Boasting a stellar ensemble cast this diaster film seemed primed for box office triumph.

Ffaturing Halle Berry, Patrick Wilson and the late, great Donald Sutherland, Moonfall – which graces Film 4 screens tonight – was far from the success those behind it had been hoping for.

Yet this space thriller, chronicling NASA astronauts who uncover a disturbing lunar secret that’s been concealed for decades, crashed and burned commercially upon its global release.

Critics were merciless in their assessment, with one branding the picture “an actual disaster” whilst others dismissed it as completely “nuts” – though sci-fi enthusiasts embraced its gloriously bonkers entertainment value.

The plot kicks off during a 2011 space mission where astronauts Brian Harper (Wilson) and Jo Fowler (Berry) are tasked with shuttle repairs.

Their routine operation turns deadly when they’re besieged by a swarm of extraterrestrial technology, resulting in one crew member’s death and Jo falling unconscious, reports the Mirror.

Brian alone witnesses the horrifying encounter and observes the alien forces vanishing beneath the moon’s surface.

Upon their return to Earth, he faces dismissal from NASA and public disgrace for daring to report his extraordinary experience.

Fast-forward a decade, and a conspiracy theorist stumbles upon a chilling lunar revelation, broadcasting his findings anonymously across the globe.

As investigations commence, humanity faces a desperate race against time to preserve Earth whilst unravelling the moon’s sinister mysteries. Under the direction and production of Roland Emmerich, Moonfall became one of the costliest independent productions in cinema history, making its commercial failure all the more devastating.

With a staggering budget of approximately £120 million, the film managed to rake in a mere £54 million globally.

The critical reception proved equally disastrous upon its 2022 release, earning a paltry 35% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers lambasting its utterly barmy storyline.

One reviewer said: “This movie is bananas, nuts, completely insane, and it didn’t even have a great Aerosmith song!”.

Another added: “One of the most entertaining disaster movies for the first hour Then the second hour happened It became an actual disaster.”

A third critic said: “The third act of this film goes to places that are so insane that it will leave audiences slack-jawed, open-mouthed and shaking their heads in utter disbelief to what they are witnessing.”

Nevertheless, some viewers argue the pleasure lies in its complete departure from reality.

“Moonfall is exactly what it’s meant to be. It’s a big, bold disaster film that pulls us out of the disaster film that has become our lives over the last few years. Moonfall is the best kind of disaster, it distracts the brain just long enough to remind us it could be a lot worse,” said one supporter.

Others champion its sheer entertainment value: “Not what I was expecting, but thoroughly enjoyed it! I’ve watched it twice now. If you just go with the storyline the plot and back story is very fascinating,” one viewer posted.

Another fan added: “Alright, it’s a Sci Fi movie in the vein of old school ones that don’t line up with true science, but who cares? It’s entertainment and reminded me of when movies were just that, entertainment. I still love to watch those and I enjoyed this one as well. Had an interesting premise behind why and what. Don’t go in too deep, just watch it for the fun of it. If you like those old movies like the day the earth stood still or still watch Star Trek and Doctor Who, well here you go.”

A third viewer was so captivated they demanded a sequel: “Incredibly dumb but very entertaining and for that I loved it! A movie can be bad as long as it’s entertaining and not boring and this is the one! We need the sequel! Please! With how the world is right now we must get part 2 to save humanity,” they passionately implored.