‘Fly Me To The Moon’ Review: A Nostalgic Rom-Com With Space Race Charm

Greg Berlanti’s ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ stands out as a stylishly edited film brimming with nostalgia for a key period in American history. It’s a film that evokes a classic Hollywood feel, a type of movie that seems rare these days. While it’s not perfect, its two hours and twelve minutes offer an enjoyable journey that stands out among its contemporary releases.

Set against the backdrop of the 55th anniversary of the Apollo 11 launch, the film feels timely and relevant. The story revolves around Cole Davis (Channing Tatum), the determined launch director, and Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson), a marketing expert tasked with selling the moon mission to the American public.

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Their dynamic forms the crux of the movie, balancing the intense lead-up to the Apollo 11 mission with a budding romance. Written by Rose Gilroy, with a story by Keenan Flynn and Bill Kirstein, the characters are more than mere archetypes, and Tatum and Johansson’s chemistry enhances their unfolding relationship.

‘Fly Me to the Moon’ also delves into the conspiracy theories surrounding the moon landing. Woody Harrelson plays Moe, a shady government agent who asks Kelly to prepare a fake landing broadcast in case the real mission fails. This subplot is handled playfully, making it easy to overlook its potential controversies.

Berlanti manages to juggle these varied plot threads and tones effectively, aided by Daniel Pemberton’s vibrant score and Harry Jierjian’s retro editing style. However, the film’s pacing sometimes falters, with several moments feeling like false endings. Despite this, the engaging characters and nostalgic atmosphere make these missteps forgivable.

The supporting cast adds depth and humour, with Ray Romano playing Cole’s heartfelt second-in-command, Henry, and Jim Rash delivering the film’s funniest lines as Lance Vespertine, the director hired to stage the fake landing. Anna Garcia, as Kelly’s assistant Ruby, adds a sweet, non-extraneous layer to the story.

While undeniably a modern film, ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ evokes the charm of classic rom-coms. Tatum and Johansson’s performances, especially during their banter, are reminiscent of old screen legends. Their characters, both carrying emotional baggage, ground the film, even when it veers into slapstick territory, such as with the recurring use of an adorable black cat.

Despite its flaws, ‘Fly Me to the Moon’ is a charming film. Berlanti successfully captures the triumph and awe of the Apollo 11 mission, making it a heartwarming and nostalgic ride worth taking.