Simply amazing!

Rating: Null/10 (6 November 2003)

Each time I view this film, I can't help but be drawn into the action. I am amazed at the few who have written of the dull direction of the dialogue, or the so-called cheesy effects.
"Apollo 13" effectively retells the true story of a near-disaster in space. I think that people today have been spoiled by the canned summer 'blockbuster'. They're told when to jump, laugh, or cry. When I hear comparisons to "Armageddon", I laugh. That was easily one of the worst movies I have ever seen.
The actors did an amazing job. Tom Hanks brings his full talent to this role. Unassuming, subdued at times, he brings gravity to the storyline. Astronauts are in reality scientists, engineers, and skilled pilots, so there's going to be jargon. Well used in this film, I think. We've become accustomed to the sci-fi myth that flying in space is as easy as jumping on the expressway. It's not.
The camera work in "Apollo 13" was what made this movie. One truly grasped the claustrophobic feeling of the command/lunar module. The extreme close ups that Ron Howard uses, in conjunction with the real weightless effects, kept me at the edge of my seat. All this, even though I knew how everything would turn out.
I do find this to be a patriotic piece, as has been pointed out by the mostly foreign input here. They forget that this was a true story. In 1970 we were deep in the Cold War. The lines were pretty clear then. You were with us, or you were against us. A little flag waving is appropriate here.
"Apollo 13" ranks as one of the finest docudramas ever made. If you're a fan of the space program, or fine acting with real suspense, add this one to your library