Moonfall is the latest addition to Hollywood’s apocalyptic genre, yes genre, because there are so many of these world-ending movies out right now that I think it’s safe to call it just that, writes Cape {town} Etc’s Lynn Cupido.
The space adventure was recently released on Blu-ray and stars one of my favourite actors, Patrick Wilson. Halle Berry is there too, along with John Bradley who plays the loveable sidekick, Sam Tarly, in Game of Thrones. A stellar director (Roland Emmerich who directed Independence Day), incredible cinematography and a bunch of A-listers should ensure that this movie is a hit, right?
Wrong! This movie is watchable, if only for the plot.
The conspiracy theorist in me was giggling with delight as the film takes the basics of the hollow moon theory, which is based on the idea that the moon is a disguised space station and… Spoiler! Takes this theory and runs away with it, adding in an alien trying to destroy humanity for good measure.
Unfortunately, the dialogue feels stiff and sometimes out of place. Little time is given to flesh out the characters or their motivations. A bad thing happens, the astronaut isn’t believed, he loses his family, and his son starts stealing cars?
Okay…
Wilson plays Brian Harper, the disgraced astronaut, but not much is provided to the audience about his character other than the fact that he’s hit rock bottom, flies spaceships well and is estranged from his son. Halle Berry’s character – Jocinda Fowler – is given the same treatment, with nothing much provided to the audience other than “divorced mom.”
Okay…?
However, the most alarming aspect of the film is how calm everyone appears to be about the fact that the moon is falling and that aliens are actually a thing. After witnessing the alien kill a ship full of astronauts, Jocinda calmly turns to her boss and states: “Everything we thought we knew about the nature of the universe has just gone out the window.” Yikes!
The film is good, but you may find yourself frustrated at the fact that it could be better, especially if you’re a Sci-Fi nerd.
However, the storyline and the little twist at the end make this movie a good watch if you’ve run out of things to watch on Netflix. However, a lack of character development, stuffy dialogue and a plot that feels like it’s being brushed over are a few pain points to remember when attempting to watch.
Also read:
Spoiler alert! A review of Matt Reeves’ latest film, The Batman
Picture: Lionsgate