Overview
A stuttering high school student discovers the power of debate and love in a small town.
Ember's analysis
- Pacing
- Measured
- Intensity
- Moderate
- Complexity
- Easy to follow
- Violence
- Mild
- witty
- awkward
- sincere
- quiet evening
- coming of age movie night
What critics said
Critics generally found the film sharp, honest, and humanely observed, praising its performances and dry humor while noting that its deliberately unconventional ending could frustrate viewers seeking tidy resolution.
What sets it apart
May contain story progression spoilers
Hal's stutter, romantic disappointment, family upheaval, and debate setbacks resist the usual inspirational victory arc.
The film pairs Hal's speech difficulty and social uncertainty with deadpan, unexpectedly comic situations.
Hal's persistent stutter affects his recruitment, debate performance, romance with Ginny, and sense of self.
The debate team, Coach Lumbly, state tournament, and public speaking contests organize Hal's social and emotional journey.
Films like Rocket Science, and why
The Edge of Seventeen
awkward adolescent protagonist, bittersweet coming of age, and emotionally observant indie comedy
Eighth Grade
earnest teen misfit, dry humor, and unconventional high school coming of age
Napoleon Dynamite
quirky outsider perspective, understated comedy, and tender adolescent self-discovery
Election
high school competition, social awkwardness, and warm ensemble coming of age
Movie Details
- Director
- Jeffrey Blitz
- Release Date
- 2007-01-19
- Runtime
- 101 min
- Rating
- 6.3 / 10 (206)
Cast
- Nicholas D'Agosto
- Margo Martindale
- Reece Thompson
- Anna Kendrick
- Jonah Hill
- Denis O'Hare
- Vincent Piazza
- Aaron Yoo
- Utkarsh Ambudkar
- Candace Hammer
Where to watch in United States
- Streaming
- HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max
- Rent
- Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, Fandango At Home
- Buy
- Google Play Movies, YouTube
Streaming options come from TMDB and change over time.
Common questions
- What is Rocket Science about?
- A stuttering New Jersey teenager enters the high-pressure world of competitive debate while navigating first love, family fracture, and the humiliations of growing up.
- What is Rocket Science like to watch?
- Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Rocket Science as measured, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.
- Is Rocket Science violent?
- Only mildly. Ember rates the violence in Rocket Science as mild.
- What did critics think of Rocket Science?
- Critics generally found the film sharp, honest, and humanely observed, praising its performances and dry humor while noting that its deliberately unconventional ending could frustrate viewers seeking tidy resolution.
- Which films are like Rocket Science?
- Films with a similar feel include The Edge of Seventeen, Eighth Grade, Napoleon Dynamite, and Election.
- How long is Rocket Science?
- Rocket Science runs 101 minutes.
- Where can I watch Rocket Science?
- In United States, Rocket Science streams on HBO Max Amazon Channel, HBO Max.
