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 Love trains with relative newcomers Fred Haise and Ken Mattingly 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, 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's film of this mission is directed with a single-mindedness and attention to detail that makes it riveting.
It's exceedingly linear structure, while unavoidable, renders it rather methodical and shallow in characterization.
Self-conscious about its heroism with portrayals that lean toward the glib and the professionally uplifting, the film milks our sympathies too readily to be emotionally convincing.
 Tom Hanks |
Jim Lovell |
|
 Kevin Bacon |
Jack Swigert |
|
 Bill Paxton |
Fred Haise |
|
 Gary Sinise |
Ken Mattingly |
|
 Ed Harris |
Gene Kranz |
|
 Kathleen Quinlan |
Marilyn Lovell |
|
Production Budget - $52,000,000
Domestic Gross - $173,837,933 (3rd)
Worldwide Gross - $355,237,933 (3rd)
Domestic Adjusted for 2013 - $326,095,985
Worldwide Adjusted for 2013 - $666,377,364
Filming locations include:
Los Angeles, California
Ellington Field, Texas, USA
Universal Studios, Universal City, California
Johnson Space Center, Houston, Texas
Kennedy Space Center, Titusville, Florida
Merritt Island, Florida
Burbank, California
San Diego, California
Santa Catalina Island, Channel Islands, California
Tagline:
Houston, we have a problem.
Academy Awards Wins:
1. Editing
2. Sound
Academy Awards Nominations:
1. Picture
2. Supporting Actor - Ed Harris (won by Kevin Spacey for The Usual Suspects)
3. Supporting Actress - Kathleen Quinlan (won by Miro Sorvino for Mighty Aphrodite)
4. Adapted Screenplay
5. Art Direction
6. Visual Effects
7. Original Dramatic Score
ASCAP Awards Wins:
1. Top Box Office Film
Saturn Awards Nominations:
1. Best Action/Adventure Film
BAFTA Nominations:
1. Cinematography
2. Editing
3. Sound
BAFTA Wins:
1. Special Effects
2. Production Design
Golden Globes Nominations:
1. Director - Ron Howard (won by Mel Gibson for Braveheart)
2. Drama Picture
3. Supporting Actor - Ed Harris (won by Brad Pitt for Twelve Monkeys)
4. Supporting Actress - Kathleen Quinlan (won by Mira Sorvino for Mighty Aphrodite)
Music:
Waiting
Written by Carlos Santana, David Brown, Gregg Rolie, Mike Shrieve, Jose Areas and Mike Carabello
Performed by Santana
Night Train
Written by Jimmy Forrest, Lewis C. Simpkins and Oscar Washington
Performed by James Brown
Beyond the Sea
Written by Charles Trenet and Jack Lawrence
Performed by Bobby Darin
Groovin'
Written by Felix Cavaliere and Eddie Brigati
Performed by The Rascals
Somebody to Love
Written by Darby Slick
Performed by Jefferson Airplane
Magic Carpet Ride
Written by John Kay and Rushton Oreve
Performed by Steppenwolf
Purple Haze
Written by Jimi Hendricks
Performed by The Jimi Hendricks Experience
Lemon Tree
Written by Will Holt
Performed by Trini Lopez
Spirit in the Sky
Written and performed by Greenbaum
Blue Moon
Written by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart
Performed by The Mavericks
Honky Tonkin'
Written and performed byHank Williams
User Score: 79
User Score: 5
User Score: 3
Historical, Thrillers
