Apollo 13 (1995)

In 1970, NASA's third moon landing mission Apollo 13 is on its way to the moon when an explosion on the spacecraft destroys the oxygen supply and electrical power. Instead of a moon landing, the mission turns into a mission to get the astronauts home safely. I'm not a fan of director Ron Howard but this is probably his best film. It's no small feat to take a true story of which we all know the outcome yet keep the suspense quotient high enough so that we're on the edge of our seats. Based on the book LOST MOON: THE PERILOUS VOYAGE OF APOLLO 13 which was co-written by astronaut Jim Lovell (played by Tom Hanks in the film), Howard manages to keep the human element center stage while still keeping it scientifically accurate most of the time (I guess Howard didn't get the "there's no sound in space" memo). He's fortunate enough to have a stellar cast of actors who flesh out the often thinly written roles. In addition to Hanks (the most likable of actors), there's Ed Harris (Oscar nominated), Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise, Bill Paxton and Kathleen Quinlan (also Oscar nominated) who does miracles with that most dreary of roles, the waiting wife. Howard is not without some manipulation but there's no excuse for James Horner's shameless score. With Roger Corman and Xander Berkeley.