

19/02/1999
Homer Hickam is a kid with only one future in sight, to work in the local coal mine like his father. However, in October 1957 everything changes when the first artificial satellite, Sputnik, goes into orbit. When Homer sees the Soviet satellite streak overhead, he becomes inspired to learn how to build rockets. With the help of his friends, and the local nerd, Homer sets to do just that by trial and a lot of error. Unfortunately, most of the town, and especially Homer's father, thinks that they are wasting their time. Only one teacher understands their efforts and lets them know that they could become contenders in the national science fair with college scholarships being the prize. Now the gang must learn to perfect their craft and overcome the many problems facing them as they shoot for the stars.

Jake Gyllenhaal
as Homer Hickam

Chris Cooper
as John Hickam

Chris Owen
as Quentin Wilson

Laura Dern
as Miss Riley

William Lee Scott
as Roy Lee

Chad Lindberg
as O'Dell

Natalie Canerday
as Elsie Hickam

Ilya Baskin
as Ike Bykovsky

Chris Ellis
as Principal Turner

Scott Thomas
as Jim Hickam

Randy Stripling
as Leon Bolden

Courtney Cole-Fendley
as Dorothy Platt

David Dwyer
as Jake Mosby

Terry Loughlin
as Mr. Dantzler

Kaili Hollister
as Valentine Carmina

David Copeland
as Coach Gainer

Don Henderson Baker
as Jensen

Tom Kagy
as Lenny

Donald Thorne
as Trooper One

Justin Whitsett
as Kid

Larry Rue
as Neighbor

Neva Howell
as Neighbor

Terry Nienhuis
as Neighbor

Brady Coleman
as Anderson

Rick Forrester
as Roper

Terrence Gibney
as Basil Thorpe

Doug Swander
as Corvette Guy

Keeli Hale Kimbro
as Corvette Girl

Mark Jeffrey Miller
as Vernon

Blaque Fowler
as Reverend

Don Tilley
as Rescue Worker

Rockford Davis
as Chemistry Teacher

John Bennes
as Doctor

Jonathan Fawbush
as Barney

Larry Black
as Fred Smith

Frank Schuler
as Moonshiner

Tommy Smeltzer
as Man at Mine

Charles Lawlor
as Miner

Tom Turbiville
as Miner

Ida Ginn
as Quentin's Mom

Richard Lumpkin
as Judge at Welch

Mark W. Johnson
as Union Official

Don Taylor
as Union Official

Don G. Campbell
as Mr. Morris

Liz Byler
as Ivy League Girl

Bradford Ryan Lund
as Ivy League Boy

Frank Hoyt Taylor
as Judge at Indy

Dave Hager
as Head Judge

Ray Elder
as Tom Webster

Andy Stahl
as Jack Palmer

Joe Digaetano
as Wernher Von Braun

Thomas Taylor
as Miner in Elevator

David Ducey
as Man in Crowd

Jenny Patterson
as Nurse

O. Winston Link
as Locomotive Engineer
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