It’s genuinely enjoyable, and I have no regrets about saying so!. A NASA mission to Mars is grounded by serious technical issues. Concerned that funding might be cut and wanting to avoid a public relations disaster, officials decide to stage a fake landing in a studio setting. With the astronauts compelled to act as if they are actually on Mars, while also grappling with their own personal convictions, government leaders worry that the deception could be exposed. After it becomes apparent that people outside believe the crew crashed upon returning to Earth’s atmosphere, the astronauts must flee for their lives because those in power can't allow them to survive. Capricorn One is a superb film about a cover-up that unfortunately seems to have faded from memory. Stories continue to surface questioning whether the moon landing was real, so director and writer Peter Hyams tackles this idea and creates an exciting and suspenseful movie. At its core is Elliot Gould's (whose best work from the 70s deserves more recognition) as determined journalist Robert Caulfield, who finds himself in danger from secretive government figures willing to do anything to silence him along with the astronauts, after a friend at NASA gives him a hint. The film unfolds in two distinct sections; the first part establishes the situation, with clever and engaging conversations before and after the fake landing, and we get to know the characters at a comfortable pace. The movie then transitions into a well-made thriller where the main characters are hunted by government agents, aided by helicopters armed with guns. Jerry Goldsmith’s score is particularly effective during the chase scenes, making the helicopters seem like menacing machines controlled by unseen forces. Telly Savalas also appears later in the film, delivering an entertaining performance as a crop duster dressed in shiny red armor, and the ending is powerful and delivers on the promise of excitement throughout. James Brolin, Brenda Vaccaro, Sam Waterston, O.J. Simpson, Hal Holbrook, and Karen Black are among the other actors who contribute significantly to the film. Capricorn One has been unfairly overlooked, which is a shame. 8/10

Source on TMDB