IMDb >
October Sky (1999)
Watch It
Buy it at Amazon
Rent it at
blockbuster.com
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
blockbuster.com
BETA
Discuss in Boards More at IMDb Pro Add to My Movies Update Data
Quicklinks
Top Links
trailers and videosfull cast and crewtriviaofficial sitesmemorable quotesOverview
main detailscombined detailsfull cast and crewcompany creditstv scheduleAwards & Reviews
user commentsexternal reviewsnewsgroup reviewsawardsuser ratingsparents guiderecommendationsmessage boardPlot & Quotes
plot summaryplot synopsisplot keywordsAmazon.com summarymemorable quotesFun Stuff
triviagoofssoundtrack listingcrazy creditsalternate versionsmovie connectionsFAQOther Info
merchandising linksbox office/businessrelease datesfilming locationstechnical specslaserdisc detailsDVD detailsliterature listingsNewsDeskPromotional
taglines trailers and videos posters photo galleryExternal Links
showtimesofficial sitesmiscellaneousphotographssound clipsvideo clipsOctober Sky (1999) More at IMDbPro »
| Photos (see all 43 | slideshow) | Videos |
Overview
User Rating:
Release Date:
19 February 1999 (USA) moreTagline:
Sometimes one dream is enough to light up the whole sky. morePlot:
The true story of Homer Hickam, a coal miner's son who was inspired by the first Sputnik launch to take up rocketry against his father's wishes. full summary | full synopsisAwards:
3 wins & 11 nominations moreNewsDesk:
(29 articles)
Amy Adams Squares Up to ‘The Fighter’ (From FilmSchoolRejects. 30 June 2009, 9:09 PM, PDT)
Marvel Updates 'Iron Man 2,' 'Thor,' 'Captain America'
(From Cinematical. 8 June 2009, 10:32 AM, PDT)
User Comments:
Rocket Boy's Life Soars moreUS TV Schedule:
| Sat. July 11 | 12:30 PM | AMC | |||
| Sun. July 12 | 9:00 AM | AMC |
Cast
(Cast overview, first billed only)| Jake Gyllenhaal | ... | Homer Hickam | |
| Chris Cooper | ... | John Hickam | |
| Laura Dern | ... | Miss Riley | |
| Chris Owen | ... | Quentin | |
| William Lee Scott | ... | Roy Lee | |
| Chad Lindberg | ... | O'Dell | |
| Natalie Canerday | ... | Elsie Hickam | |
| Scott Miles | ... | Jim Hickam | |
| Randy Stripling | ... | Leon Bolden | |
| Chris Ellis | ... | Principal Turner | |
| Elya Baskin | ... | Ike Bykovsky | |
| Courtney Cole-Fendley | ... | Dorothy Platt (as Courtney Fendley) | |
| David Dwyer | ... | Jake Mosby | |
| Terry Loughlin | ... | Mr. Dantzler | |
| Kailie Hollister | ... | Valentine Carmina (as Kaili Hollister) |
Additional Details
MPAA:
Rated PG for language, brief teen sensuality and alcohol use, and for some thematic elements.Parents Guide:
View content advisory for parentsRuntime:
108 minCountry:
USALanguage:
EnglishColour:
ColourAspect Ratio:
2.35 : 1 moreCertification:
Iceland:L | Canada:PG (Ontario) | Argentina:Atp | Australia:PG | Canada:14A | France:U | Germany:6 | Hong Kong:II | Mexico:A | New Zealand:PG | Norway:7 | Portugal:M/12 (video premiere) | Singapore:PG | South Korea:12 | Sweden:7 (re-rating) | Sweden:Btl (original rating) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Geneva) | Switzerland:7 (canton of Vaud) | UK:PG | USA:PG | Finland:SFilming Locations:
Fountain City Elementary School - 2910 Montbelle Drive, Knoxville, Tennessee, USA moreFun Stuff
Goofs:
Continuity: At the end of the movie when they show the space shuttle launch, the first shot shows a launch stack with a white painted external tank. The second shot shows a later, unpainted rust colored tank. moreQuotes:
Principal Turner: Miss Riley, our job is to give these kids an education.Miss Riley: Mmm-hmm.
Principal Turner: Not false hopes.
Miss Riley: False hopes? Do you want me to sit quiet, let 'em breathe in coal dust the rest of their life?
Principal Turner: Miss Riley, once in a while... a lucky one... will get out on a football scholarship. The rest of 'em work in the mines.
Miss Riley: How 'bout I believe in the unlucky ones? Hmm? I have to, Mister Turner, I'd go out of my mind.
more
Soundtrack:
Nine Pound Hammer Is Too Heavy moreFAQ
This FAQ is empty. Add the first question.more
Message Boards
Discuss this movie with other users on IMDb message board for October Sky (1999) moreRecommendations
If you enjoyed this title, our database also recommends:
Show more recommendations
|
|
|
|
|
| Superman | Matewan | The Basketball Diaries | The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio | Friday Night Lights |
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
IMDb User Rating:
|
Related Links
| Full cast and crew | Company credits | External reviews |
| News articles | IMDb Biography section | IMDb USA section |
| Add this title to MyMovies |













I resisted seeing this movie and I understand why it was not a big hit in theatres. "October Sky" feels and looks oh so familiar. And it is. All plot contrivances and emotions have been explored before in other films -- and possibly even better. But despite it's familiarity and resistance to all formulas Hollywood, this movie is winning and likeable at every turn.
Sputnik is the inspiration for this journey of the heart, mind and soul. Just as the characters from Steven Sondheim's musical MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG stood agape atop their apartment roof hoping it would launch their new generation ("What do you call it? You call it a miracle."), Sputnik has a similar affect on the young rocket boys of this true tale. While jaded townsfolk of their 1950's coal town dismiss the event, Homer Hickham sees Sputnik as his ticket out of a life in the mines.
Masterful direction and casting make the journey of rocket boy Homer and his pals seem fresh and new. Especially affecting are subplots concerning Homer's ailing young school teacher. Remarkable restraint is shown in depicting their delicate relationship. Also remarkable is the father / son supblot that anchors the film. Perfectly played all around. Even Homer's mom gets her moment without cliche or intrusion. Her ultimatum to her husband is both dignified and heatbreaking. "Myrtle Beach" says it all.
A major video chain I despise has a sign next to this film stating that you'll love this film or they'll refund your money. For once, I agree with them. You'll never look at the October sky quite the same again.