They may be faking it… but, in a changing world, can they make it?
Starring Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum, Fly Me to the Moon sets the viewer in the middle of the space race of the 1960s. While NASA prepares to launch the historic Apollo 11, the organization is also falling under public scrutiny during a time of political upheaval. Enter Kelly Jones (Johansson), a marketing maven tasked with reviving NASA’s public image. As she begins to bring in sponsorships and develop PR campaigns, she wreaks havoc on launch director Cole Davis’ (Tatum) preparations. However, when the US Government fears another potential launch failure, they pivot to create a ‘back up’ in the form of a pre-filmed fake moon landing… you know, just in case…
While the rumours of a fake lunar landing are nothing new, Fly Me to the Moon feels fresh and original.Directed by Greg Berlanti, the romcom is both hilarious and charming with genuine (and almost, surprising) chemistry from its leads. As Kelly, Johannson leans into the tropes of the genre without ever sacrificing the her characters confidence and strength. At the same time, Tatum’s Cole is smart and endearing but never arrogant. Together, the two have a genuine spark that keeps the film adorable. (Also, shout out to the endlessly enjoyable Jim Rash who makes the most of every scene that he’s in as NASA’s frustrated director of the fake landing.)
Yet, by setting the film during the Space Race of the 1960s, Berlanti also gives Fly Me something unexpected… a social conscience.
After all, during a decade of change and revolution, hindsight suggests that the Space Race seems almost goofy by comparison. With protests are lining the streets, why should it matter if the United States reaches the moon first? Shouldn’t their own people’s struggles be their highest priority? (In face, even the accomplishment of reaching the moon seems to be overshadowed by its potentially global political implications.) Wisely, Fly Me acknowledges the struggles that the people face on the ground but it still sees something more in the stars.
As Cole and Kelly attempt to ‘sell the stars’ to the people, the film also realizes the power of reaching forward. The government may see the moon as an opportunity to secure the American way of life but, to the people, the race to the moon signifies much more. To them, it’s not only about technological achievement or a distraction but a future that’s open and even, potentially, hopeful. Untouched by politics, the moon is a new beginning, something much needed in moments of difficulty. (What’s more, this also mirrors the journeys of Cole and Kelly, two people who are also looking for a fresh start.)
Underneath its silliness and broad comedy, Fly Me still has a beating heart for hope. It’s this social undercurrent that makes Fly Me to the Moon something special for a romcom. As a result, while the characters may have their eyes on the skies but the best thing about the film is that their feet stay firmly on the ground.
Fly Me to the Moon is available in theatres on Friday, July 12th, 2024.
