I know I’m a little outside of the loop here in suggesting a Red Box film on a Friday, but unfortunately my timing is completely off. I also didn’t suggest any films on any of the other days this week so I’m just going to count it as a restocking week and start suggesting films that are actually good instead of just reviewing every damn thing I see.

“Apollo 18” started out as a joke in my house. We set up the podcast gear, popped in the film, and immediately ran the banter. It’s a documentary style sci-fi thriller that uses “real” footage (questionable?) to tell the true story of what happened on Apollo 18. Let me just say… it was a little terrifying. The closest frame of reference is that it’s like “Paranormal Activity” meets “The Blair Witch Project” at Space Camp.

I think the “real” element to the film helped define a strong concern or emotional investment in the safety of these astronauts because they felt like more than characters in a movie. The hazard itself was a little less believable in my opinion, but the suspense of the film helped evoke a strong response. It’s hard to say too much about this movie though without giving too much away. To put in plainly, it’s a great sci-fi thriller movie and one that I feel comfortable suggesting.

[STATUS REPORT]

BROAD vs. NICHE - I think this is a great across the board movie. I would even let some younger kids see this film if you trust them around scary stuff and monsters and all that jazz. It’s not a typical “Alien” thriller so it shouldn’t have the same long lasting effect as something like “Signs”. But seeing as how this isn’t a gore-fest or soft core porn disguised as a horror film, I feel great suggesting this movie to anyone.

WATCHABILITY - It’s a suspense movie. So the beginning was slow and then about 20 minutes in you’re hooked. The pacing and development is timed out well enough that you should remain pretty interested even in some of the duller moments of the film.

WHEN TO WATCH - Any day of the week after 9:00 pm. It’s a nighttime film. I would definitely suggest a group of friends isnce it’s a fun movie, but watching this by yourself may create the same rush or element of fear so don’t be afraid to pick this up on your own… or maybe, do be afraid because it’s scary… but rent it anyway.