Apollo 13 is a critically acclaimed film that takes a dramatic look at a group of American heroes. Set against the backdrop of the actual NASA mission, this fictionalized retelling follows the history-making mission and the men and women who made it happen. Veteran astronaut Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) trains with relative newcomers Fred Haise (Bill Paxton) and Ken Mattingly (Gary Sinise) for a mission to the moon. Tensions are high as previous missions had been scrubbed due to various mechanical and electrical issues. Mere days before the launch, Mattingly is declared medically unfit and is replaced by Jack Swigert (Kevin Bacon), increasing the anxiety of the two remaining flight crew members. After launch the fears of the crew are realized when a fire breaks out, forcing the moon landing itself to be aborted. Now the space bound astronauts must work together with the NASA specialists back home to facilitate a safe return to Earth. Ron Howard directs this 1995 space epic.moreless