FLY ME TO THE MOON – A Review by Jenn Rohm
I do remember a time before streaming and cable. I often watched movies from the 60s and enjoyed seeing movies starring Natalie Wood, Audrey Hepburn, and Dorris Day. These movies showed women taking a stand for themselves, and for women, they were intelligent, driven, witty, and sexy. I wanted to grow up and be like these women, with their lives put together and finding romance.
This summer, another film by Director Greg Berlanti has taken me back to my memories. First, with Love Simon, I remembered what it was like to be in high school and finding my way. Now, with Fly Me to the Moon, I am taken back to the films I loved and the woman I wanted to become, and maybe I left wanting a glass of Tang.
This is a ‘could have happened’ revision of history based on stories and rumors that have been around for years. The film starts with discussing the space race voiced by Woody Harrelson, whom we later learn is Moe Berkus, who works for the Office of the President. He has the ability to know everything and make it happen the way he, or those he answers to, want it to happen. Kelly Jones, Scarlett Johansson, has worked her way up in the advertising world, seemingly unheard of by a woman in 1969. She does her research and will do what it takes to land the client. No – not that this is a late 60s-style movie; she will change her look, accent, and mannerisms to win people over. She and her young and passionate about the women’s movement assistant Ruby, Anna Garcia, are an unbeatable team and Moe needs their skills. The United States of America needs to win the space race; it needs funding and public support to get the Senate behind Apollo 11. Cole Davis, Channing Tatum, is NASA’s launch director; he is an all-American, clean-cut, good boy. He is unmarried, doesn’t drink, serves his country, and disagrees with lying or bribery. The two meet without knowing who the other is and how their lives will be entwined.
As one of the younger members of the audience, I found the reactions of those who lived through the Space Race and the historic July 20, 1969, to be a valuable addition to my viewing experience. This film, with its blend of history and entertainment, is not just for the older generation. I’m eager to recommend it to my parents for a nostalgic date night at the theater. It’s a movie that bridges generations and is perfect for a friend’s outing or a memorable first date.
The acting was good, and Johansson’s twist on a strong woman at the time gave a nod to the women before her. With all the cast involved, it would have been easy to overwhelm, and I like Berlanti’s choices, such as the three astronauts being included with little focus on them. This is more about those that the history books don’t talk about. Honorable mentions to Christian Clemenson, Jim Rash, Ray Romano, Donald Elise Watkins, and Noah Robbins who help keep the story moving and add to the fun.
This being a period piece covering a time with fashion I really appreciate. I would like to see some pieces brought back into current fashion trends. I will be seeing this movie again specifically to focus on the clothing and give it the proper respect it deserves. It isn’t just the style/cut of what is being used, it is the color palette as well. It helps the personality of the character show. The choice to have Cole in a more casual shirt and his leather jacket, as opposed to the sleeve button-down and tie his co-workers wear, fits the character’s personality. Keeping him in neutrals that allow him to stand out in crowd scenes while still complementing the vibrant colors others are wearing helps keep him professional. If Mary Zophres or her team would like to make something from this era for a larger person . . . I have some thoughts, but not the talent or the eye represented in this film.
Director: Greg Berlanti
Written By: Keenan Flynn, Rose Gilroy, Bill Kirstein
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson
MPAA Rating: Rated PG-13 for some strong language and smoking.
Genres: Comedy, Romance
Selig Rating: 4.5 stars
Runtime: 2h 12m
Release Date: July 12, 2024
Trailer: Fly Me to the Moon trailer
Website: Fly Me to the Moon website
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.
