This Space Comedy Will Leave You Grounded
Key points
Director: Greg Berlanti
Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Channing Tatum, Woody Harrelson, Ray Romano, Anna Garcia, Jim Rash
Plot Summary
“Fly Me to the Moon,” directed by Greg Berlanti, sets out to be a screwball comedy centered around the Apollo 11 lunar landing. The film boasts an intriguing premise and a talented cast, yet it struggles to deliver on its potential due to a thin storyline and miscast leads.
Scarlett Johansson stars as Kelly Jones, a quick-witted advertising executive with a knack for spinning tales and dazzling clients. Her talent catches the eye of Moe Berkus (Woody Harrelson), a fedora-wearing government agent. Moe enlists Kelly’s help to boost NASA’s public image in the space race. Kelly travels to Florida, where she meets Cole Davis (Channing Tatum) at a diner. A flirtation ensues, but tensions rise when they discover they must work together to ensure NASA’s success.
Moe’s ambitious plan involves faking a moon landing if the Apollo 11 mission fails, setting the stage for a comedic clash of personalities and goals.
Characters and Performances
Scarlett Johansson shines as Kelly Jones, bringing charm and energy to her role. Kelly’s character is a refreshing blend of sass and smarts, reminiscent of a modern-day Mad Men persona. Johansson’s performance stands out, even as the script occasionally falters.
Channing Tatum, however, feels miscast as Cole Davis. His attempts at humor fall flat, and the chemistry between him and Johansson lacks the spark needed to carry the film. Tatum’s straight-laced portrayal of Cole fails to capitalize on the potential for comedic contrast with Kelly’s character.
Woody Harrelson delivers a solid performance as Moe Berkus, adding a layer of eccentricity to the film. His character’s quirky demeanor and determination to secure a win for NASA provide some of the film’s more amusing moments.
Jim Rash, known for his role in “Community,” plays a cliched film director who steals scenes with his zingers. Rash’s comedic timing and delivery bring much-needed levity to the film, making his character one of the highlights.
Themes and Analysis
“Fly Me to the Moon” explores themes of ambition, deception, and the power of public perception. The film attempts to blend sincerity with romance, light comedy with absurdism, but this tonal mishmash ultimately undermines its effectiveness.
The idea of using an advertising executive to spin the space race narrative offers a clever critique of media manipulation. However, the film fails to fully commit to this concept, resulting in a story that feels underdeveloped.
Cinematic Elements
Greg Berlanti’s direction showcases moments of brilliance, particularly in the film’s visual style and comedic set pieces. The scenes set at NASA and the fake moon landing set are well-crafted, capturing the era’s aesthetic and adding a touch of retro charm.
The film’s musical score complements the whimsical tone, enhancing key moments without overshadowing the dialogue. The soundtrack features a mix of period-appropriate tunes and original compositions that add to the film’s nostalgic feel.
Cinematography by David Lanzenberg highlights the contrast between the grounded world of advertising and the aspirational world of space exploration. The use of vibrant colors and dynamic camera angles keeps the visual interest alive, even when the narrative lags.
The Climax and Resolution
The film’s climax revolves around the execution of Moe’s plan to fake the moon landing. As the characters grapple with their conflicting motivations, the tension reaches a boiling point. Kelly’s moral dilemma and Cole’s growing respect for her create a compelling dynamic, despite their lack of chemistry.
The final act descends into screwball comedy territory, with mishaps and misunderstandings aplenty. A black cat’s unexpected appearance on the fake moon landing set adds a layer of absurdity, highlighting the film’s struggle to balance its comedic and serious elements.
Conclusion
“Fly Me to the Moon” had the potential to be a delightful screwball comedy, but it falls short due to uneven tone and miscasting. Scarlett Johansson’s standout performance and Jim Rash’s comedic contributions are bright spots in an otherwise lackluster film.
The movie’s inability to commit to a consistent tone, coupled with a thin plot and underdeveloped characters, makes it difficult to fully engage with the story. Despite its flaws, “Fly Me to the Moon” offers moments of entertainment and showcases the talents of its cast.
For fans of quirky comedies and retro aesthetics, “Fly Me to the Moon” may still provide some enjoyment. However, those seeking a cohesive and compelling narrative may find themselves disappointed by this missed opportunity.
In summary, “Fly Me to the Moon” aims high but ultimately fails to reach the stars, grounding itself with a story that never quite takes off.
