The latest film by Love, Simon director Greg Berlanti sees Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum star in Fly Me to the Moon, a romantic comedy-drama set in 1960s America. Ahead of the Apollo 11 mission, NASA are trying to get ahead of their Soviet counterparts in the space race. Leading their efforts are mission launch director Cole Davis (Tatum) and Kelly Jones (Johansson), a marketing expert who is keen to put space in the public eye – and despite their contrasting priorities, sparks gradually fly between them.
At first glance, Fly Me to the Moon is a typical opposites-attract romantic comedy. Kelly – a bright burst of colour in the restrictive black-and-white world of NASA – disrupts the site by glamorising space and making it a playground of marketing. Her efforts grate on the overly serious Cole, whose disdain for flashy marketing resonates with a deep passion for space and a responsibility to the personnel – a sentiment that allows Kelly to slowly see NASA as more than a cash cow. Still, this change of heart becomes muddled amid the narrative.
Although the characters in Fly Me to the Moon have a clear goal in mind – the success of Apollo 11 – the film doesn’t focus on the science or technical achievement but rather an improbable romance. While earlier films such as Hidden Figures and First Man celebrate the achievements and the people of successful NASA missions, Berlanti’s flighty direction focuses on the awkward chemistry between Cole and Kelly, as they aim to boost NASA’s public profile ahead of the much-anticipated lunar mission. Fragments of the agency’s struggle to finalise the technicalities to ensure success in space do linger in the background, but the narrative and direction ultimately make light of the fact that the government is willing to consider a fake lunar landing to save face to the rest of the world. This vibe doesn’t sit well, considering the monumental effort it takes to launch people into space let alone walk on the Moon, as well as paints shade over the intentions of Kelly and government agent Moe Berkus (Harrelson).
Rose Gilroy’s inconsistent screenplay, as well as Bill Kirstein and Keenan Flynn’s story, also contribute to the mismatched tone of the film. There is a playful dynamic between the leads’ clashing personalities, which helps reinforce the film’s initial romantic-comedy vibes. But an awkward TV interview abruptly bursts this bubble and allows hidden schemes of certain characters, notably Berkus, to come to light that essentially undermines NASA’s achievements. Emotions slowly dramatise and dilute the humour, resulting in a disrupted tone that sends mixed messages about the story and, in particular, the legacy of Apollo 11 – as the significance of the landmark landing becomes lost amid evident political agendas.
Even the cast is a mixed bag. With all smiles and charm, Scarlett Johansson’s Kelly has a chance to present herself as a serious marketing guru but her reliance on feminine wiles to get what she wants makes her a superficial character. In contrast, Tatum’s comically stony-faced demeanour sways when his insecurities come out, resulting in awkward flirting with Kelly and dents in his confidence regarding the lunar mission. Despite the pair’s light-hearted chemistry, which offers a slight degree of comedy, it isn’t as winsome as anticipated and supporting characters played by Ray Ramano, Woody Harrelson and scene stealer Jim Rash are not enough to win over the sceptics.
There is a bubbliness and sense of fun behind Fly Me to the Moon, but its feel-good vibe and the efforts of both Tatum and Johansson barely hide the film’s inconsistency.
Fly Me to the Moon is out in UK cinemas on Friday 12 July.
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Director: Greg Berlanti, Rose Gilroy (screenwriter)
Stars: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Ray Ramano, Woody Harrelson, Jim Rash
Runtime: 132 minutes
Country: USA
