Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Kevin Bacon, Gary Sinise
Universal, Ron Howard, 1995. Drama, PG.

Synopsis: This film is based loosely on the account of the Apollo 13 flight as reported in Astronaut James Lovell’s book, “Lost Moon, the Perilous Voyage of Apollo 13.” Jim Lovell, Fred Haise, and Jack Swigert were 200,000 miles from Earth on this flight in 1970 when an oxygen tank in their

service module exploded. They would have been truly “lost in Space” had it not been for the actions of the team in Houston. This is a thrilling fact-based story with an amazing amount of detail. This dramatic story demonstrates how bravery, teamwork and ingenuity, both in Space and on the ground, made a difference in the lives of people.

Trivia: Director Ron Howard is not afraid to use family members in his films. His mother, Jean Howard plays nursing home-bound mother Blanche Lovell, his father Rance Howard plays the priest. His brother Clint plays EECOM White, one of the people at the computers in the Houston Command Center. Ron Howard also includes other friends. Film producer Harvey Corman, who gave him Howard his first directing job, appears in a cameo among those in the tour at the beginning of the film. Tracy Reiner (daughter of Penny Marshall and Rob Reiner, and niece of “Happy Days” producer Garry Marshall) played astronaut wife Mary Haise. Kathleen Quinlan, who had a bit part in “American Graffiti” played Marilyn Lovell.

Talking Points: Fear and Faith

1. Was travel to the Moon a result of science or faith? Could this mission have been accomplished without either one?

2. If you were one of the three aboard Apollo 13, how would you have dealt with your fear? Would faith have a role? Faith in who or what?

3. What does Jesus say in Luke 17:5-6 that makes a vital connection between fear and faith? Should this statement be taken literally?

4. If you one of the three aboard Apollo 13 and made it through, would you feel like you had a new lease on life? How would you change the way you live your life as a result?

5. Did you “see Jesus” in this film anywhere? Share how his spiritual principles might have come into play. Where there any elements that were specifically against the teachings of Jesus as you understand them?