Operation Avalanche (2016)

Hur duh. This movie is stupid because we obviously landed on the moon. That's why it is garbage, not because I can't differentiate reality from fiction.1/10: we did land on the moon and if you like this film then you are stupid.

This film is exactly what I thought of the moon landing when I saw it on TV while at camp on the dining room TV.I thought it was a hoax and still do for there were no surprises.I was also once in a very primitive television studio at university.I was amazed how reality can be changed with unsophisticated equipment.

Matt Johnson previously directed The Dirties which was shot for less than $10,000, blew away audiences at Sundance and nabbed an exclusive distribution from Kevin Smith's company. I personally was very impressed with the gritty independent style of the film, and it left me wanting more from the filmmakers.With Operation Avalanche, Johnson is 2 for 2, delivering another solid film through his directorial style and performance. I'm not sure whether the film was shot digitally or on 16mm, but the cinematography throughout the film thoroughly immersed me in that 1960s environment. The other actors, Owen Williams and Josh Boles deliver authentic performances as CIA agents faking the moon landing. The film's dramatic tension is key here; scenes which are otherwise simple moments in an operation are brought to life by the film's unique staging and editing methods. In terms of historical accuracy, it's obvious that the film is merely faction, that is, taking archive footage of real people working at NASA in the 60s and seamlessly blending them into the narrative while still maintaining many details from the moon landing conspiracies. The script is structured in such a unique way that it's apparent how powerful editing can negate a bigger budget. Johnson has proved again that he knows the mockumentary format and how to keep a viewer on edge throughout a film. Even though the dialogue in the movie was mostly improvised, it feels completely organic. The film's real strength is in its tension, specifically the car chase at the climax of the film. Its staging and execution solidified it as one of my favorite all time chase scenes in a movie, without a doubt. I can't wait to see what Johnson and co. make next!

Forgot to do a review of this one when I originally saw it. But I also rewatched it at some point before I decided to write this review, so it smooths out. Anyways Matt Johnson's found footage mockumentary on faking the moon landing is one of the most ambitious yet amazingly well excited films I've seen in the past few years. He takes this crazy concept and is able to bring a level comedy, intrigue, and wit to it. It starts off a little slow but goes all the way by the first few minutes and is an absolute joy to watch. That with is attention to detail with costume design to the type of camera they used to some of the insane effects used in the middle of the film, there isn't a moment where you feel they couldn't do it because of their shoe string budget. Plus I love how they are to change the tone of the film without it contradicting itself. When it goes from a more comedic feel to somewhat of an espionage thriller is really impressive. Also its really engaging. Probably the best film I've seen in 2017 so far.94/100