October Sky

( 36 )

Overview

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...
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More About This Product

Overview

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.
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Special Features

Closed Caption; Aiming High: The Story of the Rocket Boys; Feature commentary with Homer Hickam; Spotlight on location; Production notes; Theatrical trailer
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Editorial Reviews

All Movie Guide
Joe Johnston's sentimental film, based on NASA engineer Homer Hickam's autobiographical The Rocket Boys, is a largely breezy, uplifting picture. A Stand By Me for space and science enthusiasts, the film features an excellent young cast, with Jacob Gyllenhaal, Chris Owen, and Chad Lindberg sharing the screen with veterans Laura Dern and Chris Cooper, the latter playing Homer's old-fashioned father with grit and feeling. The tear-jerking plot gathers strength by playing upon the viewer's emotions, and also benefits from its setting in a dim West Virginia mining town, which starkly contrasts with the film's lilting tone. The dark, coal-like tint suggests that the mining town is a virtually inescapable biosphere, a seemingly desolate reality that makes the film's conclusion all the more effective. Johnston's adaptation shores up the details of the book magnificently, moving from one plot point to the next in a free and easy fashion, making for a full-blooded and well-executed film.
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Product Details

  • Release Date: 1/25/2005
  • UPC: 025192554421
  • Original Release: 1999

    • Rating:

  • Source: Universal Studios
  • Region Code: 1
  • Presentation: Special Edition / Wide Screen
  • Sound: DTS 5.1-Channel Surround Sound, Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
  • Language: Français
  • Time: 1:48:00
  • Format: DVD
  • Sales rank: 31

Cast & Crew

Performance Credits
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
Terry Loughlin Mr. Dantzler
Technical Credits
Joe Johnston Director
Lewis Colick Screenwriter
Betsy Cox Costumes/Costume Designer
Peter Cramer Executive Producer
Robert Dalva Editor
Joey DiGaetano Special Effects Supervisor
Mary H. Ellis Sound/Sound Designer
Tony Fanning Art Director
Nancy Foy Casting
Larry J. Franco Producer
Larry Franco Producer
Charles Gordon Producer
Mark Isham Score Composer
Betsy Magruder Asst. Director
Fred Murphy Cinematographer
Gary Pilkinton Special Effects
Barry Robison Production Designer
Marc Sternberg Executive Producer
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Scene Index

Side #1 --
1. The Age of Sputnik [2:29]
2. The Coalwood Boy [6:35]
3. To Build a Rocket [8:43]
4. Stroke of Genius [7:30]
5. Cape Coalwood [9:14]
6. Rocket Roulette [3:35]
7. Splitting the Sky [3:01]
8. False Hopes [5:09]
9. Up in Smoke [6:52]
10. Valentine [1:27]
11. I Won't Shed a Tear [12:32]
12. A Life That Counts [1:53]
13. Search for Auk 13 [3:20]
14. Strike [8:55]
15. Homer's in Trouble [4:05]
16. The Highest Honor [3:47]
17. This Ones Yours [5:53]
18. Epilogue/Titles [4:44]
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Menu

Side #1 --
   Scenes
   Bonus
      Aiming High: The Story of the Rocket Boys
      Feature Commentary With Homer Hickam: On
      Feature Commentary With Homer Hickam: Off
      Spotlight on Location
      Production Notes
      Trailer
   Languages
      Spoken Language: English 5.1 Dolby Digital
      Spoken Language: Español 5.1 Dolby Digital
      Spoken Language: Français 5.1 Dolby Digital
      Spoken Language: English 5.1 DTS
      Feature Commentary With Homer Hickam: On
      Feature Commentary With Homer Hickam: Off
      Captioned for the Hearing Impaired: English
      Subtitles: Español
      Subtitles: Français
      Subtitles: None
   Play
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Customer Reviews

Average Rating 4.5
( 36 )
Rating Distribution

5 Star

(26)

4 Star

(9)

3 Star

(0)

2 Star

(0)

1 Star

(1)

Your Rating:

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 36 Customer Reviews

  • Posted November 16, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    United Abominations
    Ride the Lightning
    Endgame
    The System Has Failed
    Master of Puppets

    this movie stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    this movie stinks!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Great inspiring family movie!

    I first watched this in middle school & showed it to my parents, who fell in love with it. It is such an inspiring, go for the gold movie. If you like a good feel good, the underdog wins type movie this would be a great choice.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Billy Elliot

    Go for it!

    An inspirational true story about what you can do should you put your mind to it. This movie is well acted and unforgettable. A great family movie.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great movie!

    October Sky is a heartfelt movie. It contains the American Dream: to have a dream and make it come true through hard work and perseverance.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    Inspiring true story, very well done.

    The true story of the Rocket Boys- of Homer Hickam and his friends, his family, and especially his mom & teacher- is a wonderful and inspirational one. HH's book is fine, fast, feel-good reading, and this movie does it justice. An inspriation to any kid that ever looked around at his/her world and wanted more... and to the parents and teachers that do everything they can to let those kids soar...

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    One of the few good movies

    This inspirational film takes us back to the atmosphere of Sputnik, and centers around some high school students who need an education to work their way out of a dying mining town. It is a true story about the people that developed our most successfuul rockets, but what really puts the film over the top is the relationship between a father and his son. At first they don't get along because they are too much alike. However, in helping reach their goals they end up developing a deep respect for each other. This is a must see movie, that the whole family can watch together.

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  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    The Last Summer (of You and Me)
    A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

    This was an absolutely great movie number one because it was based on a true story and because it's inspirational and exciting!

    It gives hope to people that they can do anything. This was an absolutely great movie number one because it was based on a true story and because it's inspirational and exciting!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Posted October 1, 2010

    more from this reviewer

    I Also Recommend:

    Out of the Dust

    Amazing Story

    This is a real story of Homer Hickem and his hard life leading up to his dreams. You MUST see this movie, it will change your perspective of the hard ships of the older days.:D

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    This is a must for all teachers & students

    For teachers who want to motivate students to learn this is the movie. It personifies Dewey's & Freire's theories on education & progressive/experiential learning. If you don't use it...You have not understood your purpose. This is a must

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    AWESOME!

    We watched this in science class and i thoght it was gonna be another stupid science movie. But it was nothing like that! It was hysterical in somke parrts and sad in some parts! The best part was when they tried to launch the rocket off the fence but blew up the fence! THat part was truly FUNNY!!!!!!! Everyone watch this MOVIE!!!!!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    October Sky

    I watched the movie and met one of the characters that the movie was about O'dell. This is a real keeper. If you are an educator, it is good for a kick off a science fair, a reading fair and shows a good example of cooperative learning.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    A Must See Movie

    I've seen several times - great for children or teens - all family.

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Outstanding

    This is the best movie ever. This movie is so fun and exiting seeing how far Homers goals can take him. He is strong through everything. Including his father. This is the PERFECT movie.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    AN AMAZING MOVIE THAT IS WORTH EVERY PENNY!!

    This movie is absolutely worth every single cent that you spend on it! I find it extremely well played out and is a TRUE 'must have'. If you haven't seen it yet, go watch it!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted March 10, 2004

    A PERFECT MOVIE FOR ANYONE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    This movie is absolutley fabulous for anyone of any age who wants to watch a truly inspiring movie! Jake Gyllenhaal's performance was beyond words! A 'must see' movie to the fullest extent!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Absolutely amazing.

    Amazing movie that even leaves the machoest of men in tears. Beautiful message to always follow your dreams. A MUST HAVE!

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Something for every one even the cat and the dog!

    This is one of the best family films I think I have ever seen. A warm hearted film that will make you laugh and cry and want to follow your dreams. A must buy for your collection.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Best Dramatic movie

    It was the best movie i could have seen this year. i wanted to watch it over and over again. the movie was about a bad relationship between Homer Hickum and his Father John Hickum, it also told everyone to stick to their dreams never give up. I loved watching the movie and this movie got me interested in rockets and engineering. It was the best most intersting True Story i have ever been able to winess watching it.

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  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Great Movie

    Absoulutly one of the best movies that I've ever seen!

    Was this review helpful? Yes  NoThank you for your feedback.   Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.

  • Anonymous

    Posted October 1, 2010

    Fantastic

    I grew up in a small local community that believed everyone should go into the local industry. I chose that I wanted to do something different in my life and was proud that I did. Watching this film was almost like watching my own childhood as I grew up and brought many a tear to my eye. The love of our parents is very important to me and I still miss the love of my father. A beautiful film and the kind of film I could watch again and again.

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See All Sort by: Showing 1 – 20 of 36 Customer Reviews