We’ve all heard the conspiracies about the moon landing, right? Some believe there is no way we could have stepped on the moon, especially back in 1969 when technology was just beginning to blossom exponentially. But then, how do you explain the video proof we have from that historic day, televised across the country, for the world to see this crowning achievement in scientific advancement? Well, recreating it on a sound stage, of course! That’s some people’s theory, anyway, that what Americans saw back in 1969 was nothing more than a well-staged show created to unite the country. This conspiracy stands at the heart of Sony’s newest romantic comedy, Fly Me to the Moon.
Directed by Greg Berlanti, whose name has been attached to the Arrowverse shows and Red, White & Royal Blue, Fly Me to the Moon is written by Rose Gilroy, marking the daughter of actress Rene Russo’s first writing credit. The hilarious piece of historical fiction stars a star-studded cast, including Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, in one of their best films. Jim Rash, Ray Romano, and Woody Harrelson are joining them on screen.
Fly Me to the Moon is the perfect example of a movie for everyone, with a massive emphasis on the comedy part of a rom-com. Are you searching for your next date night film? Read on to find out if this film is best for you!
[Warning: light spoilers for this film are below!]
No funny business for Kelly and Cole in Fly Me to the Moon
Kelly Jones (Scarlett Johansson) is excellent at her job as a marketing specialist. She knows how to close every deal, gathering every possible bit of information to utilize to her advantage. Hell, she could sell water to a fish; it feels almost criminal, almost like swindling, if it wasn’t so fascinating to watch. However, a job like hers doesn’t leave much time for a life outside of work, leaving her rather lonely.
Not that you would know that, as Kelly has developed a tough exterior to the world, which feels essential as a businesswoman in the 1960s. Many fields she enters are male-dominated, meaning she has to work twice as hard for half the results. That fact doesn’t seem to slow her down but pushes her even harder to achieve the results she’s set her mind on. She knows she’s good at her job and takes no crap from those who doubt her.
That was before she met Cole Davis (Channing Tatum), who works as the NASA director of the Apollo 11 launch. With the help of Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson), Kelly was hired by the government to rebrand the space program, as the general public’s interest has fallen. Cole doesn’t trust Kelly, or any outsider for that matter, as he’s put his entire heart and soul into getting his men to the moon. It’s a nerve-wracking job, but Cole has nerves of steel, and he’ll stop at nothing until his mission is complete.
As the unlikely pair begins to show a budding romance the longer they work together, fate decides to throw a wrench into the plan. While not initially known at her hiring, part of Kelly’s job is to help stage a fake moon landing in case the real one doesn’t happen as it’s supposed to. Although, doing so would spell doom for Cole and Kelly’s relationship before it’s even begun.
Can the two figure out a way through this debacle together, or are those well-worn conspiracy theories about the moon landing actually true? You’ll have to check out Fly Me to the Moon to see how this galactic mess sticks the lunar landing.
A fantastic story and stellar cast make Fly Me to the Moon a huge win for Sony
It doesn’t take much for me to enjoy a rom-com. Shoot, I’ve watched three this past week and loved every one of them. However, there’s a big difference between enjoying a film and a good movie. Some of my favorite films aren’t great, but for me, they are gold. Thankfully, Fly Me to the Moon is both an excellent romantic comedy and a fun movie for various reasons.
The first round of praise has to go to the film’s story and directing, providing a solid framework for the actors to play with. Rose Gilroy’s story in Fly Me to the Moon balances comedy and romance perfectly, providing a film that will appeal to a wider audience. I can picture this as a film that couples can see for date night and actively enjoy instead of feeling like they are compromising. Yes, a strong central romance flows through the film, but the action and comedy are just as prevalent, accentuating the former instead of competing against it.
For Gilroy’s first feature film writing credit, she does something extraordinary that not many romantic comedies can do. We should keep an eye on her career, as we don’t see many rom-coms of this caliber. Is there a writer for Red, White & Royal Blue 2? Because if not, then Gilroy’s name should be in the running.
Greg Berlanti’s career in film and television has been a tour de force, with hit after hit, so I wasn’t shocked to see his name in the credits. What he does in Fly Me to the Moon is nothing short of excellent, specifically in rom-coms. There’s a cinematic feeling in many of the shots you don’t expect from your average romantic comedy, but Berlanti has managed to subvert the expected into something more.
I’m always a fan of a film set in the 1950s and 1960s, as the retrofuturism usually associated with that time is a pleasing aesthetic. Berlanti captures the difficulties and accomplishments of that decade, not shying away from or glorifying anything in particular, but instead shining a light on the light and dark of the space race and the period in general.
And of course, Fly Me to the Moon would be nothing without the incredible performances of Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum. Together, these two work magic in a film that, to me, is a highlight of both of their careers. Of the two, Johansson is the real charm of the film, as she carries so much of the emotional burden of Fly Me to the Moon. She gives everything in this film, which she also produces, showcasing her passion for enjoyable stories as much as they are inspiring.
Make sure to catch this Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum film in theaters
With so many films coming out every week, there are plenty that you can hold off seeing until they reach streaming; after all, the wait between the two seems to shorten by the day. That being said, Fly Me to the Moon isn’t something you’ll want to miss out on the cinematic experience. With a great story and fantastic acting, this film looks beautiful and cinematic.
I took my nephew with me to see this film, and I’ll be honest, I didn’t expect him to enjoy it nearly as much as I did. We both walked away with smiles and laughing over the funny bits all the way home. That’s a sign of a good movie and the sole reason to go to the cinema. So, if you’re looking for a film this weekend, don’t miss out on some out-of-this-world fun with Fly Me to the Moon.
Fly Me to the Moon releases in theaters July 12. Are you excited to see this film? Let us know on social media @mycosmiccircus or in The Cosmic Circus Discord!
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