The Dark Side of the Moon

I don't know why The Dark Side of the Moon is still sitting out there without a DVD release when so many putrid films have already crossed over the digital divide. This undeservedly obscure science fiction B-movie from 1990 packs quite a punch and comes with a plotline that defies the conventions of the drama. Oh, certainly, there are similarities with Alien and other movies, but this film establishes a solid identity all its own. And while the film may not excel in any specific area, the sum of all its parts yields an interesting and quite enjoyable cinematic experience.

I love how the film begins by pointing out the fact that flying up in space to maintenance nuclear-armed satellites is considered to be dangerous work. Gee, d'ya think? The crew of the space refab ship Spacecore One knows this already, but this time around they never even make it to the satellite's location. On the way there, their ship suddenly loses all power. The ship's computer (who happens to be a reasonably hot, long-legged blonde) says all systems are functioning normally despite pretty convincing evidence to the contrary. Unable to signal for help, it looks like the only real question is whether their air supply will run out before the ship crashes into the dark side of the moon. Then, lo and behold, a ship appears in the distance - and not just any ship, mind you. It's the space shuttle Discovery. Strangely, though, the ship doesn't respond to communications requests, even after docking successfully with the Spacecore, so crew leaders Flynn (Robert Sampson) and Giles (Will Bledsoe) head across and find what amounts to a ghost ship that has somehow taken on significant water damage. They also find a dead crew member. As the resident doctor attempts to find out what killed the man, we learn that the Discovery crashed off the Atlantic Coast decades earlier - so what the heck is it doing floating around on the dark side of the moon?

Obviously, something is very wrong here. Already racing against time to repair their crippled ship, crew members suddenly find themselves in an even more desperate fight for survival onboard the Spacecore - against an unknown enemy. Already something of a volatile group, mutual suspicion and paranoia mount as individual crew members are killed. Even though we viewers are given a sense of what is really going on here fairly early on, even we don't always know the identity the evil is hiding behind - and that makes for added suspense as the movie heads down the home stretch.

You won't find any A-list actors here; the special effects are average in quality; the storyline leaves a few plot holes hanging; and the premise of the film is pretty far-fetched - yet there is just something about The Dark Side of the Moon (perhaps its group dynamics) that is satisfying if not impressive. I can see where it might even induce a moment or two of disquiet in the minds of certain viewers. All in all, I have to say that this is a little gem in the basket of neglected science fiction films - and it most definitely deserves a DVD release.

The Dark Side of The Moon
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Sci-Fi/Horror/Thriller
1990, Apporx. 96 Mins
Directed By: D.J Webster
Written By: Chad and Carey Hayes

Starring:
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Will Bledsoe (Summer Fever)
Robert Sampson (Re-Animator)
Alan Blumenfeld (K-9)
Joe Turkell (Blade Runner)

Plot:
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SpaceCore One was on a routine mission to repair some damaged nuclear satellites orbiting the stars high above the earth. It was a simple job, just in and out. But the risk factor was high. During the final moments before arrival at their destination, the ship malfunctions and goes offline, stranding the crew on the The Dark Side of The Moon.

Whilst scrambling to repair their downed ship, the crew of SpaceCore One encounter a ghost ship drifting quietly in space. After failing to reach anybody after a series of tries, the crew boards the seemingly abandoned spacecraft.

But something was aboard the ghost vessel. Something they cannot see, nor begin to comprehend. A force of darkness and ultimate evil has awakened and set upon the unsuspecting crew of SpaceCore One. And they will be in for the fight of their lives as it begins to take them over, one by one.

SpaceCore One is lost on The Dark Side of The Moon.

Review:
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The Dark Side of The Moon has to be flat out one of the scariest movies ever made. The atmosphere, music and talented cast all lend a hand into creating one of the best sci-fi-movie-going experiences of all time. The idea in of in itself does borrow from that of Alien, but it makes the idea it's own. There's also clever use of The Bermuda Triangle speculation (Appropriately nicknamed "The Devil's Triangle") and the number of the beast: 666.

This direct-to-video forgotten cult classic is simple really; The crew members running around through dark corridors with machine guns, trying to stop an enemy they can't see, or understand. There's plenty of action, tensity and scares to make this a sci-fi, horror lover's feast.

Highly Recommended!!

P.S.
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Have you heard about this movie somehow and are dying to see it?? If there are no VHS copies left in stock here on Amazon, try Netflix!! I was told it was on there!!

Enjoy Responsibly!!