Apollo 13

MPAA Rating:

for language and emotional intensity

Reviewed by: John Dickerson
CONTRIBUTOR

Moral Rating:

Average

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Moviemaking Quality:

Primary Audience:

Teens, Adults

Genre:

History Drama

Length:

2 hr. 20 min.

Year of Release:

1995

USA Release:

June 30, 1995

Relevant Issues

Interview With NASA's Jerry Woodfill
On April 13, 1970, Jerry was monitoring Apollo 13's warning system when the vehicle exploded. Read the amazing story of Jerry's path towards God as he witnessed the miraculous. [Read It]

Have scientists discovered the moon's origin? Answer

FEAR, Anxiety and Worry… What does the Bible say? Answer

Death in the Bible

Final judgment

Faith

Marriage in the Bible

Is formalized marriage becoming obsolete? Answer
Many people are convinced that traditional marriages don’t work and that this practice should be abandoned. What does the Bible say about marriage?

Fornication in the Bible

Should I save sex for marriage? Answer

How can I deal with temptations? Answer

How far is too far? What are the guidelines for dating relationships? Answer

Featuring:	Tom Hanks (as Jim Lovell), Bill Paxton (Fred Haise), Kevin Bacon (Jack Swigert), Gary Sinise (Ken Mattingly), Ed Harris (Gene Kranz), Clint Howard, Kathleen Quinlan, Mary Kate Schellhardt, Emily Ann Lloyd, Miko Hughes, Max Elliott Slade, Jean Speegle Howard, Tracy Reiner, David Andrews, Michelle Little, Chris Ellis, Joe Spano, Xander Berkeley, Marc McClure, Ben Marley, Loren Dean, Tom Wood, Googy Gress, Patrick Mickler, Ray McKinnon, Max Grodénchik, Christian Clemenson, Brett Cullen, Ned Vaughn, Andy Milder, Geoffrey Blake, Wayne Duvall, Jim Meskimen, Joseph Culp, John Short, Ben Bodé, Todd Louiso, Gabriel Jarret, Christopher John Fields, Kenneth White, Jim Ritz, Andrew Lipschultz, Mark Wheeler, Larry Williams, Endre Hules, Karen Martin, Maureen Hanley, Meadow Williams, Walter von Huene, Brian Markinson, Steve Rankin, Austin O'Brien, Louisa Marie, Thom Barry, Arthur Senzy, Carl Gabriel Yorke, Ryan Holihan, Rance Howard, J.J. Chaback, Todd Hallowell, Matthew Michael Goodall, Taylor Goodall, Misty Dickinson, Roger Corman, Lee Anne Matusek, Mark D. Newman, Mark McKeel, Patty Raya, Jack Conley, Jeffrey S. Kluger, Bruce Wright, Ivan Allen, Jon Bruno, Reed Rudy, Steve Bernie, Steven Ruge, Herbert Jefferson Jr., John Dullaghan, John Wheeler, Paul Mantee, Julie Donatt, Thomas Crawford, Frank Cavestani, John M. Mathews, Neil Armstrong, Jules Bergman, Bryce Dallas Howard, Pope Paul VI, Walter Altman, John Bishop, John Timothy Botka, Jaime Campos, Tory Christopher, Michael S. Connolly, Walter Cronkite, Cheryl Howard, Kent Kasper, Jim Lovell, Marilyn Lovell, Chris Moore, Ted West
Director:	Ron Howard
Producer:	Universal Pictures, Imagine Entertainment, Michael Bostick, Brian Grazer, Todd Hallowell, Aldric La'Auli Porter, Louisa Velis, Lorne Orleans
Distributor:	Universal Pictures

“Houston, we have a problem.”

When I consider thy heavens, the work of thy fingers, the moon and the stars, which thou hast ordained; what is man that thou art mindful of him?” The Psalmist's thoughts came to mind after watching the amazing story of Apollo 13, and seeing how God miraculously preserved and protected the three astronauts on board this ill-fated 1970 moon mission. Director Ron Howard meticulously re-creates the tension, turmoil and changing times of what was thought to be just another “routine” space flight turning into a fight for life when a mechanical defect severely disables the crew's command module.

Christians can marvel at the vastness of our Lord's creation as well as His manifold grace in loving rebellious sinners like us. His grace is especially evident as we watch virtually every central character incessantly blaspheme His name or utter other profanities whenever problems arise, yet God still grants them the vision and ingenuity to persevere. Unfortunately, when God's name isn't being taken in vain, the film simply ignores Him totally (other than a fleeting reference to people praying for the astronauts' safe return).

Although God Himself is denied, many of His ways are affirmed through the portrayal of compassion for fellow men, diligence and creativity in affecting the rescue, and denying oneself for the good of others. We also see the initially self-centered teenage daughter of Apollo captain Jim Lovell (Tom Hanks) brought to tears and presumably a realignment of priorities as she realizes her father's life is in peril.

On the downside, Commander Lovell and his wife are shown mildly intoxicated and becoming physically intimate following a party to celebrate NASA's first landing on the moon. With regard to another of the astronauts, pre-marital sex is strongly implied though not shown directly. It seems that just about everyone at mission control chain-smokes in an attempt to relieve stress. Other than an initial reference to the launch pad deaths of Apollo 1 astronauts, however, there is virtually no violence in the movie.

While unsaved viewers of “Apollo 13” will likely only see glory given to the wisdom and heroics of man, believers can rejoice in salvation demonstrated in the physical realm and knowing that such can only come from the hand of God.

See list of Relevant Issues—questions-and-answers.

As one who lived through this event in history, daily glued to the TV waiting for news of the flight, I thought the movie was well done, capturing a good deal of the tension and anxiety of the time. I didn't care at all for the “updating” done to some aspects of the movie (implied sexuality, language, the Lovell's in the back yard, etc.). I don't know why it's believed that a movie won't “sell” unless it's juiced up. Too bad Ron Howard didn't feel his story would live without the added junk.
—Steven Klepzig, age 37

My husband and I viewed the film “Apollo 13” and, given its rating, were shocked to discover so many profanities. After watching a documentary called “Moon Shot” about the 1960's space program, I understand that the scriptwriters were probably using many realistic words. However, I think they went further than needed. In fact, their choice of words offended many Christians I am sure, since the word “Jesus” was used at least twice as a expletive. In light of the commandment “though shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain” I think this should be highly objectionable to the Christian. Jesus Christ has been made salvation for us and his name is precious, “the name above all names.
—Lynelle Ellis

Comments from young people

This was a very realistic representation, I thought, of what the real Apollo 13 mission was like. One word of warning that the reviewer did not include, there are 50+ instances of profanity in the film. Other than that, it was a great movie.
—Adam Brooks, age 16

I really enjoyed this movie. It was extremely exciting, and I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. (But my best friend fell asleep. I don't know what was wrong with her!) What made this movie even better, was the fact that (the event it portrays) actually happened! Anyway, watching the way these people reacted to this horrible crisis made me truly admire them. I agree that the profanity was quite frequent, but I also feel that at least some of it was necessary (if it truly happened that way). I give this movie 2 thumbs up!
—Candi Gould, age 16

My friend says this is the best movie ever made. He is a NASA-fanatic. …I never make excuses for objectionable content, but this is a true story and it is very admirable the way Americans were so concerned about our astronauts. There is much more redeeming value in watching a true story than in most other films these days.
—Michael C., age 15