October Sky

Name: October Sky
Genre: Biography, Drama, Family
Released: February 19, 1999
Duration: 108 min
Rating: 71
Cast: Chris Cooper, Jake Gyllenhaal

1999

METASCORE

Generally favorable reviews based on 23 Critic Reviews

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USER SCORE

Universal acclaim based on 110 Ratings

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8.3

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8.3	User Score Universal acclaim based on 110 Ratings

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October Sky

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Movie Details & Credits

Universal Pictures | Release Date: February 19, 1999 | PG

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.

Director: Joe Johnston

Genre(s): Biography, Drama, Family

Rating: PG

Runtime: 108 min

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Critic Reviews

Joe Leydon

Immensely entertaining and unabashedly inspirational. Read full review

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. Read full review

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. Read full review

Troy Patterson

Duller than rocket science and more reliant on formulas. Read full review

David Armstrong

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

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. Read full review

Dallas Observer Michael Sragow

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

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User Reviews

Kailasanadhan

Mar 30, 2021

Best movie!i have watched all through my life.not highly fictionalized true story.if you hadn't watched this film then your are wasting your time seeing some bunch of heavily fictionalized movies.see this movie as fast as you can cause it is an 10 star assured movie.it inspired me a lot

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MurtazaS.

Oct 24, 2007

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.

0 of 0 users found this helpful

Tom-Anderson

Apr 15, 2015

Inspiring movie that is well-acted. Of all the movies I could recommend to my students it is this movie, to which they all invariably respond in the most positive way.

Don't pay attention to the curmudgeons and holier-than-thou critics who rarely have a good word to say about any movie,Inspiring movie that is well-acted. Of all the movies I could recommend to my students it is this movie, to which they all invariably respond in the most positive way.

Don't pay attention to the curmudgeons and holier-than-thou critics who rarely have a good word to say about any movie, especially one that celebrates ambition and intelligence. This movie has great heart even as it appeals to the mind.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

MichelleP.

Jun 13, 2003

I remember seeing this movie when I was in 3rd grade. Though I didn't understand it too much, I remember that it was still able to hold my attention. A few days ago I watched it and loved it even more. It's a beautiful and moving story with superb acting, good characters, I remember seeing this movie when I was in 3rd grade. Though I didn't understand it too much, I remember that it was still able to hold my attention. A few days ago I watched it and loved it even more. It's a beautiful and moving story with superb acting, good characters, beautiful forest settings, and a compelling, inspiring, and touching story. I absolutely loved it.… Expand

0 of 0 users found this helpful

MasterRiley

Feb 15, 2017

October Sky is a really inspirational movie for people growing up and why it is important to follow your dreams. It has a great message, really good performances and writing, and is just overall a really enjoyable movie.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

FilmVirtue

Jan 11, 2015

Both inspiring and entertaining "October Sky" is the kind of drama that uplifts you with I'ts content rather than pin you in a corner and cry. An inspirational drama.

0 of 0 users found this helpful00

cheesyc

Nov 8, 2014

October Sky is a horrible movie. The acting was bad, the score was bad, the writing was bad, and it tried WAY to hard to be sad or serious. BUT, I still liked and enjoyed it. It was entertaining, even though some parts were laughably bad.

0 of 1 users found this helpful01

SEE ALL 17 REVIEWS

55	#55 Best Movie of 1999
60	#60 Most Discussed Movie of 1999
72	#72 Most Shared Movie of 1999