‘Apollo 13’ With Bill Simmons, Amanda Dobbins, and Rob Mahoney
Summary
The Rewatchables hosts discuss Apollo 13, praising it as peak 90s Hollywood and a definitive Tom Hanks performance that cemented his status as "America's Dad." They analyze the film’s authentic procedural storytelling, Ron Howard’s direction, and the supporting cast, including Ed Harris and Gary Sinise. The episode also touches on the movie’s Oscar snub by Braveheart and its enduring cultural impact on space cinema.
Topics discussed
Intro, Boar's Head ad, and 1995 movie context
Tom Hanks' career peak and casting Apollo 13
Hanks vs. Cruz debate and the 'heater' year
Technical accuracy, heat shields, and procedural style
Authenticity, Ron Howard's filmography, and Bacon
Kevin Bacon's performance and supporting cast
Kathleen Quinlan's role and hair discussion
Oscar snubs and Tom Hanks' acting style
Favorite Hanks roles and the 'buried' message
Ed Harris entrance and key crisis scenes
Cinematography, graphics, and Lucky 13 trivia
Astronaut longevity and fashion details
Control room set, music, and weak links
Jack Swigert's portrayal and awards ceremony
Elon Musk take and casting alternatives
Gene Hackman swap and production anecdotes
Hanks' career apex and Houston space themes
Braveheart comparison and Cameron hypothetical
First Man comparison and Space Camp
Final thoughts, other movies, and sign off
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