*** 1/2 stars out of four
Apollo 11, the new documentary from CNN, is a brilliant movie. Every frame of the film is from 1969 and the telling of the first moon landing, 50 years ago this July.
The photography is amazing from that era, especially the footage form the Apollo 11 space capsule. The special is riveting and exciting. Even though I obviously know and lived through the entire event, it was still a cliff-hanger. Would Eagle land on the moon? Would Columbia make it back to Earth?
I learned more about the three astronauts- Armstrong, Aldrin and Collins, and admire them even more. Not only their bravery, being the very first human to land on a foreign body in our universe, but their intelligence too. These guys were brilliant, and so calm under intense pressure. Think of it- not only was the United States of America depending on these guys- the entire world was hanging on every word and action. Imagine all the people watching or listening!
I admire all the technicians and engineers and scientists back on Earth who made the mission happen. All the people in Mission Control in Houston who nervously stayed positive and offered support and information . They were unsung heroes too.
The music was minimal but great, filled with tension. Seeing the old hair styles, clothes, automobiles and overall 60s atmosphere was cool. So was hearing comforting voices like Walter Cronkite.
Where were you at the moment when Armstrong set foot on the moon? I was on my way to California is see my uncle in Los Angeles. We had stopped in a hotel somewhere in the Midwest when we watched the event on TV.
The only negative of the film was the very small-print on the screen during each scene. It's ridiculous. Chances are someone who is older will watch this documentary and remember the moon landing but won't be able to read the commentary because their eyesight is poor from age.
Otherwise it's a flawless piece which details one of the greatest achievements in history. Well worth watching for 1 hour and 46 minutes.
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