Apollo 18 is a fictional found footage film, a genre that I love, and a period piece set in 1974 about a top secret mission to the moon that uncovers a secret not revealed even after the Cold War ended. Apollo 18 has a strong albeit trite story line, but because the filming style is faithful to the quality of the period, Apollo 18 is not enjoyable to watch and plods heavily along. Apollo 18 is a technical achievement, but not a good film. Apollo 18’s most innovative storyline is the implicit one regarding US Soviet relations during the Cold War, and the implications for their respective citizens. Apollo 18 should be skipped unless you are a lover of old school NASA movies.

SPOILERS

I’ve noticed that films have lately made aliens more similar to serial killers and demons than Spielberg and his contemporaries. Fortunately Apollo 18 departs from the traditional alien form, but may have borrowed heavily from the Andromeda Strain and horror genres. Honestly the astronauts didn’t look so great before they left the shuttle so when they are finally infected, it is anti-climactic. The only thing that doesn’t make sense is how did we get the raw footage given the end of the film?