An Expert Mix of Sentimentality and Tension

Rating: 8/10 (10 July 2012)

Ron Howard is right in his comfort zone in this dramatic retelling of an early NASA near-disaster, with a bevy of strong characters to play with, volatile situations to work through and nostalgic heartstrings to tug at. Backed by an all-star cast and an excellent script, it's a lesson in efficient, powerful big-event storytelling. Tom Hanks and Ed Harris are especially convincing as commander of the crippled spacecraft and the flight director in charge of his safe return, respectively. Like you might expect from a Hanks / Howard collaboration, it has more than its share of soft-hearted emotions, but a good sense of humor and convincing special effects help to compensate.