Moonfall - 2022
Quick Summary
In Moonfall, a mysterious force knocks the Moon from its orbit around Earth and sends it hurtling on a collision course with life as we know it. With mere weeks before impact and the world on the brink of annihilation, NASA executive and former astronaut Jo Fowler is convinced she has the key to saving us all - but only one astronaut from her past, Brian Harper and a conspiracy theorist K.C. Houseman believe her.
My Thoughts
Moonfall is a film that didn't do much for me in general, yet I can still see quite a few positive points. But I can understand some people's disappointment, because there are also quite a few negatives.
First of all, the script is very, very shaky. It's not realistic, sometimes not very interesting. And I think that's the main cause of disappointment. And yet, when you go to see this film, you're supposed to be aware that you're not going to see a realistic film. It's exactly like going to see a zombie movie. You're not going to see this movie to find out scientifically what would happen if the moon came closer, it's simple entertainment, not a scientific exposé (unlike Interstellar - 2014). So I don't think this film should be blamed for its realism. Still, the script sometimes takes some strange turns. Also, there's a bit too much humor, humor that's sometimes a bit heavy-handed. The characters are also extremely clichéd.
Then there's the fact that the actors aren't very good, and sometimes overact. With the possible exception of Patrick Wilson, but he alone can't save the whole.
The last negative point is the direction, which leaves much to be desired. It's excess, with explosions and chaos everywhere. It's still Roland Emmerich after all, and there's nothing you can do about that.
On the positive side, the first and most obvious point is that the visual effects are magnificent. It's very well done, the moon is well done and very realistic, the floods are successful and impressive, the chaotic sky is beautiful, the space scenes are also successful, in short. This film is visually impressive.
And although I was critical of the direction, there's actually some good stuff too. In particular, the film is fast-paced, and there's never a dull moment despite the shaky script. I don't think there are many long stretches, except towards the end.
And that's all there is to it. This film is therefore a simple, unrealistic entertainment filled with chaos and explosions, but one that will blow your mind.
To Watch or Not to Watch
It's not the film of the century, or even of the year, but it's watchable and does a good job of keeping you entertained. I'd recommend this film to anyone with even the slightest taste for SF. If you like explosions too, you'll be delighted.