From the Earth to the Moon

Epic in scope, intimate in impact, "From the Earth to the Moon" may rank as one of the best docudrama miniseries of all time.

"From the Earth to the Moon" is television at its finest. A soaring journey to a new level of creative dramatic artistry and TV technology to explore the can-do spirit of ordinary men doing something so extraordinary that it changed our world forever. [5 Apr 1998]

The opener, which Hanks himself directed, bogs down with tedious "Can we do this?" conferences ... Part 2, however, soars.

Given the superior production values, sharp direction, convincing acting, exciting visual effects and powerful storytelling displayed so far [through four episodes], I anticipate a miniseries that will deliver its promise of greatness. [3 Apr 1998, p.47]

A very, very long, sometimes absorbing, often boringly detailed and overly technical docudrama. [5 Apr 1998]

Unfortunately, "From the Earth to the Moon" seems content with simply telling us that getting to the moon was an amazing feat. It would have worked better if we had been shown why. [4 Apr 1998, p.1D]

It is a diligent, well-crafted work that never spins out of control despite its grandiose conception. And yet, as anyone with an ear for faint praise can tell by now, it is pretty dull.