“Fly Me to the Moon” is so generic and sanitized that it feels like a blanket, sterilized television sitcom designed to appeal to the masses in middle America. Director Greg Berlanti‘s throwback romance has its moments, but even the chemistry between the leads a few flashes of creativity can’t save the overlong, draggy film.
Set against the backdrop of NASA’s historic Apollo 11 moon landing in 1969, former con artist Kelly (Scarlett Johansson) is hired by President Nixon’s clandestine staff member Moe (Woody Harrelson) to launch a marketing campaign on a mission that the White House has deemed too important to fail. Kelly has a huge job cut out for her, and her fiery personality, unconventional methods, and out-of-the-box ideas to fix the space agency’s public image wreaks havoc on the straight-laced launch director, Cole Davis (Channing Tatum). She’s in his way and is a major annoyance, but even Cole can’t deny the sparks that are flying whenever the two are in the same room.
The film works as a mid-level romantic comedy with Johansson and Tatum sharing an agreeable chemistry that, while not exactly electric, at least feels organic. Their playful banter and genuine affection shines, providing some of the film’s most enjoyable moments. It’s a classic odd couple pairing that adds much-needed comedic elements.
The script is messy and forgettable, with a lot of ineffective bids at humor. The most charming aspects are burdened by unnecessary subplots that detract from the main story, making the entire film feel far too long. Certain scenes drag on and on, especially when relying on clichés, predictable plot points, and tired tropes that fail to fully capitalize on the unique setting and wealth of historical context. So much more could’ve been done with this material in a much better way.
Although it provides some decent lighthearted entertainment, “Fly Me to the Moon” plays it so safe that it definitely falls short of its potential. It’s overstuffed and bland to a fault, struggling so mightily to be a crowd pleaser that it squanders most of the charm and authenticity that could have made it something truly special.
By: Louisa Moore / SCREEN ZEALOTS
