Fly Me to the Moon

This latest vehicle for Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson is unusual, because while there are elements of romance and comedy in the film, it is difficult to categorize it as “just” another rom-com. Johansson plays marketing guru Kelly Jones, who wreaks havoc on NASA, where Tatum works as launch director Cole. He is under pressure to ensure that the historic Apollo 11 moon landing is successful. But Kelly has been hired by a shady government operative (Woody Harrelson) to stage a fake moon landing if the real one proves disastrous. She has a few skeletons in her closet that he is perfectly willing to expose if she refuses.

Director Greg Berlanti (Love, Simon) presents us with a convincing backdrop of this important event. The wonderful attention to detail in this production transports us to the late 1960s. Although we know that this film’s characters are fictional, there is nevertheless a sense of urgency as we approach the final act. Tatum and Johansson have wonderful chemistry, which is necessary for the eventual–and inevitable–romance to blossom. The addition of supporting cast members including Ray Romano not only give us humor but unexpected dramatic scenes as well.

The screenplay is by Rose Gilroy, with Keenan Flynn and Bill Kirstein credited for the story. They clearly want to successfully make a movie that is wants to be equal parts screwball comedy, conspiracy thriller, and historical drama–with a love story in there, too. Unfortunately, it doesn’t exactly succeed at this, and the result is a bit scattershot. The primary characters here could certainly have benefitted from being fleshed out more.

Still, Fly Me to the Moon is a pretty good date night movie, despite its flaws. The overall cast is perfectly capable of delivering performances that are sometimes surprising. As mentioned, the backdrop of this time period is unexpected, but it does work. If you want something charming, funny, and even dramatic, strap in. It does not exactly stick the landing, but it flies well enough.

132 minutes