Operation Avalanche

What would it take to convince Walter Cronkite, the public, and even NASA personnel Apollo 11 landed on the Moon ... when it didn't? Operation Avalanche earnestly explores the idea the 1969 Moon landing was faked. Was it real, or was it Memorex? Low budget movie, but worth watching late at night or on a rainy afternoon.

Operation Avalanche proposes that in 1967, a small group of young filmmaking CIA agents were responsible for 'faking' Apollo 11's landing on the moon by shooting it on a sort of makeshift movie set. In conclusion, it's not very good.

Finally, the faked moon landing conspiracy nuts get their proof, and then some.

Not only does "Operation Avalanche" tell the cold war truth of America's ridiculous claim to lunar escapades, but it's also a nifty espionage thriller, complete with gun play and classic car chases. A pair of documentarians, originally hired to sniff out a Russian mole, soon hatch a plot to film the impending (impossible) moon landing with some clever cinema magic. A tricky plan for sure, but when spy agencies heat up the cold war plans, our filmic nerds are in for the ride of heir life.

Filmed on crackly old stock, old school, old film, "Operation Avalanche" captures the bizarro undercover adventures of the CIA, when the fate of everything America felt near and dear to her heart rested on conquering a barren, grey hunk of space rock.

Could this found footage documentary be the real deal? You decide, and along the way, enjoy the greatest in-car filmed chase since "Bullitt".

I understand that this gritty hand held camera style was intentional, but it did not work for me. I never liked these "Blair which project" style hand-held soddy grimy footages and if i had known that the entire film is in that style i would not have gone to see it. The story line was good and had a potential for a good drama or thriller. The ethical dilemma that the main character suddenly is forced to face in the middle of the film was a good hook for a gripping drama. But none of it really played out or was used properly in the film.

The muddy soddy style with ugly claustrophobic frames, none of which was in focus did not add anything to the film. The characters and dramatic element remained undeveloped and the fact that that there was not one good clear frame simply started to irritate. Until about the middle it was difficult to even understand what was going on or separate the characters from each other as we could barely see them. There was nothing to enjoy, or to go along with.This film was simply annoying, pointless and boring.

Do you believe we actually landed on the moon? Well, it doesn't really matter because either way this film is smart, funny, interesting and entertaining. Matt Johnson is a master, be sure to also watch his "The Dirties".