Houston, we have a problem. For our 13th episode, we’re launching into a discussion of Ron Howard’s true-life space adventure, APOLLO 13. Fasten your helmet and head to the launchpad, we have lift-off.

Molly and Chloe crunch the numbers on this adventure blockbuster based on astronaut Jim Lovell’s memoir about the ill-fated 1970 NASA mission to the moon. We talk superstition, space shuttles, seventies fashion and scientific calculus, and what makes Tom Hanks, Bill Paxton, Gary Sinise, Kevin Bacon and Ed Harris’s performances so believable. Plus we weigh up the film’s authenticity: while its commitment to replica sets and antigravity filming in the ‘vomit comet’ had even Buzz Aldrin fooled, there’s still something missing from Mission Control…

Finally, we calculate the funniest line and best 70s spectacles for our awards section, play a quick round of Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon and make some out-of-this-world recommendations for what to watch next.

Correction! The seamstress we mentioned who made the Apollo spacesuits was called Hazel Fellows. Learn about her here.

Janet Maslin’s original 1995 review for the New York Times

An article featuring behind-the-scenes footage of the anti-gravity shoots

An interview with Ron Howard to mark the film’s 25th anniversary

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We’re off the record, on the QT, and very hush-hush as we discuss Curtis Hanson’s 1997 Oscar-winning adaptation of L.A. CONFIDENTIAL. Rev up your 1952 Mercury and smile for the paparazzi, cos we’re heading on down to take a closer look.

Molly and Chloe wind through this complex detective thriller based on James Ellroy’s novel, mapping out the starry cast, including Kim Basinger, Russell Crowe and Guy Pearce. We give the movie’s themes of violence and public image a shakedown and consider how well it has aged since the late 90s (or not). Plus we reflect on what it means to watch a Hollywood film with problematic stars such as Kevin Spacey in a post-Me Too age.

Finally, we deal out some medals and make some top-class recommendations of what to watch next.

Little correction! The Veronica Lake film mentioned is This Gun For Hire (1942).

The quote at the start is from this 1997 interview with Russell Crowe.

Cinematographer Dante Spinotti’s inspiration, Robert Frank’s The Americans.

Claire Dederer’s essay ‘What Do We Do with the Art of Monstrous Men?’ for the Paris Review.

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Check out the other films we recommended on Letterboxd

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Pick up your rotary phone and tune in your radio, cos we’re chatting about Nora Ephron’s 1993 wisecracking rom com, SLEEPLESS IN SEATTLE.

Molly and Chloe map out the filmmaking choices that made an otherwise nostalgic tale of destiny and true love into a smartly scripted comedy blockbuster, and how Tom Hanks, Meg Ryan, Rob Reiner and Rosie O’Donnell’s performances dial up the humour.

Plus we call out the film’s most 90s moments, award its quirkiest details and recommend what to watch next.

Roger Ebert’s original review from 1993.

A retrospective interview with original screenwriter, Jeff Arch.

Demis Lyall-Wilson’s trailer reimagining Sleepless in Seattle as a stalker thriller.

Follow us on Instagram: @total90srecall

Check out our lists on Letterboxd

Got an episode suggestion? Email us: total90srecall@gmail.com

Find all our links here!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.