Grade:  C

Director:  Peter Hyams		Released:  June 1978
Writer:  Peter Hyams		MPAA Rating:  PG
Players:  Elliott Gould, James Brolin, Hal Holbrook, O.J. Simpson		Running time:  123 minutes

Ratings System

This thing has some really bad acting in it, but I wouldn't want to call anybody out specifically.  For example, I wouldn't want to accuse Elliott Gould and O.J. Simpson of poor performances (especially Simpson, he might cut my head off).  Also, the sequences of astronauts fighting to survive in the desert go on too long.

I love the bit where Gould's car brakes go out, and he's driving through the streets at 100 mph then crashes into the water.  Who knew you could execute an 80 mph donut in the middle of a city street?  I had no idea it was so easy.  I also didn't realize that hitting the water after rocketing off a bridge at 100 mph would not harm the vehicle's occupant.  That's good to know.

Perhaps most importantly, this picture taught me how to handle a rattlesnake when I come face to face with one: hit it on the head with a rock, then eat it raw.  And now I'll also know how to take down a couple helicopters giving chase next time I'm flying in a biplane.

Wow, the ending is awful.  Worst use of slow-motion I've ever seen in a film.  And from a storytelling standpoint, the ending doesn't finish the story.  A little resolution would have been nice.

Don't forget to click here for the video proof that our moon landings were faked!  Or read this for more moon conspiracy stuff.

- crocoPuffs