(by AaronCapenBanner on 29 August 2013)

What if a televised Mars landing was an elaborate hoax? And what if, because of an accident, the "astronauts" are believed killed when their capsule burns up in the atmosphere? Why, they would become expendable if the government was ruthless enough to kill them, which for the three "astronauts" of this film(James Brolin, Sam Waterston, and O.J. Simpson(!) is exactly what happens, though they manage to escape by plane into the desert, being pursued not only by the corrupt head of the project(played by Hal Holbrook) but also investigative newspaper reporter Elliot Gould, who risks his career and life to track them down, and get his story.
Despite the fanciful premise, this a smart, taut, and breathless film from Peter Hyams,that involves the viewer both emotionally and intellectually, leading to a most satisfying ending.