Similarities to "October Sky!"

What I think is very cool/ interesting is how "The Iron Giant" has a lot of things in common with "October Sky" (both of which I just love!);

- Both involve the topic of Sputnik.

- Both take place in the exact same year (October 1957).

- Both were released the same year (1999).

- Both of the main characters have similar alliterative names (Hogarth Hughes- Homer Hickam).

- Both share a song in common- "Searchin'" by The Coasters.

- In this film, the Giant takes apart the railroad tracks right when a train is coming, just like how The Rocket Boys take apart the rails in "October Sky," when a train is headed their way.

- Last but not least, I think Hogarth looks a lot like a younger version of Jake Gyllenhaal's character in "October Sky" (with big blue eyes, and ruffled, brown hair).
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On a side note Joe Johnston, the director of "October Sky," was also one of the animators of The Iron Giant! :)