Max Q (TV 1998)

A shuttle is launched into space to release a new satellite. When an explosion occurs the crew has to think of a way to get back to Earth without atmospheric pressure (max q) crushing the damaged shuttle.

Director:

Michael Shapiro

Writers:

Marty Kaplan (teleplay), Robert J. Avrech (teleplay),

Stars:

Billy Campbell, Paget Brewster, Ned Vaughn

Nominated for 1 Primetime Emmy. Another 1 nomination.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Billy Campbell	...	Clay Jarvis (as Bill Campbell)
Paget Brewster	...	Rena Winter
Ned Vaughn	...	Scott Hines
Geoffrey Blake	...	Jonah Randall
Tasha Smith	...	Karen Daniels
Denis Arndt	...	Don Mitchum
Christopher John Fields	...	Elliot Henschel
Kevin McNulty	...	Oz Gilbert (as Kevin Mcnulty)
Leslie Horan	...	Melissa Hines
Chris Ellis	...	Bob Matthews
Greg Michaels	...	Rusty Porter
Peter Bryant	...	John Daniels
Tracy New	...	Pierson
BJ Harrison	...	Emily (as B.J. Harrison)
Neil Denis	...	Michael Daniels

Storyline

A shuttle is launched into space to release a new satellite. When an explosion occurs the crew has to think of a way to get back to Earth without atmospheric pressure (max q) crushing the damaged shuttle.

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Plot Keywords:

space shuttle | astronaut | space

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Taglines:

The Ultimate Test of Courage

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Genres:

Adventure | Sci-Fi

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Details

Country:

USA Canada

Language:

English

Release Date:

19 November 1998 (USA)

Also Known As:

Max Q: Emergency Landing

Filming Locations:

Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada

Company Credits

Production Co:

Jerry Bruckheimer Films, Touchstone Television

Technical Specs

Runtime:

91 min

Sound Mix:

Dolby

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

Max Q is indeed the point of maximum dynamic pressure on a vehicle during launch. It's also the name of the rock band whose members are all astronauts.

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Goofs

When viewing reentry from inside a space-shuttle, the color of the flame is usually blue or green, not orange. This is due to the specific type of shielding used on the outside of the shuttle.

User Reviews

Interesting way to kill two hours

This movie, essentially a modern-day _Apollo 13_, was entertaining in the tradition of Jerry Bruckheimer films. Overall, I enjoyed it, though performances from Campbell and Brewster were fairly flat. In my opinion, Geoffrey Blake was the standout, playing a civilian filmmaker sent to document the launch of the corporate satellite. He created a character that was easy to identify with and entertaining to watch. Overall, this is light, low-budget entertainment; people in search of a rip-roaring blockbuster would do better to rent _Armageddon_ again. But as made-for-TV movies go, this one is a standout.