Topic: Weinstein Co.'s Apollo 18 (sci-fi thriller movie)
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 11-08-2010 12:09 PM
The Weinstein Company release
The Weinstein Co., Bekmambetov and Miller to Explore International Space Mystery with "Apollo 18"
With the recent discovery of Russian film footage that suggests that America's Apollo 18 space mission actually did occur, despite being canceled by President Nixon in the early 1970s, The Weinstein Company (TWC) announced today that it has acquired the rights to a provocative new film project, titled Apollo 18. To be directed by Trevor Cawood from a screenplay by Brian Miller, the documentary-style sci-fi thriller will be produced by Russian filmmaker Timur Behmambetov (Wanted, 9, The Darkest Hour) and Michele Wolkoff, president of development for Bekmambetov Projects, Ltd. Production has been fast-tracked to begin in December, with a wide release planned for March 4.
A quintessential Cold War story, Apollo 18 casts light on the covert and undocumented lunar mission that officially "never happened." Bekmambetov, hired by Russia to shoot a documentary about the Russian space station, recently came across footage in its space archives that bolsters the idea that an Apollo 18 mission did, in fact, take place, and reveals startling evidence of extraterrestrial life forms. This actual footage will be part of Apollo 18, a paranormal thriller that will interpolate fact and fiction.
Screenwriter Brian Miller came to the project after winning the inaugural Astana International Action Film Festival screenplay competition in Kazakhstan, founded by Bekmambetov.
"We first became aware of Timur after his 2004 film Night Watch," stated Harvey Weinstein. "Recently he came to us with this never-before-seen footage, apparently of the Apollo 18 space mission, and, as filmmakers, we were absolutely compelled to bring it to the screen for audiences to judge for themselves."
butch wilks Member
Posts: 333 From: Lowestoft, Suffolk, UK Registered: Mar 2007
posted 11-11-2010 11:03 AM
I look forward to seeing it, but it a bit like the old Apollo 20 story to me. But who knows...
golddog Member
Posts: 210 From: australia Registered: Feb 2008
posted 11-12-2010 02:41 AM
I guess I'll bite... how exactly does a Saturn V take off unnoticed?
Paul23 Member
Posts: 836 From: South East, UK Registered: Apr 2008
posted 11-12-2010 04:46 AM
"No problem is insoluble given a big enough plastic bag."
cspg Member
Posts: 6210 From: Geneva, Switzerland Registered: May 2006
posted 11-12-2010 06:35 AM
quote:Originally posted by golddog: I guess I'll bite... how exactly does a Saturn V take off unnoticed?
It uses "dark energy" (no light from the engines) and the engines have been added with sound-suppressing systems. You can launch the rocket in the middle of the night, no one will see or hear a thing.
David Bryant Member
Posts: 986 From: Norfolk UK Registered: Feb 2005
posted 11-12-2010 10:18 AM
This could be a very entertaining movie that would have the merit of reminding modern audiences that there was a time when men could travel to the Moon!
MikeSpace unregistered
posted 11-16-2010 10:56 AM
Maybe they take all the space debris up there and just make a kinda-sorta LM/CSM stack. No? OK...
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
Posts: 803 From: Co. Monaghan, Republic of Ireland Registered: Mar 2009
posted 12-30-2010 10:04 AM
Apparently none other than the delightful Gerry Griffin will be involved with this movie.
I have heard he will be doing the voiceover parts for the Mission Control sequences and is currently back and forth to Vancouver for filming.
Considering the previous movies he's been involved with (Apollo 13, Contact and Deep Impact) were excellent in my opinion, if this film is good enough for Gerry then it's good enough for me!
jasonelam Member
Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 12-30-2010 11:59 AM
Looked on the IMDB (Internet Movie Database) for some more information. It gives information about the director and that the budget is about 5 million dollars.
Also it states that the movie started shooting on December 20th and will wrap production on January 13th, 2011. It would make for the quickest turnaround ever for a movie.
Given the success of movies like "Paranormal Activity", which had a budget of $11,000 USD, it may be a hit. However, it seems like we shouldn't expect an "Apollo 13" type movie.
OV-105 Member
Posts: 816 From: Ridgecrest, CA Registered: Sep 2000
posted 12-31-2010 06:32 AM
Good thing they didn't use Buzz's photo for the movie poster.
ilbasso Member
Posts: 1522 From: Greensboro, NC USA Registered: Feb 2006
posted 12-31-2010 08:17 AM
I don't know - that bootprint looks awfully familiar.
capoetc Member
Posts: 2169 From: McKinney TX (USA) Registered: Aug 2005
posted 12-31-2010 10:25 AM
Well, it must at least be an interesting project if Gerry Griffin is involved ... I might go see it now.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 01-06-2011 04:36 PM
The "Apollo 18" website has a hidden subpage with "found" documents describing the mission. One describes the cancellation of Apollos 18, 19 and 20 followed by the reinstatement of Apollo 18.
Another, as reported by MovieViral, suggests Apollo 18 launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base into polar orbit in 1974...
The meeting looks to have been about hashing out the details of the new mission. Like usual, most of the interesting stuff is redacted, so there's not much to go on in terms of specifics, but can at least make out some general concepts. As of this meeting, it doesn't look like an actual launch date has been set, though the launch site has been moved (1) to Vandenberg Air Force Base in Santa Barbara (2). The availability of Saturn V, the rocketship used in all the previous moon missions, seems to be a factor in the launch date (3). NASA is working with the Soviets on this, so they must know what's going on (4). They need to transport something big and secret from the Marshall Space Flight Center in Alabama to the Santa Barbara site (5). Considering MSFC is NASA's original home and hub for all things space travel, it's hard to say what that big thing is (it could even be the Saturn V itself). They are concerned about the public getting wind of this, as it could be very dangerous (6).
jasonelam Member
Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 01-07-2011 10:11 AM
Another report is now stating that the release date has been pushed back to April 22nd. Given the speed of the filming (yet to start) this is not uncommon.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 02-18-2011 10:54 PM
The Apollo 18 trailer debuted in theaters and online today.
I'll admit that I may have been too quick to write this one off. The trailer did its job.
Given their short filming schedule and low budget, I'm impressed by their set pieces. In a number of ways, Apollo 18's moon landing looks more accurate than the much-better funded Transformers: Dark of the Moon.
GoesTo11 Member
Posts: 1309 From: Denver, CO Registered: Jun 2004
posted 02-18-2011 11:52 PM
I somehow missed this entire thread and posted the new trailer for Apollo 18 as though I'd discovered it. As better men than I have said...d'oh.
That's what I get for infrequently checking the non-collecting forums.
I know the whole premise of "Apollo 18" probably makes a lot of people here wince, but I think it might be kinda fun. Better than "Transformers 3," anyway.
jasonelam Member
Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 02-21-2011 09:06 AM
The effects look pretty good, and the premise is interesting. Though I have to agree with a friend who said he saw this movie a few years back. It was set in a forest and involved a witch. He also wondered when one of the astronauts would say "I'm so scared"
GoesTo11 Member
Posts: 1309 From: Denver, CO Registered: Jun 2004
posted 02-21-2011 10:46 AM
quote:Originally posted by jasonelam: Though I have to admit with a friend who said he saw this movie a few years back. It was set in a forest and involved a witch.
I was going to title my original post "The Blair Apollo Project."
Glint Member
Posts: 1040 From: New Windsor, Maryland USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 02-22-2011 02:37 PM
quote:Originally posted by Robert Pearlman: Another, as reported by MovieViral, suggests Apollo 18 launched from Vandenberg Air Force Base into polar orbit in 1974...
Alright, I'll bite this time. The advantage of launching a lunar bound space vehicle into a polar parking orbit is to do what again?
dabolton Member
Posts: 419 From: Seneca, IL, US Registered: Jan 2009
posted 03-02-2011 09:27 AM
New Russian poster for Apollo 18 shows tipped over Lunar Rover.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 03-25-2011 05:46 PM
The Weinstein Company has delayed the release of Apollo 18 from April 22, 2011 to January 6, 2012.
jasonelam Member
Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 03-26-2011 09:31 AM
Wow, that is a long stretch to move a movie release date. 3D perhaps
Also, I learned that a January release date is considered by movie execs the "Kiss of Death" for a movie, since most movies released in January are either not good or not profitable. We shall see if this is the case for 18.
jasonelam Member
Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 04-28-2011 06:57 PM
Well, "Apollo 18" has been moved yet again. The new release date is slated for August 26th this year. Better than the January date which is a "kiss of death" for most movie releases.
onesmallstep Member
Posts: 1310 From: Staten Island, New York USA Registered: Nov 2007
posted 05-02-2011 01:44 PM
I'm curious enough to see it; I did enjoy watching 'Marooned', 'Capricorn One' and the 'Space' TV series. Looks like they borrowed a lot of costumes and props from either 'From the Earth to the Moon' or 'Magnificent Desolation'. The production values look suprisingly good, even down to the brief glimpse of the cancelled Soviet LOK lunar lander in the trailer..
jasonelam Member
Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 06-08-2011 03:38 PM
Another move...now been moved to September 2nd for Labor Day weekend. Starting to think about waiting for the DVD
tegwilym Member
Posts: 2331 From: Sturgeon Bay, WI Registered: Jan 2000
posted 06-09-2011 02:01 PM
It may be out on Netflix shortly after it's released from the looks of it. I can't stand going to movies anymore anyway. Texting, bag crunching, screaming kids, cost, and the kicking in the back. Most of all, no pause button!
Netflix for me!
jasonelam Member
Posts: 691 From: Monticello, KY USA Registered: Mar 2007
posted 06-25-2011 08:12 AM
New trailer has been released... gives a little more into the story.
dogcrew5369 Member
Posts: 750 From: Statesville, NC Registered: Mar 2009
posted 08-23-2011 04:42 PM
I hope someone can shed some light on what the new Apollo 18 movie is supposed to be about. Saw a trailer for it a couple days ago and it left me with a dumbfounded expression on my face I'm sure. First Apollo 11 found Transformers on the moon and now this? Please some insight would be appreciated.
Editor's note: Threads merged. Post script-posted this without knowing where this topic was. Have read up and currently enlightened. Not sure whether I even want to see this on DVD. Probably will just for curiosity and a good laugh. Will be curious what the mission patch will look like.
Rob Joyner Member
Posts: 1308 From: GA, USA Registered: Jan 2004
posted 08-23-2011 07:49 PM
"Open the lunar module door, Ben."
"I'm sorry, Nathan. I'm afraid I can't do that."
I think I'll go see this one. Whether it's good or bad, it'll be great to see some moonscape on the big screen, something quite rare these days.
posted 08-24-2011 08:55 AM
No desire to see this one. I wish the real Apollo 18 had flown instead. I can't wait for a remake of Apollo 13, where the explosion is caused by an alien attack, warning us to leave the Moon alone!
Paul23 Member
Posts: 836 From: South East, UK Registered: Apr 2008
posted 08-25-2011 02:55 AM
Jim Lovell could have fought any aliens off with a light sabre!
The Apollo 18 trailer is being shown a lot in the UK at the moment, curious to see it but I think I would like to see some reviews first.
Gilbert Member
Posts: 1328 From: Carrollton, GA USA Registered: Jan 2003
posted 08-25-2011 07:16 AM
I will definitely go see the movie, but my expectations are low.
BBlatcher Member
Posts: 57 From: Savannah, GA, USA Registered: Aug 2011
posted 08-25-2011 11:09 AM
I want to see this movie just for all the interior views of the LEM. Hopefully the CMS puts in an appearance also.
GACspaceguy Member
Posts: 2474 From: Guyton, GA Registered: Jan 2006
posted 08-25-2011 12:03 PM
Yes it is always interesting to see how big interior shots are for aircraft/spacecraft. Apollo 13 was done very well with keeping the spacecraft a spacecraft and not a lounge.
music_space Member
Posts: 1179 From: Canada Registered: Jul 2001
posted 09-02-2011 07:50 AM
The movie came out today here in Montreal, Canada. I'll see it tonight, probably. In the mean time, I checked out the trailers and the hidden page of simulated documents. The sets seem right, down to the little-know LM hammocks, and the research seem tight, down to proper Soviet design bureaus denomination. Someone in this crew is or got into astronautics history.
Robert Pearlman Editor
Posts: 42981 From: Houston, TX Registered: Nov 1999
posted 09-02-2011 09:38 AM
With all the "Apollo 18" release date changes (first it was March 4, then April 22, then Jan. 6, 2012, then Aug. 26, 2011, and finally today, Sept. 2) one has to wonder if this bit of history is coincidence or planned: the real Apollo 18 mission was canceled on Sept. 2, 1970.
(Due to budget cuts, NASA canceled the original H-class Apollo 15 mission and J-class Apollo 19 mission, renumbering the remaining missions through Apollo 17.)
Paul23 Member
Posts: 836 From: South East, UK Registered: Apr 2008
posted 09-02-2011 03:37 PM
For what it's worth, the film's Wikipedia page has the following to say in the 'Reception' section:
"At this point the film has received negative reviews with a 38% "Rotten" rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 5 reviews. Most reviewers have criticized the tension and scares."
mercsim Member
Posts: 219 From: Phoenix, AZ Registered: Feb 2007
posted 09-02-2011 06:07 PM
I went to see the movie today. I'm not a scary movie fan and didn't see Blair. I thought it was entertaining. I won't nit-pick any of the details or inaccuracies as others seem to get more enjoyment from that.
It was a mix of new and old film. They did a really good job making the new footage look like what we are used to seeing.
The thing that stuck out for me was they did a good job of showing just how small the LM interior is. The grainy picture didn't show a lot of detail but it showed a lot! You get a really good sensation of how crowded it is with the EVA equipment and such.
I wasn't a fan of the premise, plot or ending but I enjoyed seeing a movie related to the Apollo program. It was worth my $7.
dabolton Member
Posts: 419 From: Seneca, IL, US Registered: Jan 2009
posted 09-02-2011 07:16 PM
I also enjoyed the movie. Went in skeptical but thought they did a great job with the Apollo details.
posted 11-08-2010 12:09 PM
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