REVIEW: "Fly Me to the Moon"

 Genre: Romance; Comedy.

Director: Greg Berlanti

Writer: Rose Gilroy

Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Ray Romano, Anna Garcia, Jim Rash and Woody Harrelson

The rom-com genre isn't properly alive these days, specially during Summer season considering the amount of sci-fi/adventure, squels, animated and super-hero movies that usually get released at this time of the year, but Fly Me to the Moon cracks the blockbuster-busy schedule at movie theatres. But Fly Me to the Moon is movie with a big production budget that was meant to streaming service, but... is it any good? The answer is: yes, it is very good and I am glad Apple decided to give it a theatrical run! It's pure entertainment, elevated by an interesting premise and graced by a charismatic performance by Scarlett Johansson.

The movie starts with the ups and downs (mostly the downs) of the Apollo 11 pre-mission in the aftermath of a series of unsuccessful previous atempts to reach the Moon - it's meant to give us context, by offering a look at the NASA's issues and by presenting us the character of Cole, portrayed by Channing Tatum. The narrative then goes straight to NYC to present us Kelly as some kind of unorthodox marketing guru with very dubious strategies and clients' approaches. It's not rocket science: in that moment, you know Cole and Kelly's paths will intersect and both will fall in love with each other, fulfilling the classic rom-com formula. And the movie doesn't deceive the audiences - it stays true to the formula.

In fact, the movie is quite simple narrative-wise, but what distinguishes it from many other rom-coms is its setting. Some might find it unfocused because of the multiple points the movie states: the grieving aspect of the NASA team after losing some of its members in previous adventures, the Moon dream, the marketing revolution of the 60's when selling became part of the American culture, Russia as the USA's nemesis, Kelly's past, Moon landing conspiracy theories or... the cat! It might be too much at times and maybe too much for some who like more narrative-focused films or character studies, but I think it works here. Personally, I found all these elements to add an extra spark to what could be just a romantic movie with funny lines and comedic moments. It's an old-fashioned tale done right that passes on sexy moments or sex scenes we often see in the 90's - 2020's rom-coms. In fact, Fly Me to the Moon feels both fresh and a homage to the classic screwball comedy genre and it works because of its charming leads (just like the movies it clearly intends to pay tribute)!

Channing Tatum plays the serious element of the romantic duo, the one who plays by the rules, by carrying a self-seriousness about himself. Tatum's Cole is focused on achieving success as he sees it as the only valid path to honour his deceased colleagues and to redeem himself internally. As for Scarlett Johansson, her Kelly is a true spark that lights both the screen and the team her character becomes a part of. She's a light-bringer and she's so effortlessly charismatic and funny that it seems impossible to figure another actress in this same role. Some could argue Cole is way too uninteresting and lifeless  for a woman like Kelly, but here the "opposites attract" motto plays a huge part as Kelly brings life, excitement and spice to Cole's monochrome personality. Tatum and Johansson do have chemistry to the Moon and back but there's no doubt the actress got the best part in the movie and she devoured her lines and built one of her most interesting characters in a long time. A live wire character that allows Johansson to shine and put her comedic genius in full display (not as the subtle queen of deadpan in Asteroid City, not as her unhinged brilliance in Don Jon, but perfectly and traditionally balanced here).

A note about the underused Woody Harrelson and Ray Romano, who are great in their parts but they don't get a lot of room to develop their character, and about the hilarious Jim Rash in a delicious scene-stealing part as prima donna director that manages to pull a lot of laughs from the audience. And then there's the black cat, who has a pivotal role in the narrative, delivering a meowficient turn!

The movie's setting also offers the perfect excuse for some beautiful costume design (courtesy of the always brilliant Mary Zophres) and production design works, with some pretty good visual effects during the Apollo 11's launch scene. Daniel Pemberton's score is pretty fine and it offers some energetic touches to the scenes. Overall, good editing and good cinematography works, very old-school, just in line with the movie's tone.

So, Fly Me to the Moon is a cinematic Summer treat. It has a lot of things to love if you are willing to forgive the creative liberties & historical inaccuracies in service of a good time at the movies. It's a date movie, a Summer movie and a Saturday afternoon movie that leaves a sweet taste on your mouth. In a cinematic era where I think we are taking movies way too seriously, Fly Me to the Moon is a solid antagonist. It's one for those who want to feel wonder and smile during the movies... and I think that's beautiful.

RATING: 8 / 10

Oscar potential categories:

Best Actress (Scarlett Johansson)

Best Costume Design

Best Production Design

Best Visual Effects