7 Underrated Movies From MCU Directors

5. Joe Johnston - October Sky

Hunt For The Wilderpeople
Universal Pictures

Joe Johnston directed the first Captain America movie, The First Avenger, with his film being an exciting and fresh way to bring one of the most iconic Marvel characters to life.

Over a decade before The First Avenger, Johnston also released October Sky, a true story of a man inspired by the Sputnik shuttle launch to become a NASA engineer. What follows is a beautifully written story of inspiration, heart and family. It is far from the action of Captain America but Johnston crafts a truly impacting coming-of-age story. It is brilliantly crafted, from the direction to the cinematography to the casting, delivering on all promises of its premise.

The film was not a smash hit at the box office, likely because of its themes of inspiration that have been explored countless times in earlier films. However, the irresistible charm in Jake Gyllenhaal's lead performance and the intimate script makes this one of the best and most under-appreciated of the genre. Johnston hit a home run with October Sky but it sadly did not get the recognition that it deserved.

 
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