In the Shadow of the Moon

Quite frankly, the prospect of a documentary about a bunch of old guys reminiscing about their trips into outer space was not on top of our list of must-sees. It just seemed that with numerous films, the HBO miniseries From the Earth to the Moon, and high-profile epics like Apollo 13 that everything that could be said had been said on the subject. But this breathtaking and exhilarating movie, which merges fascinating film footage of the U.S. space program and recently shot interviews with 24 guys who went to the moon, not only exceeded our expectations but left us with hope, as it showcases perhaps the greatest achievement in the history of America. Easily one of the year's best, this is in fact a once-in-a-lifetime movie experience and, without question, everyone should see it. Director David Sington managed to record the experiences of most of those astronauts who were lucky enough to live in a time when the U.S. was in a race to the moon, rather than the Middle East. Their stories and recollections of that time—which started with President John F. Kennedy's 1961 declaration that man would walk on the moon before the end of the decade—are funny and fascinating. Through their still-sharp memories we ride along with them and experience the excitement, danger, and genuine thrill of charting the unknown. Interestingly, the most famous of all, the first man to set his feet on the moon, Neil Armstrong, is not interviewed here (he's quite reclusive), but his presence is felt throughout, and the others more than ably fill in the gaps. This Sundance Film Festival winner will give you a lump in your throat and a sense at pride reliving a great moment the whole world once shared but that now seems to be virtually forgotten. In the Shadow of the Moon guarantees it won't be.