When people say they don’t make movies like they used to anymore, this is the type of movie they used to make. Fly Me to the Moon, not to be confused with a famous Frank Sinatra song and a not-so-famous 2008 3D film about three insects sneaking aboard Apollo 11, is a new romantic comedy-drama. Set during the 1960s Space Race between the United States and the Soviet Union, our story follows NASA launch director Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) and marketing specialist Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson). These two find themselves in entertaining conflict as NASA attempts to put a man on the moon.
Fly Me to the Moon is a charming, fantastic look at an alternate version of a story that may or may not have happened in real life. The best aspect of Rose Gilroy’s screenplay is its unique twist on the real conspiracy theory that the moon landing was faked. This movie does not take itself seriously, instead opting for a lighthearted tone. This style will not work for everyone, as the film implies that the moon landing could have been faked. However, with its made-up characters and absurd scenes where the NASA launch director gets exploded and tossed across the room like a rag doll, scientific accuracy is not the goal.
We don’t even see the words “Based on a True Story” at any point in this movie. If anything, it’s based on a fake story. It’s a humorous look at the hilarity of faking the moon landing, but the angle it takes is ingenious. We have Cole working day and night to ensure that Neil Armstrong, Buzz Aldrin, and Michael Collins land on the moon for real. However, we also have Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson) concerned about NASA’s public image and having Kelly create a fake moon landing as a backup.
But let’s start from the beginning. After we are introduced to Kelly as a salesman with a tendency for deception, we have a meet-cute between her and Cole. We’ve seen meet-cutes take on many different forms. This film does it with Kelly accidentally setting her book on fire and Cole helping put it out. It’s a cute scene, and from early on, we get a sense of who they might be. However, when they end up as coworkers, that dynamic changes. They not only have to be professional, but everything Kelly does gets on Cole’s nerves, which creates a hilarious dynamic between them.
Movies like this feel special. This is the type of movie that puts two charismatic movie stars together, has them trade some banter, and offers the perfect amount of will-they-won’t-they energy. We saw something similar earlier this year with The Fall Guy, and now, we have one that isn’t an action movie. This is a workplace dramedy that knows how to pull out great laughs when it wants to. However, whenever the film looks deeper into its characters, it becomes very emotionally compelling as you understand what drives them forward and the pieces of the past they would rather lock away. This emotional depth is what makes the film genuinely engaging.
Some of the best humor in Fly Me to the Moon comes from the scenes where they’re trying to fake the moon landing. Kelly hires Lance Vespertine (Jim Rash), a humorously uptight director with a big mouth and an attention to detail. Everything that comes out of his mouth is absolute gold. The film knows how to build comedic situations with this subplot and also during scenes where Tatum is paired up with Ray Romano. They share unlikely comedic chemistry and have a lot of fun with these parts.
The cinematography is another strong suit. Cinematographer Dariusz Wolski puts a lot of passion into crafting each scene and giving it an old Hollywood look. This film feels like the type of classic fable we don’t get often anymore, coupled with its star power and two effortlessly charismatic lead performances. Tatum and Johansson are adept at being funny when the film requires it while also showcasing a more somber side to their characters. The film’s only weakness is not leaning more into the rom-com territory. But for a movie that’s 2 hours and 12 minutes, the movie flies by fast.
Every member of the supporting cast also gets their time to shine. Director Greg Berlanti did an excellent job with this film, creating the perfect date movie. This funny, enjoyable movie hits all the right notes and leaves you with the best feeling. Daniel Pemberton’s musical score stands out, particularly during the final act. It’s the biggest surprise of the summer. If you’re a fan of these actors and know the ridiculousness you’re getting yourself into, you’re sure to enjoy this magnificent film.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
