Tom Hanks’ Astronaut Eulogy: Heartfelt, but Missing Lift–Off
Hello everyone. Let’s strap in and discuss Tom Hanks’ recent tribute to James Lovell, the Apollo 13 commander he portrayed almost three decades ago, who has now passed away at the age of 97. And before you start, yes, it’s the same Tom Hanks from the “America’s Dad” cinematic franchise, and yes, his words are as wholesome and syrupy as a double-shot of maple poured over a pancake the size of Texas. But this is me, so you know we’re not going to just clap politely and move along. Oh no – we’re going straight into orbit with the truth boosters on.
The Tribute: Poetic or Preflight Checklist?
Tom writes: “There are people who dare, dream, and lead others to places we would not go on our own. Jim Lovell… was that kind of guy.” Which is lovely. Very Hallmark. But where’s the grit? This is an astronaut we’re talking about – a man who literally blasted away from our oxygen-soaked cocoon on what could barely be called more than a glorified tin can strapped to a bomb. There’s nothing wrong with being poetic, but this sounded like it was designed to be engraved on a coffee mug, not the bold send-off to one of humanity’s hardest-core exploration veterans.
Then we get: “His many voyages weren’t made for riches or celebrity…” True enough. Astronaut salaries aren’t exactly Marvel Cinematic Universe lead money. But this was delivered with the smooth, polished PR tone of someone who’s used to network morning show segments. Look, Tom, you’re an actor who made “Houston, we have a problem” so mainstream even my grand-aunt uses it when the toaster jams – you’re allowed to drop a slightly rawer truth bomb here.
Full Moon Farewell: Or the Cinematic Fade–Out
Finally, we get the pièce de résistance: “On this night of a full moon, he passes on – to the heavens, to the cosmos, to the stars. Godspeed you, on this next voyage…” Now, as a doctor, let me diagnose this line: acute and severe case of Hollywood Syndrome. The kind where everything needs to tie neatly into some poetic cosmic happenstance. Sure, the full moon imagery is fitting and Instagram-ready… but it also feels like the emotional equivalent of pressing F to pay respects. A little scripted, a little too perfect – like the cutscene that makes you wish for the messy, unscripted reality.
James Lovell’s actual life didn’t need dramatic framing – it was the drama. He flew farther and longer than anyone before him, came within a hair of the moon only to pull off one of the most famous mid-space survival turnarounds in history, and lived another five decades to tell the tale. That’s not just “daring.” That’s legendary raid boss level toughness. The man was the Captain going down with the ship, except he actually managed to bring the whole damn ship back to port, without losing a single crew member.
The Verdict
In the end, Hanks delivered exactly what people expect from him: dignified, friendly, and safe. The kind of tribute that plays well on morning news and trending social posts. Was it heartfelt? Sure. Did it capture Lovell’s raw, uncompromising courage? Not so much. It was the PG-rated version of a man who lived a life that was pure M-rated difficulty mode.
So my overall impression? Good intentions, competent delivery… but with about as much edge as a plastic butter knife. Respect to Tom for caring, but next time, maybe hit us with something that would make even mission control put down their coffee.
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is entirely my opinion.
Article source: Tom Hanks Tribute To Late Apollo 13 NASA Astronaut Jim Lovell, https://www.tmz.com/2025/08/08/tom-hanks-remembers-nasa-astronaut-jim-lovell/
