Try as they might, the filmmakers never hit the outer reaches of imagination that both Kubrick and Bowie did. Which is not to say the film completely implodes into a black hole either.
What are people saying?
What are critics saying?
The New York Times by A.O. Scott
The film's ideas are interesting, but don't feel entirely worked out, and Mr. Rockwell's intriguingly strange performance (or performances) is left suspended, without the context that would give Sam's plight its full emotional and philosophical impact. The smallness of this movie is decidedly a virtue, but also, in the end, something of a limitation.
Moon, a superb first feature directed by Duncan Jones (David Bowie's son) and starring an impressive Sam Rockwell, is an intelligent, evocative and deceptively low-key sci-fi adventure.
Despite its handsome look and good thesping workout for Sam Rockwell, the story stretches a bit thin over feature length.
Impressively pulled together on a modest budget, Moon has a strong lead and a valid philosophical premise but, despite Bell's fissured psyche, the drama is inert.
Moon is enjoyable as much for its small scale and solid execution as for its crazy twists and creeping existential dread.
Entertainment Weekly by Owen Gleiberman
The double role suits Rockwell perfectly -- in fact, it suits him a little too well.
Rolling Stone by Peter Travers
Moon is a potent provocation that relies on ideas instead of computer tricks to stir up excitement.
A thrilling and thought provoking sci-fi film. It manages to accomplish a lot with very little, given the confined setting and limited cast. Moon really does pose lots of interesting questions about identity and consciousness that stick with you along with you after the film is over.