FLY ME TO THE MOON – A Review by Cynthia Flores
There have been many documentaries and several major Hollywood films about the historic Apollo space mission that allowed us to put a man on the moon. And let’s not forget about all the conspiracy theories saying it was all faked and the walk on the moon never happened.
Fly Me To The Moon from director Greg Berlanti is the first to combine not only the historical drama of making it to the moon before the Russians but also the fun of the conspiracy theories that the footage was all faked. The cherry on top is the sweet romance between its two leads. Cole Davis (Channing Tatum), the straight-faced NASA launch director, and Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) the hotshot Marketing director at an ad agency in New York.
The main story of Fly Me To The Moon isn’t the mission but instead, it is the relationship between Cole and Kelly. Who never would have met at Cape Canaveral in Florida if it were not for shadowy sarcastic undercover agent Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson). We never know what department he works for exactly, but he answers to President Nixon. And he is quick to use threats and intimidation to get what he wants.
He hires Kelly and her assistant Ruby Martin (Anna Garcia) to handle the marketing of the NASA space program. Helping it recapture the attention of the American public that is mired down in the Vietnam War. With Kelly’s help, the profile of the mission is lifted and the support they need from Congress is worked on.
Once Kelly and Cole start opening up to each other and get closer Moe appears and asks Kelly to set up a studio on a forgotten lot at NASA. She is tasked to create a copy of what the moon landing will look like and to use her setup to broadcast to the millions of people around the world who will be watching. Kelly knows this will be a deep betrayal of Cole and his team. But Moe uses the information he has on Kelly’s past to make her go along with his plan.
Kelly brings in the best, and most flamboyant director she knows from NYC, Lance (Jim Ranch). He is over-the-top crazy but talented as a director. Together they create a replica of the moon landing and are ready to fool the world.
Will Kelly go through with Moe’s plan? Will they need to use their fake footage? Will Cole and Kelly ever get together? All the questions are answered in hilarious ways in this fun little film.
Fly Me To The Moon is one of those rare movies that is just fun to watch. Also, who knew that Scarlett Johansson was so funny? I knew she could do action and serious drama but now I know she’s also a great comedic actress too.
This movie will not be up for any Oscars or anything. But it does manage to respect the sacredness of that Apollo mission while at the same time tipping its hat to all the conspiracy theories out there. All the while, giving us a sweet, Dorris Day and Rock Hudson-style romance ala 1959s Pillow Talk.
I give Fly Me To The Moon 4 stars. It’s a great date night movie and fun for anyone who loves a good laugh.
Directed by: Greg Berlanti
Written by: Keenan Flynn, Bill Kirstein, Rose Gilroy
Rated: PG-13
Running Time: 2 hr 12 min
Caper / Romance / Historical
Wide Release: Only In Theaters July 12th
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, Anna Garcia, Donald Elise Watkins, Noah Robbins
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie/show, well worth the time and price.
4 Stars – Good movie/show
3 Stars – OK movie/show
2 Stars – Well, there was nothing else…
1 Star – Total waste of time.
