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‘Apollo 13’ With Bill Simmons, Amanda Dobbins, and Rob Mahoney

The Rewatchables

Hosted by Bill Simmons

1h 58m
Transcript

Original podcast

Summary

Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.

The hosts and guests examine Apollo 13, exploring how Ron Howard directed the 1995 blockbuster with high attention to detail and historical accuracy. They discuss Tom Hanks leading a stellar cast including Kevin Bacon, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, and Ed Harris, and how the film set a new standard for survival-based space storytelling. The panel debates Hanks versus Cruise, analyzes the lack of an Oscar nomination for Hanks, and reviews standout scenes like the makeshift carbon dioxide scrubber fix and the tense atmospheric reentry.

  • Pay close attention to historical accuracy and procedural problem-solving to ground high-stakes tension. 3:41
  • Choose versatile cast members who can convey high-stakes emotion entirely through reaction shots. 30:14

Chapters

  1. 0:06
    Podcast Intro and Sponsor Ads

    Hosts introduce the episode and run through the Quince and Rewatchables sponsorships before launching into the main discussion.

  2. 2:51
    Setting the Stage for Apollo 13

    The hosts transition to the film, discussing its cultural impact and why it was a long‑awaited Rewatchables pick.

  3. 4:39
    Personal Memories of Space and Apollo 13

    Guests share childhood space camp experiences and how Apollo 13 resonated with their own generational memories.

  4. 8:00
    The Making of Apollo 13: Authenticity and Detail

    The conversation turns to Ron Howard’s dedication to realism, the use of real transcripts, and the film’s technical achievements.

  5. 12:00
    Cast and Character Analysis

    The hosts dissect the performances of Tom Hanks, Ed Harris, Gary Sinise, and others, debating who delivered the most memorable portrayals.

  6. 16:00
    Oscar Context and Legacy

    They discuss the film’s Oscar nominations, the broader 1995 awards landscape, and how Apollo 13 fits into Tom Hanks’ career legacy.

  7. 20:00
    Themes of Failure, Success, and American Spirit

    The group explores the film’s subtle themes, the idea of “successful failure,” and how it reflects America’s space ambitions.

  8. 24:00
    Modern Space Comparisons: Artemis and Beyond

    The hosts compare Apollo 13’s narrative to contemporary missions like Artemis 2, noting technological and cultural shifts.

  9. 28:00
    Debate: Tom Hanks vs. Tom Cruise

    A lively debate erupts over which actor best embodies the Apollo 13 spirit, touching on casting choices and career trajectories.

  10. 32:00
    Closing Thoughts and Future Episodes

    They wrap up the episode, hint at upcoming Rewatchables picks, and preview the next podcast segment.

  11. 44:06
    ChatGPT Work Mode Explained

    The hosts introduce the new ChatGPT work mode that lets users access apps and create documents for projects.

  12. 44:47
    Trinphaya Drug Promotion

    A brief ad segment discusses the prescription medicine Trinphaya for Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis.

  13. 45:32
    Rewatchable Apollo 13 Scenes

    The group highlights memorable scenes from the film, noting emotional moments and technical achievements.

  14. 49:43
    Movie Awards & Critiques

    Hosts create playful award categories, critiquing performances, casting choices, and production details of Apollo 13.

  15. 51:40
    Superstition of 13 and Pop Culture

    The conversation shifts to the film’s use of the number 13 and related pop culture references.

Highlights

  • 3:17

    Peak 90s Hollywoodinsight

    The guest explains why Apollo 13 represents the pinnacle of big-budget 90s Hollywood filmmaking based on a true story.

  • 7:45

    Changing Space Movies Foreverinsight

    The guest explains how Apollo 13 transformed space cinema from wondrous fantastical journeys into intense fights for survival.

  • 8:27

    Casting Kevin Costner Firstdata

    Bill Simmons reveals that Kevin Costner was originally offered the lead role before Tom Hanks secured it through his agent.

  • 30:14

    Restrained Acting Choicesinsight

    The guest and host highlight the powerful, restrained acting where characters sit silently reacting to devastating news.

  • 37:11

    Hanks Peak Performanceinsight

    The guest argues that Apollo 13 features Tom Hanks's best and most essential performance, communicating deep ambition and dignity.

  • 53:11

    Most White Castinsight

    Bill Simmons points out the lack of diversity in the massive cast as a distinct artifact of 1995 filmmaking.

  • 1:32:02

    Inventing a Catchphrasedata

    Rob Mahoney reveals that the iconic movie line Failure is not an option was actually coined during research and never said by Gene Krantz.

Quotes

  • “that this movie invented the phrase, "Failure is not an option."”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:32:02
  • “I think the screenplay is kinda awesome.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:43:42
  • “The whole movie is just wonderful and feels incredibly warm.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:51:49
  • “It fully hits and has aged so well.”
    Unnamed speaker · 1:52:01
  • “Tom Hanks's Apex Mountain is bigger than the other mountains.”
    Bill Simmons · 1:34:25
  • Ringer Podcast Network 0:05–0:39
  • movie Mutiny 0:42–1:30
  • Quince 1:35–43:35
  • Chat G P T 43:40–44:00
  • mddallies.com 1:15:05–1:15:21
  • Caplyta 1:15:36–1:15:57
  • Applebee's 1:16:30–1:17:56
  • CarMax 1:59:00–2:00:03

About this episode

If they could get a washing machine to fly, Bill, Amanda, and Rob could record a pod about it. We head to Houston to rewatch Ron Howard’s ‘Apollo 13,’ starring Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, and Kevin Bacon. Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Chia Hao Tat, Eduardo Ocamp, and Matt Pevic LIONSGATE’S MUTINY, STARRING JASON STATHAM, ONLY IN THEATERS AUGUST 21 Put ChatGPT to work on your most ambitious ideas and projects. Get started at https://ChatGPT.com by selecting Work mode. Available on Plus and Pro plans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

0:00
1:58:29

24,190 words · 8 speakers

Speaker names marked are inferred from speaking time and the show’s known hosts — they are not voice-verified.

Topics

  • Apollo 13
  • NASA
  • SpaceX
  • Heat Shield
  • Zero Gravity
  • Lost Moon

Page updated · transcript and summary are machine-generated