Hitting theaters to collide with the 55th anniversary of man’s first moon walk, Fly Me to the Moon takes its own small steps as an enchanting little rom-com that sends viewers on a nostalgic trip back to the '60s. Directed by Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon)and starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, the film is set against the backdrop of the space race era and carries much of the DNA from those zany screwball romantic comedies of 1930s Hollywood.
Johansson is Kelly Jones, a perky marketing maven who thrives on creativity and chaos. Her latest assignment? To craft a groundbreaking campaign for NASA’s historic space mission to take man to the moon and back. However, Kelly's unconventional methods and outside-the-box thinking wreak havoc on the meticulously planned project overseen by Cole Davis (Tatum), a no-nonsense launch director known for his strict adherence to protocol and order.
Cole is already under immense pressure, as the mission has been deemed critical by the White House, making failure not an option. When Kelly's unpredictable antics start to disrupt the process, tensions flare between the two. Yet, amidst the countdown and chaos, an unlikely bond starts to form. Kelly's spirited nature and innovative ideas begin to reveal cracks in Cole's rigid exterior, showing him that sometimes spontaneity can lead to extraordinary results.
As the launch date approaches, Kelly and Cole must learn to work together despite their differences. Their collaboration not only brings fresh excitement to the mission but also sparks a romantic chemistry that neither could have anticipated. Fly Me to the Moon is a delightful tale of opposites attracting, proving that even in the most structured environments, love can find its way. Will Kelly's creative spark and Cole's disciplined approach make for a successful mission—or will their newfound romance face a crash landing? Join them on this out-of-this-world adventure to find out!
Johansson and Tatum deliver standout performances, bringing to life a palpable chemistry that carries the film. Johansson's charm and wit shine through in every scene, while Tatum's endearing apprehension makes him the perfect counterpart. Together, they create a dynamic duo that is both captivating and heartwarming.
Woody Harrelson’s over-the-top, shady government operative Moe Berkus, adds a delightful layer of comedy to the mix and very nearly steals the show. His hammy performance, including a soft shoe rendition of Sinatra’s “In Other Words” provides many laugh-out-loud moments and serves as a perfect foil to the romantic storyline. His ability to balance humor with a touch of sincerity makes his character one of the most memorable of the film.
The film's production design is worth noting as well, as it perfectly captures the essence of the '60s from the groovy fashion to the retro decor. Viewers are transported to a time when love was as exciting as the moon landing. One of the film's most striking scenes takes place at a lavish ‘60s-themed party. The vibrant colors, lively music, and impeccable costume design make this moment a visual feast, highlighting the film's dedication to authenticity.
However, the film does have its flaws. With a few too many subplots, Berlanti’s direction of a script by Rose Gilroy, in her screenwriting debut), occasionally struggles to keep everything on track. While the narrative never quite reaches the stratospheric heights it aims for, it remains a charming diversion, providing plenty of laughs and tender moments along the way.
Also starring Ray Romano, Jim Rash, and a rather pesky cat, Fly Me to the Moon is certainly no cinematic masterpiece, but it is a delightful ode to the romantic comedies of a bygone era. With standout performances from Johansson, Tatum, and Harrelson, it is a film that offers both nostalgia and entertainment. If you're looking for a light-hearted movie that will transport you to a different time, Fly Me to the Moon is well worth the watch.
MPAA Rating: PG-13.
Runtime: 132 mins
Director: Greg Berlanti
Writer: Rose Gilroy
Cast: Scarlett Johansson; Channing Tatum; Woody Harrelson
Genre: Comedy | Romance | History
Tagline: Exclusively in Movie Theaters.
Memorable Movie Quote: "Pilots fight gravity. It's their nature."
Theatrical Distributor: Apple Studios
Official Site: https://www.flymetothemoon.movie/
Release Date: July 12, 2024
DVD/Blu-ray Release Date:
Synopsis: Marketing maven Kelly Jones wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis's already difficult task. When the White House deems the mission too important to fail, the countdown truly begins.
