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October Sky
MCA / Universal Pictures


9.5

based on 23 reviews
Read critic reviews
How did we calculate this?

based on 14 votes
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FILM:

Internet Movie Database

MPAA RATING: PG for language, brief teen sensuality and alcohol use, and for some thematic elements

Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern, Chris Owen, William Lee Scott, Chad Lindberg, Natalie Canerday, and Scott Miles

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.

GENRE(S):	Drama
WRITTEN BY:	Lewis Colick Homer H. Hickam Jr. (book Rocket Boys)
DIRECTED BY:	Joe Johnston
RELEASE DATE:	DVD: January 25, 2005 Video: February 15, 2000 Theatrical: February 19, 1999
RUNNING TIME:	108 minutes, Color
ORIGIN:	USA

Winner, Best Family Film, 2000 Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards

All critic scores are converted to a 100-point scale. If a critic does not indicate a score, we assign a score based on the general impression given by the text of the review. Learn more...

Variety Joe Leydon

Immensely entertaining and unabashedly inspirational.

Chicago Sun-Times Roger Ebert

One of the best elements of the movie is in breaking free, he is respecting his father. This movie has deep values.

Chicago Tribune Michael Wilmington

A family tale, in the best sense. [19 February 1999, Tempo, p.4]

ReelViews James Berardinelli

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.

Los Angeles Times Kenneth Turan

One of the most unfashionable movies of the new year, and one of the more appealing. [19 February 1999, Calendar, p.F-10]

Washington Post Stephen Hunter

It makes a great point: Love, honor and respect your father, but then get the hell out of town.

Slate David Edelstein

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.

Village Voice Gary Dauphin

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.

Entertainment Weekly Troy Patterson

Duller than rocket science and more reliant on formulas.

The Globe and Mail (Toronto) Liam Lacey

Now if that isn't an inspirational story, it's hard to know what is.

USA Today Mike Clark

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]

San Francisco Chronicle Peter Stack

This film is family.

Rolling Stone Peter Travers

The film is rich in period flavor and refreshingly unhip.

San Francisco Examiner David Armstrong

While this movie hasn't many surprises, it does offer strong performances, especially from Gyllenhaal.

Christian Science Monitor David Sterritt

Here's hoping other filmmakers will follow its spirit, if not all of its methods.

Chicago Reader Lisa Alspector

The movie manages to push buttons without seeming formulaic.

The New York Times Elvis Mitchell

Despite its "based on a true story" opening credit, this earnest, nostalgic film has a way of seeming too good to be true.

Washington Post Desson Thomson

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.

Film Threat Tom Meek

Cooper who was so poignant in "Lone Star," gives an emotionally robust performance.

The Onion (A.V. Club) Keith Phipps

Offers a strange mix of sentimentality and social criticism, sometimes mixing the two to awkward effect.

TV Guide Maitland McDonagh

The film's most fully realized performance is Chris Cooper's.

Austin Chronicle Marc Savlov

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.

Dallas Observer Michael Sragow

October Sky may be set around coal mines, but ultimately it's Field of Corn, Part II.

The average user rating for this movie is 9.5 (out of 10) based on 14 User Votes
Note: User votes are NOT included in the Metascore calculation.

Murtaza S. gave it a10:
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.

Liam gave it a10:
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.

Mithyus gave it a10:
Inspirational and beautiful.

Armando S. gave it a9:
This is a heartfelt, inspiring movie that mostly stays true to the reality of the book-great performances-recommeded.

Jake H. gave it a 10:
Really great- the book was better, but really great.

Corey S. gave it a 10:
It is a powerful movie full of hope and dreams. A perfect example of if there is a will there is a way.

Finny G. gave it a 10:
Good.

October Sky MCA / Universal Pictures

October Sky
MCA / Universal Pictures