SnoopyStyle America is desperate to get to the moon but the Apollo rocket is not ready yet. The Russians are set to send a team to the moon. In order to beat them, the Americans deploy a risky scheme for one man to fly the modified Gemini craft on an one-way trip to the moon. There he must locate a previously landed shelter and wait for the return trip when the Apollo rocket is ready. The Russian team consists of civilians and the White House insists on putting up a civilian of their own. Team leader Chiz (Robert Duvall) is passed over due to his Air Force credentials and Lee Stegler (James Caan) is rushed into training.There is a tension-filled space drama lurking here somewhere but director Robert Altman is unable inject any intensity. It's his first big budget theatrical movie. He does have some great actors giving some interesting performances. I am struck by Lee blowing up at his wife for lying to her about the risks. It seems like Altman may be more comfortable with the human conflict. He has nothing in terms of thrills or action or excitement. This is probably a wrong fit for him. The movie also ends before the adventure truly ends. The mission is not finished as far as I'm concerned. This is a partly movie and not the good part.

runamokprods Mostly good, solid, well acted (especially by Robert Duvall and James Caan) story of behind the scenes politics among astronauts as we raced Russia towards the moon in the late 1960s. Gets a little soapy at times, some of the politics and science seem a little cheated, and key incidents are convenient and co-incidental. Production values, especially the special effects, are pretty weak. And Caan's astronaut is a little too open with his fears to be believed as a man of his position at that moment in history. On the other hand it's impressive that in 1969 someone made a space movie focusing on complex emotions and human behavior, not technology. The climax is a bit 'Hollywood', although at least a little more bittersweet than usual, if predictable (and a cheat). The small roles are well cast and played. Not really recognizably an Altman film, but certainly shows talent and is worth seeing.

minimal-3 Looking at a film made 38 years ago (2006) about semi-reality was an actual bore. Forget Robert Altman made it (he is not that great during the next 38 years as Altman fans would have you believe) It was much more reminiscent of the soap operas of the time. I found nothing of any great interest here. The Duval/Caan game playing was lame and many of the other characters were overplayed. Yes, it is easy for me 38 years later with all the film and acting innovations that have taken place to make these comments but I simply was not entertained by the script/dialog/ and Altman's attempt at an auteur film. I will also throw in here I am not an Altman fan, or I would not spend money to see a film just because Altman made it. Michael Mann I would without question just as a comparison of my tastes.Duval is another consideration. I saw a film made in 1971 by Duval, which he claims, is his best work that was real 'art'. Quiet, simple, Wm.Faulkner 14 page tale of life in the Appalachians many years ago.This review is about Altman and 'Countdown'. The film is average at best and the auteur just starting an incredible career shows some flash of genius to come.

shank6 I've just got to throw my 2 cents in. I thought the Countdown was an excellent movie. The acting is what carries it for sure, but the special effects aren't bad either for the time period.I've seen Apollo 13 with Hanks and I thought this picture did a better job of portraying tension, ( although fictitious ) within the capsule. Robert Duvall is a superior actor as is James Caan. The overall dismay he portrays when not picked for the mission, and the subsiquent attempt to discredit Caan is great acting!