face - one of those endings you just can't help but get caught up in. The film features an abundant amount of fine performances. Namely, Jake Gyllenhaal's portrayal of Homer Hickam, and Chris Cooper's compelling turn as his father, John. Other great performances came from Laura Dern, Chris Owen, William Lee Scott, and Chad Lindberg. The movie is shot to a magnificent degree. For instance, Cinematographer Fred Murphy really uses dismal lighting to magnify the miserable atmosphere within Coalwood, West Virginia. The movie is also edited to a tee. "October Sky"… Full Review »
  3. jimmytancredi
    8
    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!… Full Review »
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