Apollo 18

"Apollo 18" is the latest entry in this new "found footage" film fad we're all coming to loath. Some are fooled into thinking they may be real, but that usually won't stop one from enjoying a movie in this genre.

Much like "Paranormal Activity" or "Cloverfield," "Apollo 18" attempts to take you on a similar "thrill ride" with their amateur shaky cam footage. The difference between this film and the other two are that you never really seem to care about what happens to our unfortunate moon travelers. This film is also brings on unrelenting boredom. Neither of these things are so much the actors' faults, but more the script of "Apollo 18."

During the travel time from Earth to their arrival on the moon, the film-makers ineffectively try to humanize everyone in the narrative. Sure they mention they have families, but to be honest I can't even remember any of the character names without checking my notes.

At one point you know these guys are going to be put in a life threatening situation. When this happens your audience needs to care. If they don't, what's the point?  

The bottom line is that "Apollo 18" has a great premise, but falls short in every department. It feels like this was nothing more than an attempt to cash in on the success of the cheaply made "Paranormal Activity." I would imagine that's how it was pitched to the studio originally too.

Enjoy being bored? "Apollo 18" is definitely for you.