I watched the movie again last night and it didn't really work for me. I mean it wasn't awful or anything but it just felt kind of empty. I loved this movie in the theater but on my tv it just didn't really grab me. I think it might be because the movie isn't really character driven which always hurts in repeat viewings plus the special effects need to be seen on the big screen. I mean I do have a bigscreen tv but it's still not the same as seeing it at the movie theater. Plus the stuff with the wife is really boring even though Kathleen Quinlan has never been more sexier than in this movie. Jason
I have to disagree. Its one of my fav films. Yeah, the scenes with the wife do tend to slow things down, but thats true of any 'dramatic' film. Wondering what you'd think of the From the Earth to the Moon miniseries.
Sounds like more of a problem with you rather than the movie. I've seen it repeatedly and enjoy it. Cutter, I got the Earth2Moon series for Christmas - great stuff; they should be showing it in all the schools to the young kids.
I think it's one of Howard's most rewatchable movies. The performances are great, and the story full of tension.
Everyone has their own perceptions and their own list of what does and doesn't work for them. Personally, I have never grown tired of watching this film. That could be due to a number of things, not the least of which was having lived through that time and following the experience myself. Maybe it was because this was a story about real people in a real event. Maybe it's because I've long followed the US space program and its growth. Yeah it is all of that, but it's also because I go into it knowing this happened well over 30 years ago. The story on screen, as well as I know it, still keeps me emotionally riveted. NASA veterans who were brought onto the set have claimed it was as if they had gone back in time, the set was so real looking. For many people, repeated viewings of this film can dilute the intensity of the story. It's like that for most everyone on most films. It is decidedly NOT that way for me with "Apollo13".
Interesting. I actually watched it on TV first and found it OK, then I watched it in IMAX and absolutely loved it. And I loved From the Earth to the Moon.
I can never tire of this film. It's the first film I saw in the cinema twice (and that's only because "Braveheart" was fully booked) but even watching it on DVD, it still gets to me in a highly emotional and gripping way in all the right places at the right times. Ron Howard, why can't all your films be like this?
^I agree with you, ZR. I find that a well-directed film about people rising to face a life and death challenge generally is timeless. What makes it all the more appealing--to me, anyway--is that the characters deal with disappointment, failure, pressure, etc. with such dignity and class that I find it fairly inspiring. When I'm channel surfing, and I find it's on, I'll usually pause and watch some of it, even though I've already seen it. But that's just me.
I've gained appreciation with this film. When it came out, I thought it was just OK. Now I love this movie. It tells the story really well and I love space exploration and history that this movie portrays the angst of a nation and a crew in distress really well. I also think it might have something to do with loving what I saw of From the Earth to the Moon.
I love the movie. One of Howard's best. Usually when they show it on cable on a weekend I will have it turned to it.
A fantastic movie that I think holds up great on repeat viewings and I agree with others above that it is easily Howard's greatest work.
I definitely have to disagree. It's one of my favorite films and always has been, even after multiple rewatches.
Willing to bet I'm not the only one who gets a little misty eyed during the rocket launch. And its nce to hear I'm not the only one who loves FTETTM. Watched it for the first time last week and its already one of my favorites. Plan on watching it whenever I start to feel down, or just cynical about humanity.
Yep. It's a very powerful scene very well done with the music, effects, and all. I feel like Hayes' wife in that scene. (When she cries at the end.)