“Moonfall” is the first disaster film directed by the acclaimed director of the genre Roland Emmerich in over five years. He is the famed director behind classic films such as “The Day after Tomorrow” or “2012,” and as a lover of this genre, I was intrigued to see his newest adventure. “Moonfall” may be the first film that explores the moon, and if the moon was to fall what would happen? It is unsurprisingly camp and dramatic, but that is a typical trait of an Emmerich film.
Unsurprisingly Camp and Dramatic; Emmerich Finally Explores the Moon
The film follows Astronaut’s Jo (Halle Berry) and Brian (Patrick Wilson); they witness a freak accident, and when they make it back to Earth minus a crew member no one believes what happened. Then ten years later KC (John Bradley), a blogger see’s that the moon has fallen out of orbit and he enlists the help of Brian and Jo to return to space and defeat “the swarm” as described in the film.
The main stars Wilson and Berry are enjoyable to watch, and their jargonistic dialogue is portrayed with such conviction so no one else in the film is on the level—except for one explication which is the heart of the film KC (Bradley). His story of embarking on this journey because of the love of his mother is heartwarming, and Bradley’s kind face is enough for the character to display a sense of sympathy.
‘Moonfall’ Doesn’t Take Itself too Seriously
The premise of this film is everything you want from Emmerich, who is known for these camp, over-the-top disaster films. However, the big set-piece action sequences are far few in this film and don’t come in until three quarters in. The CGI sections feel very empty and the spectacle of it all is quite boring; the film doesn’t have the usual heart-pumping, hands sweating reaction we usually get from an Emmerich film. Once the film enters space, the visuals have a chance to shine; but the plot takes a turn, and the character of Brian goes on a spiritual discovery with the help of his troublesome son.
‘Moonfall’ is the first disaster film directed by the acclaimed director of the genre Roland Emmerich in over five years.
“Moonfall’s” plot doesn’t take itself too seriously, and makes it a fun time at the cinema if nothing else. Unfortunately, there is little else in this film and it pales in comparison to Emmerich’s other work. In the end, it feels like a re-creation of his other film’s but here the execution falls short.
Currently, “Moonfall” is only available to watch in theaters.
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