|
It’s April 11, 1970, astronauts Jim Lovell, Fred Haise
and Jack Swigert rocket into space. They’ll be the chaps
behind mankind’s third trip to the moon. But in true
‘we couldn’t have a movie unless something happens’
fashion, it doesn’t come off as planned, when an explosion
on their ship kills the mission – and almost the men
themselves.
'Apollo 13' might be so akin to a documentary, because, well,
it’s full of facts and brimming with information. It’ll
no doubt bore some to death, but anyone looking for a solid,
credible tale of that fateful mission should look no further.
Like it or loathe it, this is solid storytelling.
Hanks is his usual dependable self as head-man Lovell, whilst
the always versatile Kevin Bacon and Bill Paxton, respectively,
prove themselves terrific support as his spacely cohorts.
On ground, Ed Harris gives an Oscar-worthy performance as
Mission Control flight director Gene Kranz, and Gary Sinise,
an ever-present fixture in a Hanks film – a delight as
always.
DVD Extras
The newly released “2-Disc Anniversary Edition”
is a must for fans of the film. Not only does it look and
sound better than a scantly-dressed Lindsay Lohan, but the
extras are more welcome than endless cheese platters:
There’s two great commentaries (Ron Howard’s is
probably the ‘must’ of the two), a comprehensive
documentary, two intriguing featurettes, and best of all,
over on Disc-2, the IMAX version of the film.
Conclusion: Movie 75% Extras: 90%
|
