Fly Me to the Moon Review: Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum Connect in Space Race Romantic Comedy

   December 9, 2024

Rumor has it that Apple is stepping away from theatrical releases for their original movies, and the lukewarm reception of Greg Berlanti‘s Fly Me to the Moon may be a big reason why. Starring Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson, this romantic comedy set against the backdrop of the U.S.-Soviet space race seemed poised for success. It had all the ingredients for a financial hit: big stars, a pastiche-heavy style, and the kind of premise that could benefit from strong word-of-mouth. Yet, it never gained traction.

Fly Me to the Moon - Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum
Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum in Fly Me to the Moon

After a theatrical run way back in July, the film finally hit streaming in early December. Honestly, I’d almost forgotten it existed. But with the star power involved, I still felt compelled to check it out.

As public enthusiasm for NASA’s moon landing efforts dwindles, the U.S. government enlists PR marketing expert Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) to turn things around. Her mission: to restore trust between NASA, Congress, and the American public. Jones adopts an aggressive strategy, determined to make the behind-the-scenes workers of the space program relatable and culturally relevant.

However, her approach quickly clashes with Cole Davis (Channing Tatum), the no-nonsense leader of the space race program. To Davis, every publicity stunt is a distraction, eating away at the precious time and focus his team needs to win the race to the moon. Their constant push-and-pull sets the stage for the film’s central conflict.

Government operative Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson) stands firmly behind Kelly’s PR efforts, convinced that the United States must prove its superiority over the Soviet Union at all costs—even if that means faking the moon landing. To prepare for the worst-case scenario, Kelly enlists famed director Lance Vespertine (Jim Rash), a clear nod to the Stanley Kubrick conspiracy theories, to stage a fictitious moon landing as a backup plan. This subplot delivers plenty of situational comedy, with Vespertine’s eccentricity and Kelly’s increasingly frantic attempts to juggle her professional and personal dilemmas.

Scarlett Johansson’s fast-talking, high-energy performance keeps the film buoyant. Her ability to balance Kelly’s determination and comedic timing fits perfectly with the film’s lighthearted tone, offering relief from the high-stakes backdrop of Cold War-era tension. The movie deftly juggles multiple plotlines, from the space race to Kelly’s moral crisis, while sprinkling in a budding romance between Kelly and Cole. Their relationship adds an extra layer of awkwardness when Berkus pressures Kelly to greenlight the fake landing, no matter her personal or ethical misgivings.

My biggest gripe with Fly Me to the Moon is that Greg Berlanti leans far more into the lighter, comedic elements than the emotional weight that could’ve given the story more staying power. Pastiche and witty dialogue only take you so far, and the film’s lack of deeper emotional beats becomes apparent when compared to movies like The Martian, First Man, or even Richard Linklater’s Apollo 10½. Those films deliver levity, but they’re also grounded in a sense of profound purpose and stakes that make them memorable.

As I watched, I kept thinking about Peter Farrelly’s recent films, especially The Greatest Beer Run Ever (also streaming on Apple TV+). Like that movie, Fly Me to the Moon intentionally downplays the gravity of its historical setting in favor of a smaller, more personal story. That’s not necessarily a bad approach, but it feels less impactful when it doesn’t fully capitalize on the grand themes inherent to the backdrop. Movies like First Man and The Martian resonate because they have more to say, whether it’s about perseverance, sacrifice, or the human drive to explore the unknown. By contrast, Fly Me to the Moon plays things safer, focusing on charm rather than depth.

Ultimately, Fly Me to the Moon works well enough, largely thanks to Channing Tatum and Scarlett Johansson, who bring plenty of charm to the table. Their chemistry is engaging, and the world they inhabit feels expansive enough to be believable. The towering space centers and assembly lines for the rockets don’t come across as lifeless CGI sets, which helps ground the story visually. That said, there’s a polished, almost too-slick quality to the production design that strips away the rough edges or imperfections that might have given the film more character.

Still, it’s an enjoyable couple of hours. While it doesn’t leave a lasting impression or strive for profoundness, it delivers enough humor and charm to hold your attention. If you’re in the mood for something light and easygoing, it’s a decent pick, even if it’s unlikely to stick with you once it is over.

Score: 6/10

Related Movies Starring Scarlett Johansson

Scarlett Johansson has starred in the following movies:

Related Movies Starring Channing Tatum

Channing Tatum has starred in the following movies:

Related Movies Directed by Greg Berlanti

Greg Berlanti has directed the following movies:

  • Life As We Know It (2010)
  • Love, Simon (2018)
  • Fly Me to the Moon (2024)

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