"Apollo 13"

There was a long period of time as a child that I wanted to fly in space.  This film when it came out really cemented my desire to become an astronaut.  My career choice has since changed obviously, but this film is still very special to me and I thoroughly enjoy it. 

I truly think that this is one of Tom Hank's best performances, and the film (like the story) is of course riveting.  I am just amazed at the skill of pilots, commanders, engineers, and all those involved in the rescue of Apollo 13.  This story in some ways is even a truer testament to that well known American ingenuity than the first landing on the moon by Apollo 11 itself.

These days, I am saddened by the apparent lack of interest in space flight, exploration, and travel.  The science, the exploration, the possibilities for discovery are enthralling to me, but unfortunately...it seems that the funding (or at least the willingness to fund) just isn't there.  I truly hope someday that mankind, with it's new advances in technology since the first landing in July of 1969, chooses to return to the moon and learn more about our closest celestial neighbor.

-David

This is a classic favorite. Not only is this a very well done movie, it's a true story, which makes it even more incredible. Apollo 13 lived up to its superstitious number, one thing wrong after another, one of the astronauts gets sick with 104 temperature, machinery breaks, CO2 levels rise dangerously high...and this really happened. Wow. It's an amazing story, and really shows the intellect, skill, and determination of so many people, working together to bring the three astronauts home.

My husband and I have also watched When we left earth, a documentary on NASA and have heard the real Jim Lovett speak. Pretty incredible.

I also find myself watching this movie from the perspective of the wives, both with multiple children, trying to be strong, but fear of the unknown reflecting in their eyes. What these women went through, not knowing if they would soon be left without a husband, without their life companion...but this story does have a happy ending, as Tom Hanks says in the movie as Jim Lovell, "They called Apollo 13 the successful failure." They may not have made it to the moon, but in the end they accomplished what really mattered, they made it home.

-Bethany

p.s. I also have to add that my sisters and I, and a good friend were privileged to meet Tom Hanks through a dream granted for my sister through the Dream Foundation. She received a huge poster of the cover of Apollo 13 with Tom Hanks and Ron Howard's autograph and Tom Hanks crossed out and wrote on the poster, "Jenni, we have no problem." Awesome memory.