October Sky

1999 Drama

NASA engineer Homer H. Hickam, Jr.'s autobiography provided the basis for this drama about a teenager coming of age at the dawn of the space race. In 1957, Homer Hickam (Jake Gyllenhaal) is a high school student in Coalwood, West Virginia when the Soviet Union launches Sputnik, the first man-made satellite. While most of his friends and neighbors react with fear or distrust, Homer is instantly fascinated and begins studying everything he can find on jet and rocket design. While many of Homer's friends are puzzled by his new obsession, several new friends share his enthusiasm, and with the encouragement of his teacher (Laura Dern), Homer and his fellow "Rocket Boys" begin designing and launching their own homemade missiles. However, Homer's father (Chris Cooper) takes a dim view of his son's interest in rockets and is convinced Homer's future should be the same as his own, working in the local coal mines. October Sky mixes the drama of traditional family conflicts with a nostalgic glimpse of life in the mid-50's and a look at the earliest days of our journey into space. more..

Director: Joe Johnston

Starring: Jake Gyllenhaal, Chris Cooper, Laura Dern,Chris Owen, William Lee Scott

Reviews

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

    Roger Ebert - The Chicago Sun-Times

    26 April 2013

  • A family tale, in the best sense.

    Michael Wilmington - The Chicago Tribune

    26 April 2013

  • The film is rich in period flavor and refreshingly unhip.

    Peter Travers - Rolling Stone

    26 April 2013

  • This film is family.

    Peter Stack - The San Francisco Chronicle

    26 April 2013

  • The finale, which utilizes vintage home movies to show us the real people we've just seen portrayed, packs a wallop.

    Mike Clark - USA Today

    26 April 2013

Awards

  • Best Action/Adventure/Thriller Film

    Academy of Science Fiction, Fantasy & Horror Films (2000)

     
  • Joe Johnston

    Ajijic International Film Festival (1999)

  • Feature Film

    American Cinema Foundation (2000)

     
  • Best Family Film

    Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards (2000)

  • Best Casting for Feature Film, Drama

    Casting Society of America (1999)