Despite a star-studded cast, Fly Me to the Moon gets lost in the space of its quirky premise and historical era.
Fly Me to the Moon launches into orbit with a star-studded cast led by Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, blending 1960s nostalgia with a whimsical twist on the Apollo 11 mission. Directed by Greg Berlanti, known for his television prowess, the film ambitiously merges elements of period pastiche and romantic comedy but struggles to find its gravitational pull.
Johansson shines as Kelly Jones, a quick-witted marketing expert enlisted by the Nixon administration to reinvigorate public interest in NASA amidst declining enthusiasm for the space race. Johansson’s portrayal evokes shades of a female Don Draper, characterized by charm and cunning, yet devoid of the darker complexities. Her performance anchors the film, infusing it with both intelligence and charisma. Opposite her, Tatum portrays Cole Davis, a stoic NASA director burdened by past setbacks. While Tatum brings a steady presence to the screen, his chemistry with Johansson lacks the spark needed to fully ignite their romantic subplot, leaving their interactions feeling constrained at times. The wardrobe department’s curious choice to dress Tatum’s character in numerous mock-neck short sleeve sweaters adds an eccentric dimension to his persona, underscoring his character’s reserved nature in an offbeat, disjointed manner.
Period charm with narrative hiccups.
The film’s narrative unfolds with a breezy, screwball energy reminiscent of classic romances, yet it occasionally veers off course with meandering subplots and pacing that feels inconsistent. While the premise of staging a fake moon landing adds an intriguing layer of conspiracy, it emerges relatively late in the story, overshadowed by superficial nods to the era and comedic attempts that often fall flat. Jim Rash’s portrayal of a diva director adds levity, though recurring references to Stanley Kubrick feel forced and distract from the film’s momentum.
Captivating visuals overshadowed by historical oversights.
Visually, Fly Me to the Moon captivates with its polished production design and period-appropriate aesthetics, capturing the essence of 1960s Americana with a glossy sheen. The meticulous attention to detail in recreating the era’s atmosphere is commendable, yet the film’s exploration of socio-political themes of the time remains disappointingly superficial. Issues like racial tensions and societal divides are brushed aside in favor of a sanitized portrayal, overlooking an opportunity to delve into the era’s deeper complexities.
The bottom line.
Ultimately, Fly Me to the Moon thrives when it embraces its lighthearted charm and the magnetic presence of its leads. Johansson’s portrayal of Kelly Jones remains a standout, buoyed by moments of genuine humor and romantic tension. While its ambitious scope and star power elevate it above standard fare, the film falls short of reaching its full celestial potential, landing instead as an enjoyable but somewhat uneven exploration of the 1960s space race era.
Fly Me to the Moon is now playing in theaters everywhere. You can watch the trailer here.
Images courtesy of Apple TV+. You can read more reviews by Alyshia Kelly here.
REVIEW RATING
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Fly Me to the Moon - 6/10
6/10
Alyshia is the Interviews Editor for InBetweenDrafts. A self-proclaimed pop culture enthusiast, she watches B-movies in her spare time and hopes to make one some day. Apart from writing, she is a publicist fully immersed in the world of entertainment.
