Apollo 18: Blu Ray Review

Rating: R16
Released by Roadshow Home Ent

An American sci fi horror, Apollo 18's central conceit is that in 1970, when the US government announced there would be no future Apollo missions to the moon, one was secretly launched to try and place sensors on the moon to prevent any Russian attacks.

The two manned mission never returned and until now, thanks to the Department of Defence, the tapes of what happened were sealed.

But now, those tapes have been released - and the true horror of what actually happened on the moon to astronauts  Commander Nathan Walker, Lieutenant Colonel John Grey and Captain Benjamin Anderson can finally be told.

A found footage film it maybe, but this one has a good central premise and a surprisingly lo fi attitude which works initially in its favour.

Early shots around the moon capture the tech of the era well and thanks to a somewhat grainier reproduction you're never quite 100% sure what's going on. But once it's revealed what's happening, that's when unfortunately it starts to go a little awry.

Apollo 18 starts off atmospherically but about 15 minutes into the film, you start to feel like it's dragging - it's no reflection on the actors but those behind the story waste too much time trying to build an atmosphere, you end up wanting something to happen - and it doesn't.

Ultimately the film descends into traditional horror territory and while the start of the ride is entertaining and different enough, what plays out is predictable and disappointing - despite some jump out of your seat moments, this Blair Witch/ Paranormal space wannabe just doesn't quite cut the mustard.

Extras: Commentary from director and editor

Rating: