Fly Me to the Moon is a refreshing anomaly in today’s movie landscape: a good old-fashioned romantic comedy. Set against the backdrop of the late 1960s Space Race, it tells the story of two clashing individuals who find themselves unexpectedly drawn together. Scarlett Johansson, with her undeniable star power, portrays Kelly Jones, a witty New York marketing specialist. Channing Tatum plays Cole Davis, a former pilot now working tirelessly as NASA’s lead flight director. Their first encounter is a classic meet-cute, with Cole instantly smitten by Kelly’s beauty. However, their initial spark is quickly extinguished when Kelly arrives at NASA with a mission to revamp the agency’s public image.
Johansson shines as Kelly, effortlessly switching between a quick-witted marketing shark and a hopeless romantic. Tatum, on the other hand, struggles to find the right footing in his role. As a straight-man to Johansson’s comedic brilliance, he lacks the necessary gravitas and feels out of place, especially as the film ventures into more absurd territory. The film’s humor, while enjoyable, leans heavily on Johansson’s sharp wit.
The plot takes a surprising turn when Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson), a mysterious government figure, assigns Kelly the task of creating a staged moon landing as a backup plan in case the Apollo 11 mission fails. This subplot, fueled by conspiracy theories, injects a fresh dose of comedy into the film, allowing Johansson to shine even brighter as she navigates the chaotic world of Hollywood production. While the film’s overall pacing is a bit uneven and it runs longer than necessary, it boasts a charming supporting cast, including Jim Rash and Ray Romano, who inject heart into the story.
Fly Me to the Moon isn’t groundbreaking, but it offers a lighthearted escape with an invigorating performance from Johansson. Despite its flaws, the film is enjoyable, thanks to its witty dialogue, colorful characters, and a touch of screwball comedy. It’s a reminder that sometimes, a simple and fun romantic comedy is all you need for a pleasant evening at the cinema.
