Apollo 11
by Paul Zuckerman

Paul Zuckerman writes movie reviews from time to time for the alumni web site. This month (March 2019) he recommends the new documentary “Apollo 11,” the story of the historic first flight to the moon that occurred 50 years ago. Below is his “mini-review.”

“First Man,” the 2018 drama, was a well-done but little-appreciated movie primarily about Neil Armstrong, giving some personal background (some of which was not totally accurate). But “Apollo 11” is made from original footage, with some graphics to explain and show what was not filmed.

The amount of film taken is amazing! From inside the control rooms to inside the ship itself, and both film and photos taken on the moon, there is just an incredible wealth of detail. This movie doesn't try to dig into the astronauts' private lives, but glimpses of their families are shown and Buzz Aldrin in particular demonstrates a sense of humor.

Watching the movie, you get a sense of what the third astronaut-Mike Collins-must have felt alone in the ship orbiting the moon, especially when he was on the far side, out of any contact with NASA. But, you also get the sense of how scary it must have been for all three going on that mission.

The movie sweetens the soundtrack somewhat--one shot on the moon actually has the sounds of the rockets! Shades of Star Trek! But the sound truly enhances the visual experience. Especially in a theater with thundering bass as the IMAX Theater in Eatontown, New Jersey (the one we went to) provides. And speaking of IMAX see it there! This movie deserves and demands a BIG screen viewing. Watching this later on TV will just not do it justice!