FLY ME TO THE MOON Review

When I first heard about Fly Me to the Moon, I was intrigued by the premise: a romantic comedy set against the backdrop of NASA's Apollo 11 mission, starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Directed by Greg Berlanti, the film is now available for streaming on Apple TV+ and seemed like a good option for the holiday period. However, I found that while it had its charming moments, it ultimately struggled to find a consistent tone and fully capitalize on its intriguing premise.

The narrative centers on Kelly Jones (Johansson), a savvy marketing executive brought in to boost public support for NASA's moon landing efforts. Her task is to collaborate with the no-nonsense launch director, Cole Davis (Tatum), to ensure the mission's success. As they work together, their clashing personalities give way to mutual respect and romantic tension. The film attempts to weave in elements of political satire, particularly when Kelly is pressured to fabricate aspects of the mission to appease government demands, adding layers to the central romance.

Scarlett Johansson delivers a charismatic performance as Kelly, embodying the confidence and wit of a woman ahead of her time. Her portrayal brings a modern sensibility to the 1960s setting, making Kelly both relatable and engaging. Channing Tatum's portrayal of Cole Davis is earnest, capturing the stoic dedication of a man committed to his work. However, despite their individual strengths, the chemistry between Johansson and Tatum feels somewhat forced, lacking the spark that could have elevated their on-screen relationship.

Where Fly Me to the Moon does excel, however, is in the production design, with meticulous attention to period details that vividly recreate the era, including both new (one assumes CGI) and archive NASA footage from Apollo launches. Equally the fashion to the set pieces add visual authenticity and depth to the storytelling. The soundtrack, featuring a selection of 1960s classics, further immerses the audience in the time period, enhancing the nostalgic appeal.

However, Fly Me to the Moon falters in its tonal execution. The film oscillates between romantic comedy, political satire, and historical drama, resulting in a disjointed narrative that struggles to maintain a cohesive identity. The screenplay, penned by Rose Gilroy, introduces intriguing subplots—such as the ethical implications of fabricating aspects of the moon landing—but these threads are not fully developed, leaving the story feeling unfocused.I'm left feeling the story might have been better served as a limited series, it pivots so much across one-arc. 

Although it is now on Apple TV+, the film did get a cinematic release, one that completely passed me by, so I have to assume that is was quite limited. Because of this, perhaps unsurprisingly, Fly Me to the Moon underperformed financially at the box office, grossing approximately $42 million worldwide against a production budget of $100 million. It's really not that bad, and is worth a watch for anyone with more than a passing interest in the space race of the 1960s.

In conclusion, Fly Me to the Moon offers a nostalgic journey with moments of charm, largely due to Scarlett Johansson's engaging performance and the film's authentic period aesthetics. However, its tonal inconsistencies and underdeveloped narrative prevent it from fully soaring. While it may appeal to fans of romantic comedies and those interested in the Apollo era, the film doesn't quite achieve the liftoff it aspires to.