Rating: ***
Review Date: 5/27/00
Director: Peter Hyams
Music: Jerry Goldsmith
Cast: James Brolin, Elliot Gould, O.J. Simpson, Brenda Vaccaro, Telly Savalas
NASA has launched its multi-billion dollar manned mission to Mars - or have they? At the last moment, the command crew of the Capricorn One rocket are kidnapped and taken to a remote facility in the desert where they are coerced into enacting the Mars landing on a sound stage. Only something goes wrong... Obnoxious reporter Elliot Gould gets a tip that something is screwy with the mission and soon his life is in danger as well. A well made and exciting thriller that holds up surprisingly well for its age. In and among the intrigue are several nice action sequences, including an out of control car chase and some excellent aerial stuntwork. My only complaint is with the onslaught of witty dialog, which is often times painfully corny. (although Telly Savalas is a hoot!) Definitely worth checking out.