Apollo 13 (1995)

NASA must devise a strategy to return Apollo 13 to Earth safely after the spacecraft undergoes massive internal damage putting the lives of the three astronauts on board in jeopardy.

Top-notch production (and special effects) and cast guarantee for an entertaining, but not quite original or surprising space adventure.

Halliwell**: "A gripping documentary-style recreation of an averted tragedy, excellently done but one that is an uncritical celebration of the American way and which makes no attempt to put the mission into a wider historical context; it settles for simple patriotism."

Maltin***1/2: "Exhilarating story...A rare instance where special effects actually serve the story and help make it completely credible; perfect 1970s period detail is another asset."

Mission to Mars (2000)

When the first manned mission to Mars meets with a catastrophic and mysterious disaster after reporting a unidentified structure, a rescue mission is launched to investigate the tragedy and bring back any survivors.

Well-produced sci-fi adventure with some nice visuals, but the star cast is wasted and the 'metaphysical' ending quite disappointing.

Halliwell (no star): "Grandiose attempt at science fiction with a spiritual message; it never achieves lift-off."

Maltin**: "Stupefyingly dull drama...Film takes a matter-of-fact approach to space travel that soon becomes deadening, with a spell-it-all-out climax for those who still don't get 2001: A SPACE ODYSSEY."