Apollo 18

Horror in space? Filmed in Blair Witch style? Yes please!


Synopsis
Decades-old found footage from NASA's abandoned Apollo 18 mission, where two American astronauts were sent on a secret expedition, reveals the reason the U.S. has never returned to the moon.

Who's In It
Warren Christie! If you've not seen Alphas you're missing out
Ryan Robbins - who?
Lloyd Owen - again, who?

What I Thought

I like a good horror. Nothing like having the crap scared out of you! And this one is set in space, albeit in the 70s, so a slight touch of reality. And to top it all off, its filmed in a Blair Witch style which adds to the tension. So does it work?

Well, for the most part, yes. I wouldn't say it's the scariest movie I've seen but it has its fair share of jumps. If you're planning to watch it, don't watch the trailer as you'll see a few in there.

I think the thing that adds most to the tension is the excellent sound engineering. The radio chatter and the weird noises the crew hears while on the moon definitely help get you in the mood. The camera work is decent too. Filmed on a number of hand-held astronaut-operated cameras, the grainy film effects of the 70s are well conveyed. A number of motion detection cameras are used too as well as fish eye lens type inside the lunar lander. These all add to the tension.

I think where it falls down is sometimes you're left wondering who is filming from this angle if he's alone. And if this is supposed to be reclaimed footage, how did they get hold of it? Aside from those points, this Timur Bekmambetov (of Wanted and 9 fame) produced movie is worth a watch.

Memorable Quotes

• "Nate, I've got to stop you ... you're not about to tell me you dipped your balls in a glass of milk?" Classic! 
• "We're witnessing what could be evidence of extra terrestrial contact" No shit Sherlock!
• "Fate has ordained ... the men that went to the moon to explore in peace, remain on the moon to rest in peace." Not a good sign

Rating
3/5 - Decent sci-fi horror that's worth a watch

Trailer
You'll see a few of the scares in the movie in here



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