MOONWALKERS (2016)

Directed By: Antoine Bardou-Jacquet 
Written By: Dean Craig 
Cinematography By: Glenn Speeckaert 
Editor: Chris Gill & Amelie Massoutier, Bill Smedley 


Cast: Rupert Grint, Ron Perlman, Robert Sheehan, Stephen Campbell Moore, Kevin Bishop


What if Apollo 11 never actually made it? What if, in reality, Stanley Kubrick secretly shot the famous images of the moon landing in a studio, working for the US administration? This is the premise of a totally plausible conspiracy theory that takes us to swinging sixties London, where a stubborn CIA agent will never find Kubrick but instead is forced to team up with a lousy manager of a seedy rock band to develop the biggest con of all time, in this riotous, high-tempo action-comedy.

Sorry not the sequel to Michael Jackson's long form video or compilation of his music videos. Not even a feature length version of the Moonwalker video (which just so happened to have the video of his single SMOOTH CRIMINAL hidden in the middle of)

The film seems to integrate itself into the idea of the moon landing conspiracy. Which is where it takes off and decides to add a spin of it's own.

The idea is fun and drives he story but seems to soon be done away with to add more of a British mob story to the proceedings. That take the film off course. If you know that it was that type of film in the first place. One could see this side story as fun, but as it is. Honestly more as a conspiracy tale. It feels oddly thrown in.

Even though the action scenes are inspired and usually brutal as far as violence. Which time to time comes as a shock as it is introduced usually in the middle of a comedic scene.

Ron Perlman is top knotch as a veteran C.I.A. agent who has many flashbacks to Vietnam. Usually set up to be at the wrong time, but is usually the right time as it is in times when violence is needed. So he is like a rampaging bull once it does.

He even had kind of a romance with a hippie girl. Who we are not sure if this is a match made in heaven or if it is more light flirtation.

Rupert Grint does fine in one of the more grown up roles that I have seen him In since Harry Potter he seems to have more of a flair for comedies.

The film does have many strengths at it is enjoyable at times and for stretches, but then sabotages itself with taking the comedic scene too far or adding elements that don't need to be there. Especially in just trying to get laughs. When the material is working fine itself.

Usually the scene and characters are cute. Like the lead singer of the bang hint manages who thinks he is a star already and whenever her tries to flirt believes women will fall at his feet. When they are usually repulsed by him. Also the character of the director they decide to go to to help with the scheme. Who has an cliche artistic temperament, though quickly will sell out his ideas and ideals for more money.

The film is full of drugs and he taking of them. As that seems to be what the scene was partially fueled with. Though the only time it seems necessary Is for the comedic scenes of Perlman accidently getting high. As truthfully other then the action scenes this film is a showcase for Ron Perlman.

As when he is in scenes the film feels vital and has a pulse. His scenes are usually filed with laughs, violence and energy. The scene without him mainly fall flat. The film also has a tone where it becomes fun and more outrageous then pulls itself in and becomes more serious that feels wrong.

It's a perfectly fine time waster if it's on. Though it's not a film I would suggest seeking out. If you don't have to.


Grade: C