Review of Apollo 13 (1995) by Jaden N — 21 Dec 2010

Director Ron Howard (Backdraft) helmed his best film ever as he brought the incredible true story of Apollo 13 to the big screen. An intensely realistic retelling of the doomed spacecraft, and how the dedication and skill from all turned a near tragedy into a human triumph. Apollo 13 will boost your pulse, raise your hair, and give you goosebumps all at the same time. It's a super tense thrill ride that's filled to the brim with suspense and special effects. The set design and cinematography are astounding, Howard and company literally brought the 1960's back to life again. The cockpits of the spacecraft were stunningly brought back to life. Spectacular movie making, a cinematic masterpiece that will move in ways that only the best films do. A visceral look back to those tense few days where crew and personnel alike worked to the point of exhaustion to bring this spacecraft and it's crew home.

Ron Howard put together an all-star cast for this one, Tom Hanks plays Jim Lovell masterfully. Hanks' talent never ceases to completely amaze me. Bill Paxton in a great role as Fred Haize. It also features Kevin Bacon in a brilliant role as Jack Swigert. Gary Sinise is also great in his role as Ken Mattingly- the astronaut that got snubbed from the mission. For me it was Ed Harris, who plays fight director Gene Kranz, that stole the show in this film. He is legendary in a role that demanded intense emotion and patience. A simply steller cast that couldn't get any better.

Apollo 13 throws you straight into the heart of the failed mission, it's a deep look into the ever-enduring human spirit. Against overwhelming odds these men never gave up, it's breathtaking, the courage these men showed exemplifies the human spirit. It's great to see a movie that's absolutely true, capture the emotion from all involved so well. A classic masterpiece that won't be matched, it's simply too remarkable.