Apollo 13 (1995)

NASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy.

Director:

Ron Howard

Writers:

Jim Lovell (book), Jeffrey Kluger (book)

Stars:

Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon

Won 2 Oscars. Another 26 wins & 59 nominations.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Tom Hanks	...	Jim Lovell
Bill Paxton	...	Fred Haise
Kevin Bacon	...	Jack Swigert
Gary Sinise	...	Ken Mattingly
Ed Harris	...	Gene Kranz
Kathleen Quinlan	...	Marilyn Lovell
Mary Kate Schellhardt	...	Barbara Lovell
Emily Ann Lloyd	...	Susan Lovell
Miko Hughes	...	Jeffrey Lovell
Max Elliott Slade	...	Jay Lovell
Jean Speegle Howard	...	Blanch Lovell
Tracy Reiner	...	Mary Haise
David Andrews	...	Pete Conrad
Michele Little	...	Jane Conrad (as Michelle Little)
Chris Ellis	...	Deke Slayton

Storyline

Based on the true story of the ill-fated 13th Apollo mission bound for the moon. Astronauts Lovell, Haise and Swigert were scheduled to fly Apollo 14, but are moved up to 13. It's 1970, and The US has already achieved their lunar landing goal, so there's little interest in this "routine" flight.. until that is, things go very wrong, and prospects of a safe return fade.

---

Plot Keywords:

1970s | survival | astronaut | space mission | rescue | 

---

Taglines:

Failure is not an option.

---

Genres:

Adventure | Drama | History

---

Motion Picture Rating (MPAA)

Rated PG for language and emotional intensity

Did You Know?

Trivia

After Tom Hanks was cast, Gary Sinise was free to choose his part. "When I looked at it, I said, 'I want to play that guy.' Without him, they won't get back."

---

Goofs

When Jim stands in the moonlight after the party, his face is lit blue as he stares up at it. Then he raises his hand and uses his thumb to block out the moon - he would only see this if his thumb created a full shadow over his eye. But when the camera reverses to show his face (both times), there is no shadow on his eye, or even on his face. The second time, the shadow of his hand and thumb can be seen over his shoulder.

---

Quotes

Jim Lovell: We just lost the moon.

---

Alternate Versions

A digitally remastered IMAX-format version was released in September 2002. It is about 20 minutes shorter in running time than the original theatrical version. Some of the missing scenes are the dinner that the astronauts have aboard the ship that results in Fred Haise being sick into a plastic bag, and Marilyn Lovell telling the off the press.

---

Connections

Edited into Race for Space (2010)

---

Soundtracks

Waiting
Written by Carlos Santana, David Brown, Gregg Rolie, Michael Shrieve (as Mike Shrieve), Jose Chepito Areas (as Jose Areas), and Mike Carabello
Performed by Santana
Courtesy of Columbia Records
by arrangement with Sony Music Licensing

User Reviews

A brief synopsis of a great film.

It's difficult to say what makes Apollo 13 such a great film - perhaps it is the idea that it "really happened", and that someone can look at a history book, then at the film, and see an overall reality. Some might say they love it just for the effects; but I believe that it has a great story, and a perfect selection of actors, perfectly cast. Ed Harris excels, as does Tom Hanks - and Bill Paxton and Kevin Bacon are each superb in their roles.

The most wonderful thing about this movie is that it encompasses so many parts and peoples, and appeals to so many, that by the last reel you feel that if they don't make it through, you have lost some of your closest friends.

In short: a minor masterpiece.

Details

Official Sites:

Official Facebook

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

30 June 1995 (USA)

Also Known As:

Apollo 13: The IMAX Experience

Filming Locations:

Lankershim Boulevard & Hesby Street - North Hollywood, California, USA

Box Office

Budget:

$52,000,000 (estimated)

Opening Weekend USA:

$25,353,380, 2 July 1995

Gross USA:

$173,837,933

Cumulative Worldwide Gross:

$355,237,933

Company Credits

Production Co:

Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment

Technical Specs

Runtime:

140 min 106 min (IMAX Version)

Sound Mix:

DTS-Stereo DTS IMAX 6-Track (IMAX version) Dolby SR DTS (DTS: X)

Color:

Color (DeLuxe)

Aspect Ratio:

2.39 : 1