Roland Emmerich’s latest epic film, a sequel to 1996’s smash hit “Independence Day,” may have caused some disappointment, but the global disaster movie director is not slowing down. His next project, “Moonfall,” postulates the moon falling out of its orbit and headed for a collision with Earth. Only a motley crew of misfits will be able to stop the ultimate global catastrophe.
Emmerich has not had too many hits since “Independence Day.” “The Day After Tomorrow” was a science-challenged polemic about climate change with not very well disguised slams against then-President George W.
Bush and then-Vice President Dick Cheney. “2012” depicted the Mayan Apocalypse which the Mayans did not actually predict but that many people thought would destroy the world. The only disaster that struck that year was the reelection of President Barack Obama.
The premise of “Moonfall” seems to be something tailor-made to annoy Neil deGrasse Tyson, who likes to pick apart the science in science fiction movies like “Gravity”, “Interstellar”, and “The Martian.” Two questions arise concerning the project.
By what mechanism does an object the size and mass of the moon “fall out of its orbit?” Having been set on a collision course with Earth, what solution could be found to stop it? Dr. Tyson could fill several episodes of “Star Talk” discussing possible answers to that question and the theme of how stupid Hollywood people are compared to celebrity astrophysicists.
Mind, a movie about a moon-sized or planet-sized object headed to Earth would be a winner in skilled hands. George Pal made “When Worlds Collide” in the 1950s. 1998 saw two huge objects hitting the Earth flicks, the Bruce Willis vehicle “Armageddon” and the much superior “Deep Impact.” A remake of “When Worlds Collide” has been in development hell for the past decade or so.
Science challenged science fiction films are more the rule than the exception. A lot of the reason stems from lazy filmmakers, not bothering to understand the subjects of their stories.
Ironically, “Moonfall” is not going to be the only moon-related cosmic disaster movie in the works. The great Ron Howard is putting together a film version of the science-fiction novel “Seveneves” which starts with the moon suddenly and inexplicably breaking apart.
