Apollo 13
User Score
8.3 out of 10

Universal acclaim- based on 67 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 64 out of 67
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 67
  3. Negative: 2 out of 67

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  1. Nazgulero
    Dec 11, 2010
    10
    I did not like the movie one bit. First of all, most of the time it is just too obvious that this is a movie, the set looks way too artificial. Fake. Then, all the acting is too forced. Forced cool, forced dramatic, forced heavy, it is just too easy to see that these are actors acting. It is just never convincing. If every look, every word, and every movement wants to forcefully convey significance, everything becomes just too much. That is what happened with this movie. Together with the ever dramatic soundtrack, it becomes unbearable to watch. In addition, how close is this to the truth, that two of the crew members so obviously do not trust the third crew member ?
    In all, there is no drama because every second is dramatic. No change in pace, no change in intensity. One you want to walk out of after 10 minutes.Quite a shame with that incredible cast.    … Expand
  2. OscarPicks2010
    Dec 21, 2010
    9
    Based on a very dramatic event that got the globe coming together at the time praying that the astronauts would be okay, Apollo 13's realistic story and strong performances made it not-better-but-as-good-as the real event. Apollo 13 was supposed to be the third shuttle to land on the moon but an oxygen tank exploded and the astronauts found themselves in a real situation. Going through hell to get back to Earth, the guys finally made it and the world was happy. An interesting story but very simple. Thanks to writers William Broyles Jr. and Al Reinert, the story became a complex challenge of life or death situation. Also helped by strong performances particularly from Ed Harris and Kathleen Quinlan, Apollo 13 became an instant classic when it came out in 1994.… Expand
  3. PaulW.
    Apr 1, 2005
    10
    One of the best movies ever, everyone knows the ending but theres a tendency to forget because ur so emotionally drawn into the movie, its great!
  4. JamesH.
    Apr 9, 2005
    10
    Outstanding re-creation of a real event. Ironically one of NASA's finest hours was a failed mission. This film captures those moments with incredible realism.
  5. PamL.
    May 20, 2006
    9
    This is one of my all-time favorite movies. Saw it in the theater with my then elementary school aged children; bought it when it first came out on VHS, and now own the DVD version. It's a wonderful, fact-based story that inspires by its focus on courage, perseverance, and teamwork. Have really enjoyed the DVD special features that include commentary by Jim and Marilyn Lovell.
  6. MatthewA.
    May 12, 2005
    9
    Great movie a classic cast. Makes six degrees of kevin bacon much easier.
  7. CritiqueGirl
    Mar 2, 2011
    9
    Great acting, directing, dialogue. Very intense with the Apollo disaster and astronauts, interesting family problems and politics. A little slow at times but that really does not effect how good the movie is overall.
  8. Welterweight426
    Aug 26, 2012
    9
    Fantastic acting in a fantastic movie. This is one of Tom Hank's best films and is one of my personal favorites. The movie can get boring at times but overall its realistic, interesting, and well done.
  9. Compi24
    Nov 28, 2012
    10
    A cast of remarkable actors do some of their absolute best in a story well crafted by the directorial expertise of Ron Howard. "Apollo 13" is a solid, rousing, and beautiful historical drama.
  10. polelover44
    Dec 19, 2012
    10
    One of the best movies I have ever seen. Wonderfully acted with a powerful story. Even though you know the ending, it still has you on the edge of your seat.

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
77 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 17 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
  1. The Globe and Mail (Toronto)
    Reviewed by: Rick Groen
    88
    The direction may not be flashy, but it is controlled and confident; the frames unfold with a no-nonsense, nuts-and-bolts realism that, in this era of laser-blazing Batplanes, seems downright welcome.
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  2. USA Today
    Reviewed by: Staff [Not Credited]
    100
    "The Right Stuff" will endure as the more ambitious movie, but this book-faithful, 2-hour team effort shrewdly keeps its eye on the ball.
    Read full review
  3. Austin Chronicle
    Reviewed by: Marc Savlov
    78
    It's a riveting, nail-biting, two-buckets-of-popcorn return to form for Howard.
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